Calvins Unique Theocracy
When we think of a theocracy, we usually think of a political system, governed and legislated by a religious body with religious beliefs. For the most part this is true. Historically, theocratic governments have successfully existed throughout the world, from ancient Egypt to modern Middle-Eastern Islamic states. For centuries even the Christian Church enjoyed a theocratic diversity which encompassed most of the civilized world. As well, the unprecedented spread of Islam has seeded new theocracies at a tremendous rate. Most theocratic governments had one thing in common, however; their political ideologies did not just originate from the church, they were the church. Church leaders were the political leaders. Typically, a strong theocracy was one with a superior church hierarchy in which the political system was deeply entrenched. But not all theocratic structures were intended to be this way. In Chapter XX of his masterpiece The Institutes on Christian Piety, John Calvin logically outlined his view of a theocracy. Consistent with his scripture-based reasoning, Calvin eloquently described how civil and ecclesiastical governments were different, yet uniquely related. In his classic reform
In fact, most of the scripture references are Old Testament passages which refer to either the kings of Judah, or other post-king patriarchs. and show[ed] the truth of those things which then were foreshadowed in figures. " In addition, God has "entrusted to them" the authority "of exercising judgement not for man but for God. The premise is that God, being the sovereign ruler of all, alone executes judgement. Since the magistrate, to Calvin, is ordained by God, his divine position is sufficient to insure only God-willing legal protection, along with a Christian attitude of piety. "And that their sole endeavor" Calvin asserts "should be to provide for the common safety and peace of all. Continuing with his thesis on law, Calvin focuses on the believers proper use of the established legal system. "But kings and people" Calvin states, "must sometimes take up arms to execute such public vengeance. '" This may seem odd, in that Calvin so strongly opposes adherence to the whims of any Catholic theocracy. Calvin says this judgement often comes in the form of a wicked ruler. " Calvin then justifies his opinion by implying that a ruler's only possessions are those which came from the people.
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