a. and sb. [f. Erast-us + -IAN.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to Erastus or his doctrines, characterized by or embodying the tenets attributed to Erastus.
Erastus, or Liebler, was a physician of Heidelberg in the 16th cent., to whom has been attributed the theory of State supremacy in ecclesiastical affairs. His actual efforts were mainly directed against the use of excommunication, which was exercised tyrannically by the Calvinistic churches.
1837–9. Hallam, Hist. Lit., III. ii. § 49. This is the full development of an Erastian theory.
1865. Englishm. Mag., Jan., 14. The predominance of the worldly and Erastian element in the Church consequent on the secession of the Non-jurors.
1876. Gladstone, in Contemp. Rev., June, 4. I take no notice of the system termed Erastian.
B. sb. An adherent of the (supposed) doctrines of Erastus; one who maintains the complete subordination of the ecclesiastical to the secular power.
1651. Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 228. He was far from being an Erastian.
1661. Serm. Coronat. Chas. II., in Phenix, I. 256. Erastians are more dangerous Snares to Kings than Sectaries … and are Great Enemies to Presbyterian Government.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
1876. Gladstone, in Contemp. Rev., June, 4. Many most respectable persons have been … Erastians.
Hence Erastianism, the theory or system of Erastus. Erastianize v. a. trans. To organize (a church) on Erastian principles. b. intr. To incline to Erastian principles. Erastianizing ppl. a.
1681. Baxter, Acc. Sherlocke, iii. 181. Many were inclined to Erastianism hereby.
1761–2. Hume, Hist. Eng. (1806), V. lxvi. 49. Their submission … was stigmatised as erastianism.
1856. Froude, Hist. Eng., II. 309. The theory of an Anglican Erastianism found favour with some of the higher church dignitaries.
1850. J. H. Newman, Diffic. Anglic., 153. Its Erastianizing Bishops.
