Luther and Calvin on secular authority edited by Harro Hopfl

The Main Reformers

The main reformers during the sixteenth-century era were Martin Luther and John Calvin. In their efforts to reform the church as a temple of God, they wished to appoint the involvement of rulers. They all thought it was uncomfortable that Protestant Christians and the secular government had such a close relationship. Calvin translated the Civil Government while Luther outlined temporal power. The two justifications included crucial techniques they employed to strike the ideal equilibrium between the tasks they were committed to. Despite their mutual regard, the two were very different from one another. Luther considered a social authority in favor of religious toleration, while Calvin regarded it as a way for the mandatory creation of the external conditions of Christian integrity and the abolition of dissent.

Questions Addressed

The text gives a response to two significant questions; one is for the Christians, what duty should the secular government have in their lives and the second-bit being, should Christians obey God, the nation or both.

Calvin’s Beliefs

Calvin has a positive belief among humankind and states that governments should be used as equipment for correcting and molding the hearts of human beings to become upright and righteous people. He says that the civil government has its role, which is to cherish and safeguard the worship of God. To protect the sound principle of faith and the church’s position, to correct our life to the society of men. Calvin forms our social mannerism to civil righteousness and to promote tranquility and peace in general. It will make people live in unity as they can freely reconcile with one another. Calvin also views an aggressive and affirmative action of the government in adjusting, promoting and defending.

Luther’s Beliefs

Martin Luther, on the contrary, had a more depressing view of humanity as he is seen dividing humans into two groups, those who believe in God and those who are non-believers. He thought of the current group being in the minority, and in the team, there existed few people who acted as they were supposed. He claimed that the nation does not have to play a central role in the society but should punish those human beings who commit wrong deeds; this was a very negative simulation. He supported this point by saying that with the absence of established orders or rules, the evils which men are exposed to would rebel. Luther thought that Christians did not need secular authority as they led their lives regarding divine law, and due to this fact there will be no interest in conforming to the minor secular authorities. He continues arguing, however, to benefit the others and to lead by example. He contends that Christians need to obey the secular laws when they are not in contradiction with the scriptures.

The Two Kingdoms

According to Luther the believers are in the realm of God also known as the kingdom of God, and the non-believers belong to the Kingdom of the World. He explains that the kingdom of God exists in the lives of Christians and that it is understood primarily considering spiritual authority and commands from Christ. The Kingdom of the World belongs to the non-believers and contains secular authorities and magistrates. Regarding the concept of the two Kingdoms, Luther suggests that temporal power does not influence the Christians, indicating that they are free. He states that within kingdoms and governments, Christians are supposed to abide by the secular authorities out of love they have for their neighbors. For him, the entire life of a Christian was all about showing love to their neighbors.

Obedience and Love

He suggests that Christian’s love go in hand with their respect, just because a Christian must play, which is to love those who are around him, though he may be compelling for instance a magistrate or any other civil authority. He understands Gods’ commandments such as not to kill which is supposed to be followed by all the believers. Thus, he writes that by chance if a believer sees a vital need that benefits the world, like civil authority, Luther believes they should be concerned, out of love for their neighbors, to obey. Though there exist limits in public administration, Luther has no time on government and law. He concludes by saying that regulations made by a man cannot control the human heart and the secular rules should allow humans to identify their own beliefs apart from the threats from the authorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both men admit the authority, need, and the apparent differences between, divine and secular power. They also both realize that the former dynasty supreme and that the Christian’s first allegiance is to God, the creator, and not the state. They all have a differing explanation as what it means for Christians in Secular society.