Rousseau wrote that the process made by civilization and enlightenment had corrupted the human nature. Montesquieu had a different view, as he favored the English system of separation of powers. Voltaire was a strong supporter of monarchal power, writing History of the Russian Empire under Peter the Great.
Christianity was made the state religion by Emperor Theodosius, and thus enjoyed the benefits of imperia support. Bishops served as civil and spiritual eaders.
