Protestant Politics Beyond Calvin: Reformed Theologians on War in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries

This book explores the development of Reformed political thought beyond John Calvin's Institutes of 1559, presenting extracts from major theologians and intellectuals who taught in France, the Holy Roman Empire, the Low Countries, and England between the 1540s and 1660s. It examines questions such as the role of God in politics, the use of reason, resistance to tyrants, and religious warfare. The texts and translations are accompanied by an introduction, further reading advice, and a comprehensive bibliography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Sixteenth and seventeenth-century Europe saw the rise of Reformed (or Calvinist) universities, which fostered vibrant Latin-language discussions on a wide range of political, governmental, and societal topics. These institutions were hubs of intellectual inquiry, where scholars explored the nature of politics, the powers of kings and magistrates, resistance, revolution, and religious warfare. However, a common misconception persists that Reformed political thought stagnated after John Calvin's Institutes of 1559. This book aims to rectify this oversight by presenting excerpts from prominent Reformed theologians and intellectuals, including Peter Martyr Vermigli, Guillaume de Buc, David Pareus, Lambert Daneau, and Bartholomäus Keckermann. These men, who taught in various regions such as France, the Holy Roman Empire, the Low Countries, and England, between the 1540s and 1660s, had a profound influence on political thought across the North Atlantic world even into the eighteenth century.

One of the central questions addressed by these theologians was whether all political action should be subject to God's direct command. They grappled with the concept of human reason and its ability to discern right from wrong. Some argued that humans possessed a natural moral compass that could guide their actions, while others believed that reason was subordinate to divine revelation. The debate over the role of reason in politics continued to shape Reformed political thought for centuries.

Another crucial aspect of Reformed political thought was the question of resistance against tyranny. Theologians debated whether it was ever justifiable to resist oppressive rulers or whether submission to authority was the only moral option. They considered the historical examples of resistance movements, such as the Protestant Reformation in Europe and the American Revolution in the United States, and assessed their ethical implications. Some argued that resistance against tyranny was necessary to uphold human rights and promote justice, while others believed that submission to authority was a virtue that should be upheld even in the face of oppression.

Religious difference was also a significant theme in Reformed political thought. Theologians explored whether religious differences could justify war and whether religious toleration was a moral obligation. They considered the historical conflicts between Christians and Muslims, Jews and Christians, and other religious groups and assessed the ethical implications of religious warfare. Some argued that religious differences were a sufficient justification for war, while others believed that religious toleration was essential for promoting peace and harmony.

The political doctrines of these theologians often sparked intense controversy in their own time. Their ideas challenged traditional religious and political norms and were met with resistance and opposition from various quarters. However, their writings continue to be influential today, and their insights into the nature of politics, government, and society remain relevant to contemporary debates.

This book presents the translated excerpts from the works of these theologians alongside an introduction that places them in the context of the great European religious wars. It provides advice on further reading and a comprehensive bibliography to facilitate further exploration of Reformed political thought.

In conclusion, Reformed political thought was a rich and complex tradition that evolved over centuries. Theologians such as Vermigli, Buc, Pareus, Daneau, and Keckermann played a significant role in shaping this tradition, and their ideas continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse. This book offers a valuable glimpse into the thought of these influential figures and provides a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the history of political thought and religious conflict.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367525118