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
Ibid., Section 25., 499 With respect to Nebuchadnezzar, Calvin uses a God designed allegory which is framed by Jeremiah's account of the fall of Judah, and their captivity in Babylon. The premise is that God, being the sovereign ruler of all, alone executes judgement. Calvin says this judgement often comes in the form of a wicked ruler. "Yet, we need not labor to prove that a wicked king is the Lord's wrath upon the earth." In this, Calvin allows for the chastisement of His chosen people within the legal framework of a governmental system. This is absolutely essential if God's people are to respect and revere their ruler. The metaphor comes into clear view as Calvin, surprisingly, explains his position. "When we hear that a king has been ordained by god, let us at once call to mind those heavenly edicts with regard to honoring and fearing a king; then we shall not hesitate to hold a most wicked tyrant in the place where the Lord has designed to set him." More directly, Calvin quotes, " ' . . . And it shall be that any nation and kingdom that will not serve the king of Babylon, I [God] shall visit that nation with sword, famine, and pestilence . . . Therefore, serve the king of Babylon and live.'" This may seem odd, in that Calvin so strongly opposes adherence to the whims of any Catholic theocracy. The oddity is false though, in that the Catholic church, according to Calvin, is not from God. The Nebuchadnezzar parallel is, without question, one which indicates a divinely appointed (and curiously non-religious) ruler, though wicked he may be. Divine leadership demands allegiance- depraved leadership does not. In virtually all of Jon Calvin's writings he emphasizes his strong dislike toward the Catholic The church as the government was, to Calvin, deplorable.
Some common words found in the essay are:
King David, Catholicism Church, Chapter XX, Calvin God, Ibid Section, God Calvin, Son God, God Continuing, John Calvin, Catholic Church, ibid section, catholic church, john calvin, chapter xx, duties magistrate, calvin asserts, dillenberger calvin, john calvin selections, 472 506, magistrate calvin, john ed john, government god, selections writings garden, calvin selections writings, writings garden city,
Approximate Word count = 2561
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
