The Political Thought of the Reformation

3 Hours

Examine the thought of the Reformation, especially of Martin Luther and John Calvin, including both their chief theological ideas and the implications of these ideas for politics and ethics. Explore the themes of justification; free will and predestination; original sin; the doctrine of the two kingdoms; the roots and nature of political authority; the question of toleration; the relationship between divine, natural, and civil law; and the status of the papacy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.