Further information on the Sun God

Why hes great

Louis XIV of France ranks as one of the most remarkable monarchs in history. He reigned for 72 years, 54 of them he personally controlled French government. The 17th century is labeled as the age of Louis XIV. Since then his rule has been hailed as the supreme example of a type of government - absolutism. He epitomized the ideal of kingship. During his reign France stabilized and became one of the strongest powers in Europe.

During his reign France became the ideal culture since he put great care into its enhancement so he could boast it to the world. The country changed drastically from savage mediaeval ways to a more refined, exquisite living - evident from his palace in Versailles. Within 54 years he did what several kings worked on for centuries. French culture became one of the most appealing in the world, and the name Louis XIV has been associated with greatness and glory.

Louis XIV was a great monarch, and he was capable of maintaining strong kingdom because he never, in his entire life, doubted his right to be king.

Religion

In the "Mémoires" of Louis XIV a whole theory of the relations between Church and State is expounded. He sets forth that the king is the proprietor of the Church's wealth, in virtue of the maxim that there is no other proprietor in the kingdom but the king.

Louis XIV held simple views regarding religion that dated back to Francis I - that the king controlled the Catholic Church and that the Church should do his biding. This brought Louis into clashes with various popes but they could not take on one of Europe's most powerful monarchs and Louis got his way regarding religion. To Louis, what was good for him was good for France - he saw no difference in the two and a Church that was subordinate to Louis was good for him.

During the bulk of his reign, Louis ordered the persecution of the Jansenists. Those who followed Jansenism believed in predestination - which was against what the Catholic Church preached (shows punishment for opposition to catholicism)

By reading on his religious views he was basically authority of religion but still remained strictly catholic so maybe he would be condemn Galileo.  But by reading further into his reign, and his following of Jesuits, it may support that he was for expanding knowledge and institutions.  Yet again, maybe its these teachings following strict guidelines of religion.  I am confused on my position but will continue further research.