Church and state in confrontation

This book is unique in its comprehensive treatment of church-state relations from ancient and biblical times to the modern period, and for its consideration of church-state problems in modern secular, totalitarian, and welfare states. Distinctive also is the author's review of church-state relationships in non-Christian countries and among non-Christian religions. Stroup develops his sociological description and analysis from the perspective of church and state as changing social institutions and explores the diversities and complexities that have affected these relationships. Stroup, who has participated in many conferences and seminars on the church-state question, sets forth here the present-day positions of all principal church bodies on this question. In a final chapter he discusses the present situation in American society and suggests some general lines for improving church-state relations.--Adapted from book jacket.