I had a short conversation this morning about the role Christianity plays in contemporary in society. I tend to annoy some people when I state that Christianity much like other religions are a tool of the elite used to subjugate the people and reinforce the state or kings authority. However while I am sure I annoyed this person she was nice enough to feign interest in my story and ask why I thought as much. I told her about the Roman Emperor Constantine and since her family were from England I used an English example of Aethelberht, king of Kent prior to Kent being part of England. She just looked at me with confusion and annoyance written all over her face. I had to explain to her how after marrying a French princess Aethelberht saw how Christianity united the French kingdom and presented the French with a way to claim their ascension to the throne was through divine will not ruthless political actions and mercenary tactics. Aethelberht wanted to have that sort of divine authority, church ceremonies and approval by the bishops and priests. That, combined his ruthless tactics and murdering other kings plus support of the church created the illusion of a divine association with his family and throne. That is used in England today. I lost her approximately after I mentioned Aethelberht the first time. I think maybe two, possibly three FB connections will appreciate the historical accuracy and topic of my anecdote.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:19:27 +0000
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