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Preferred term

clericalism  

Definition

  • Clericalism is generally used as a pejorative term to describe the position of church hierarchy in society and the attitude of clerics toward the laity. It often denotes undue influence in worldly affairs on the part of ordained religious functionaries, but most commonly—especially in contemporary usage—indicates an overemphasis on the status, privileges, and special role of religious officials, with an eye to the failings and abuses stemming therefrom. [Source: The Encyclopedia of Political Science; Clericalism]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/clericalism

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