Notions of ‘Christendom’ often miss the mark – medieval Europe’s ideas about faith and power were not so simple

There has never been a singular Christian perspective on how religion, power and politics ought to relate to each other – not even in medieval ‘Christendom.’

By: Brett Whalen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 11, 2026

Words: 1,431

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Brett Whalen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

During the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 5, 2026, Paula White-Cain, senior adviser to the White House Office of Faith, introduced President Donald Trump as “the greatest champion of faith that we have ever had in the executive branch.” Taking the podium after her, Trump declared, “I’ve done more for religion than any other president.”

Should an earthly leader be promoting a heavenly cause? …

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