Publisher's Synopsis
Erastianism and Divine Right is a book written by Edward Allen Whitney that explores the historical and theological debates surrounding the relationship between church and state in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. The book focuses on two main schools of thought: Erastianism, which held that the state had ultimate authority over the church, and Divine Right, which argued that the church was independent of the state and subject only to God's authority.Whitney provides a detailed analysis of the intellectual and political contexts in which these two ideas emerged, tracing their origins to the Reformation and the rise of absolutist monarchies in Europe. He examines the arguments of leading theologians and philosophers on both sides of the debate, including Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Samuel Rutherford.The book also explores the practical implications of these ideas for the governance of church and state. Whitney examines the ways in which Erastianism and Divine Right influenced the policies of European monarchs, particularly in England and Scotland, where the debates over the relationship between church and state were particularly intense.Overall, Erastianism and Divine Right provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of an important historical and theological debate that continues to resonate in contemporary debates over the role of religion in public life. It is a valuable resource for scholars of history, theology, and political theory, as well as anyone interested in the complex relationship between church and state.This Article Was In The July 1939 Issue Of The Huntington Library Quarterly.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.