My Essential Nugget

Political Treatise by Jacques Benigne Bossuet

What does Bossuet say in Political Treatise?- Kings are given direct power by God as "the royal throne is not the throne of a man but of God himself." To attack a king is an act against God because they are stewards of God's work. However, while rulers are given absolute power, they must rule with "fear and self-restraint." Rulers must respect their people and the majority must respect authority. In order for kings to make an impact on the lives of their countrymen, they must be given absolute power so that they have the ability to get things done.

What is Bossuet's justification for equating kings to God?- God is holiness, goodness and power, all characteristics found in kings and "in these things lies the majesty of God. In these things lies the majesty of the prince." The king is the unifying factor between God and his people since "he is the image of God [on Earth]."

How should kings use absolute power?- While kings are given power by God, kings cannot act as dictators, but must work for the good of the people. It is important that kings exercise power with humility.

Through Political Treatise, what can the reader conclude?- Bosseut believes in political absolutism and the divine right of kings. He's a French bishop/theologian if you were wondering.

What is absolute power?- Political absolutism is when a single person has complete control over a territory's government, without any exterior restrictions from other parties or the population itself.

What is the divine right of kings?- It is both a political and religious doctrine that states that no earthly presence can compete with the power of the king because he is a direct descendent from God.

Sorry Satan...tricks are for kids.

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