What are other obvious samples in history where political/religious leaders try to shape religion to their need

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Some people believe that the Great Mughal ruler Akbar tried creating a new religion called Dīn-i Ilāhī, even though it has been refuted by many others. His idea was to instill in people of all religions a tolerance for each other, but it was not successful and had less of a following, even though it had the doctrines of all the religions.

Some say that this was probably his administrative policy for religious tolerance.

Upvote:1

Gustav I of Sweden switched from Catholicism to Protestantism. Initially it was a conflict over the arch bishop Gustav Trolle who Gustav exiled from Sweden as Trolle took sides for the king of Denmark and was regarded as a traitor to the Swedish people. At the Council of Västerås in 1527, the monarch was given the right to confiscate property donated to the church, including the Suppression of Monasteries. This raised extra money for the government at a time when it was sorely needed.

Upvote:2

First, a caveat; religion isn't like Height or Eye Color - you can't measure it. And "religious leaders" don't have a position, they have a constellation of positions. Criteria #3 is, in my opinion, useless; any discussion of #3 is purely about opinion; there is no way to determine what an individual's metaphysical belief might be at any given moment. Religious belief isn't quantitative. I would argue that every single leader (religious or political) in history has religious beliefs and preferences that society does not share (that's why they call them "leaders" - because they differ from the herd; if you believe exactly the same as society, then there is no need for change).

Second this is an "example question" - which are generally bad fits for H:SE. Pretty much every political ruler during the reformation is an example, as is every political figure from approximately 100 to 300. You are ignoring the impact of the state church.

Having said that, you've alluded to some examples:

  • Henry VIII is both "Defensor Fidelis" and anathema; he broke from the Roman Church to establish a state church. His religious position obviously changed.

  • Elizabeth I is probably even a better example; her political solution was clearly distinct from her personal religious practice.

  • Constantine converted the Empire to Christianity, but continued to practice paganism until his death. Different people interpret that in different ways.

  • Henry IV "Paris is worth a mass" sums it up.

  • Almost every religious and/or political figure during the Cathar Inquisition, and quite probably during the other inquisitions.

  • Every American political figure during the American Revolution; they all shifted from membership in the state church (Anglican) to some other church or to Deism. Particular emphasis on Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry (who publicly debated the role of religion in public life) and George Washington (people are still writing books about his religious beliefs).

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