Concordia Theological Monthly
Publication Date
1-1-1970
Document Type
Article
Keywords
melanchthon, luther, beza, calvin, government, loci, peace, theology, justice, politics, faith
Submission Type
Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep
Abstract
Martin Luther and John Calvin thought of themselves not as philosophers or politicians, but first and last as theologians and students of the Word of God. Accordingly, we should not expect to find them presenting a comprehensive political philosophy or even a general theory of politics, for they did not see this as the task to which they were called. Whatever each had to say about political ideology or practice tended to be largely theoretical and the consequence of first principles rooted and grounded on theology. Of necessity both spoke of matters pertaining to the nature and function of politics, although their concern with politics was largely to define its proper sphere and relationship to theology. While Luther and Calvin painted in large and theoretical strokes, it remained for their disciples, Melanchthon and Beza, to translate the theory of the new theology of justification by faith and sanctification in love into the realm of the practical and the political.
Disciplines
Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Submission Cost
Free
Submission Audience
Laity; Ministers; Scholars
Recommended Citation
Linse, Eugene
(1970)
"Beza and Melanchthon on Political Obligation,"
Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 41, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholar.csl.edu/ctm/vol41/iss1/3
