Church / State

http://yesterday.uktv.co.uk/history/classic-history/romans/article/julius-caesar/

Growing up in the United States, the idea of "the separation of church and state" is drummed into us at a relatively early age.  As a fantasy author, it's important to remember that this idea is a relatively new one. Today, many people are skeptical of religious figures placed in authority (though every president of the USA carefully cultivates their religious cred), such as we still find in some Islamic states.  Clearly, this was not always the case.  Truth be told, it is only in the latest fraction of human history that we have begun this divorce.  In creating a fantasy world, it is essential to understand how your government and religion mix (plus, it's really fun).
    There are numerous historical instances of rulers declaring themselves to be gods.  Yes, I know this can be a tough sell for us erudite modern folk, but how better to control your subjects?  Max Gladstone's "Craft Sequence" exploits this concept (though, full disclosure, I've only read one so far), employing traditional prayer-granting deities, as well as the god-on-earth variety.  Modern takes on Thor (by Marvel) use the old "advanced enough science looks like magic" gag, so you could certainly set up some ill-intentioned aliens to be your fantasy overlords (this is also kind of a Lovecraft thing).  Worshiping your ruler as the guy (or gal) who has sway over your eternal soul can motivate all kinds of stories.
   Many times, instead of claiming to actually be a god, political leaders simply claimed to be descended from one of the pantheon of their respective deities (Roman, Egyptian, Norse, what have you).  In a fantasy setting, it'd be much easier to sell it to your subjects, with a wide variety of magical powers at your beck and call.  Then again, maybe that familial connection is entirely true in your world (see previous paragraph).  This can either serve as a simple confirmation of the right to rule, or a good excuse to get into a scuffle with mommy or daddy deity.  After all, Zeus had to kick his dad's ass to take over.
    "The divine right of kings" is an old phrase used as a self-fulfilling prophecy in the Middle Ages.  Men won battles because they were divinely protected and were divinely protected because they won battles.  Once established as a victor, these men then could use this shining light that obviously emanated from them to cow their subjects and have their way in the various interests of government and expanding their power.  Believing that God might come to their physical aid encouraged these men to engage in all sorts of manipulation, both temporal and spiritual, to try to swing the power of God to their side.  The Church, of course, played right back, either supporting or opposing the political forces based on what seemed best for their own interests (whatever they may have been at the time).
    While the political head might also be the religious head (Henry VIII creating the C of E), religious chiefs might simply be a close adviser to the temporal ruler.  These advisers might read the future, or speak to the gods more directly.  They might be "holy men" who are well versed in religious law, or have some other quality of significance.  The image of the Native American "medicine man" immediately springs to mind as representing this type (granted, most of my knowledge in this specific case comes from Westerns).  GRRM employs this relationship to the all-mighty extensively in his work, with priests of "The Seven", The Red Woman, the horse-lords' witchy-women, and so on.
    Even in today's "rational" world, most people don't really feel safe if their head of government doesn't have at least a little religion.  They want to know that the person in charge is doing things for the "right" reasons.  Add to that hope the fear the unknown, especially of death, and you're on to something.  When you can tie the idea of following orders to the concept of a happy afterlife, you have the makings for a pretty motivated population.  Just how those two facets interrelate can provide a lifetime of story options.  Good luck.


Do you have any favorite Fantasy novels that male extensive use of religion?  What about it did you find compelling?  


Fun List - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_who_have_been_considered_deities