Democracy and Bellarmine (Paperback)

Paperback. "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.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. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…