Democracy and Bellarmine

'Democracy and Bellarmine' provides a compelling examination of Cardinal Robert Bellarmine’s political philosophy and its significant influence on the formation of the United States government. Author John Clement Rager explores the defense of popular government articulated by the 16th-century Jesuit theologian, arguing that his critiques of the divine right of kings helped shape the intellectual foundations of the 'American Declaration of Independence'.Through a detailed analysis of Bellarmine’s works and the writings of the American Founding Fathers, Rager demonstrates how the concept of sovereignty residing in the people was a central tenet of Bellarmine’s thought long before the Enlightenment. The book delves into the historical debates regarding the source of political authority and the moral right of the governed to choose their leaders. This study serves as a vital bridge between late-Renaissance scholasticism and modern democratic theory, emphasizing the Catholic contribution to the ideals of liberty and self-rule. It is an essential read for scholars of political science, history, and theology seeking to understand the deep-rooted origins of democratic principles in Western civilization.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.