What did Protestants do for Democracy in Church and State?

Szabó, Zsolt (2025) What did Protestants do for Democracy in Church and State? In: Ethical Leadership in Complex Times. Károli könyvek. Tanulmánykötet . Éditions L'Harmattan; L'Harmattan Kiadó; Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem, Paris, Budapest, pp. 71-80. ISBN 9782336540870; 9789636464202

Preview

Text Szabo71-80.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike. Download (130kB) | Preview

Abstract

Democracy and freedom in the modern sense took root for the first time in history on Protestant land (Netherlands, England, Scotland, USA), since the Reformers also had significant teachings on public policies, including government. Both in society and the Church, democratic elements can be traced back to the teachings of Luther, Calvin, Knox and their contemporaries. The Reformers believed that everything on Earth, including the people, rulers, and the clergy, is under the unlimited sovereignty of Christ. Political activity in public affairs has always belonged to Protestants to a greater extent than to other denominations. This short essay provides a reflection on these fundamental teachings, looking at Protestant thought on democracy in both Church and state.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item