"Democracy and Bellarmine" is an insightful examination of the influence of St. Robert Bellarmine's political thought on the development of modern democratic principles. Rev. John C. Rager explores the thesis that the foundational ideals of the United States government share a significant intellectual lineage with the teachings of the 16th-century Jesuit cardinal. By analyzing Bellarmine's writings on the source of political power, the work demonstrates how his rejection of the divine right of kings and his advocacy for popular sovereignty laid the groundwork for contemporary constitutional theory.
The book meticulously traces the path of these ideas from Scholastic theology to the American Revolution, arguing that Bellarmine's views on human equality and the right of the people to choose their form of government were precursors to the principles found in the Declaration of Independence. "Democracy and Bellarmine" serves as a vital bridge between religious philosophy and political science, offering a compelling look at the Catholic contribution to Western democratic tradition. This work is indispensable for scholars and readers interested in the history of political theory, the origins of American democracy, and the enduring relevance of Bellarmine's defense of civil liberty.
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