Final answer:
In medieval and early modern times, land-based empires used religion to legitimize political authority, with Europe linking sovereignty to Christianity, and the Ottoman Empire using Islam. The Protestant Reformation and intellectual movements like the Renaissance led to a separation between church and state. Today, the role of religion in politics varies globally but there is a trend towards secular governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout the medieval period and into the Early Modern era (1450-1750), land-based empires made extensive use of religion to legitimize their political power. Monarchies in Europe, such as those that followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire, tied their rule to the defense and promotion of Christianity. This religious endorsement served to justify their sovereignty and unify their subjects. The Ottoman Empire also incorporated religion into its governance, with systems like the janissaries, who were initially captives from conquered lands converted to Islam and served as soldiers.
In the 16th century, however, the European political landscape began to shift as the Protestant Reformation challenged the Catholic Church's authority. Rulers started to question the church's political influence and sought to assert their own power, leading to a less unified religious-political order. This change was influenced by the Reformation and the Renaissance, which promoted secularism and humanism over religious conformity.
Shifting to the 21st century, the influence of religion in bolstering political authority has transformed significantly. While some nations still maintain a close tie between religion and state, such as certain Islamic countries, the global trend has been towards secularization. Thomas Hobbes' idea that political systems should be measured by their ability to maintain social peace, without necessarily upholding a specific religion, is more broadly applicable today than it was in the past.