Church and State: A Historical Dance

This chapter examines the evolving relationship between the Catholic Church and political monarchs after the Council of Trent, highlighting the church's nationalization and the resulting tensions. It discusses the implications of Vatican I and Pope Leo's social teachings, illustrating the shift from a Christian-centered societal framework to more secular ideologies like liberalism and socialism. Ultimately, the chapter critiques the impact of these ideological shifts on traditional Christian values and explores how the Church sought to reassert its authority amidst changing political landscapes.