ecclesiastical power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ecclesiastical power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the authority or influence held by religious institutions or leaders, particularly within a Christian context. Example: "The debate over ecclesiastical power has shaped the relationship between church and state throughout history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Unlike Trollope, Thirkell is uninterested in money and politics and ecclesiastical power.

The New York Times

Machiavelli stood accused of having inspired Henry VIII to defy papal authority and seize ecclesiastical power for the crown.

The New Yorker

Conflict between royal and ecclesiastical power was a possibility he never faced: under Charles I both could be exalted simultaneously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because the clergy was supporting the conservatives against the legal government, Juárez enacted several laws to curb ecclesiastical power.

Britannica

Wolsey used his vast secular and ecclesiastical power to amass wealth second only to that of the king.

Britannica

Nor was it merely the unreformed monasteries and imperial bishoprics that lost; at times, communal authority emerged stronger than any ecclesiastical power in the region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The response of the ecclesiastical powers that be, once outright denial became untenable, has all along been an unsatisfactory mixture of contrition and irritation.

The New Yorker

Sixtus IV realized too late the enormous ecclesiastical powers that he had given away and the moral dangers inherent in an institution the proceedings of which were secret and that did not allow appeals to Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The man chosen was first to be invested with the regalia, or powers, privileges, and lands pertaining to his office as vassal, for which he did homage to the emperor, and then with the spiritualia, or ecclesiastical powers and lands, symbolized by the staff and ring, which he acquired by his consecration and from his ecclesiastical superior, who represented the authority of the church.

Britannica

With its army of lay familiars, who were exempt from normal jurisdiction and who acted both as bodyguards and as informers for the inquisitors, and with its combination of civil and ecclesiastical powers, the Spanish Inquisition became a formidable weapon in the armory of royal absolutism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His theology of the Reformation advocated stripping the Catholic Church of its many powers, not only its ecclesiastical powers, but powers that are, by any modern definition, temporal.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ecclesiastical power" to analyze the interplay between religious and secular authorities.

Common error

Avoid using "ecclesiastical power" interchangeably with secular power. While they can overlap, "ecclesiastical power" specifically refers to the authority derived from religious institutions, whereas secular power comes from governmental or civil structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ecclesiastical power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the authority or influence wielded by religious bodies. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ecclesiastical power" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe the authority and influence of religious institutions. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its versatility across various contexts, including historical, political, and social discussions. The phrase appears most frequently in encyclopedias and news media, reflecting its relevance in both academic and contemporary reporting. While often used neutrally, it's crucial to differentiate "ecclesiastical power" from secular or political power, as the former specifically denotes religious authority. Understanding its nuances and utilizing synonyms like "church authority" or "religious influence" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecclesiastical control

Highlights the controlling aspect of religious institutions.

church authority

Focuses specifically on the authority held within the church.

clerical power

Highlights the power held by the clergy or religious officials.

religious influence

Emphasizes the sway or impact of religion on society or individuals.

canonical power

Refers to power derived from church law or canon law.

religious governance

Focuses on the governing role of religious entities.

papal authority

Specifically refers to the power and authority of the Pope.

spiritual dominion

Implies a broader sense of religious control or rule.

divine right

Suggests that the power is divinely ordained or sanctioned.

theocracy

Implies a system of government ruled by religious leaders.

FAQs

How is "ecclesiastical power" different from political power?

"Ecclesiastical power" refers to the authority wielded by religious institutions and leaders, while political power pertains to the authority of governments and secular entities. Although these powers can interact, their sources and applications differ.

What are some examples of "ecclesiastical power" in history?

Examples include the Pope's influence in medieval Europe, the role of the Church in colonial administration, and instances where religious leaders shaped laws or policies.

What's a synonym for "ecclesiastical power"?

You can use synonyms like "church authority" or "religious influence" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "ecclesiastical power" in modern contexts?

Yes, it remains appropriate when discussing the influence of religious institutions in contemporary society, politics, or culture. Be mindful of the specific context and ensure the term accurately reflects the situation.