Churches in the modern state

Churches In The Modern State - is a book, which was published in 1913 and written by John Neville Figgis. John Neville Figgis was an English historian, political philosopher, and Anglican priest as well as monk of the Community of the Resurrection. He is also remembered in relation to the history of ideas and concepts of the pluralist state. This volume is based on four lectures delivered to the clergy at Gloucester in June 1911 at the request of the bishop of the diocese. Since then, the author has rewritten them, but retained the lecture form. One or two more words may explain the meaning of the volume. The word "Churches" on the title page is used without any theological prejudice to refer to any religious organization. The main purpose of the lectures, however insignificant, would be achieved if I could convince the reader to see that the problem concerns not so much the claims of the Church, but the nature of human life in society. Special conditions bring this matter to the fore from various angles. No ideal of a "Great State" can ultimately bring the expected good if its founders ignore the fundamental facts of the reality of small societies.