Abstract

This study revolves around two related issues involving the origin and character of John Calvin's political and moral thought and the place of his thought within the history of political theory. The goal of this inquiry is not to explore the political implications of Calvin's theology, an approach which risks assuming the very point this study is attempting to establish, but to explore Calvin's thought as a system with a view toward determining its origin and character. In Chapter One, this study examines Calvin's views concerning the powers and limits of human understanding. In Chapter Two, the political relevance of Calvin's understanding of law is considered. In Chapter Three, an exploration of Calvin's thought concerning the basis and legitimacy of politics is undertaken. ;The author concludes that Calvin's political and moral thought is neither classical nor modern in origin and character; rather, it is distinctly Biblical. Some scholars, such as Leo Strauss and Thomas L. Pangle, separate revelation from philosophy, while other scholars, such as Ralph C. Hancock, separate revelation from politics and civil government. This study interprets original Calvinism as encompassing both philosophy and politics. ;If this study is correct, then it identifies an alternative to modern political and moral thought for the guidance of modern man. Moreover, this study challenges the conclusions of scholars such as Max Weber and Ralph Hancock, who present Calvin and original Calvinism as an important founder and foundation of modern politics, respectively