Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SOLOVYEVISM

Doctrine of Church and State of Vladimir Solovyev (1853-1900), Russian Orthodox theologian who became a Roman Catholic. He held that sound Christology is the basis of sound Church and State relations in society. The latter must steer a balanced middle course between two heretical extremes, Nestorianism and Monophysitism. A Nestorian approach would separate Church and State, even as it totally divides Christ into two persons, divine and human. A Monophysite approach would totally absorb State by the Church, even as it totally absorbed Christ's human nature in his divinity. The correct attitude is to keep Church and State truly distinct, but have the Church divinize society by her doctrine and sacraments, and have the State legislate in accordance with these principles and practices.