Part III: Of a Christian Commonwealth explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Religion and Civil Authority

  Hobbes argues that religious interpretation must be subordinate to the sovereign to prevent civil war and maintain peace.

• Sovereignty and Absolute Power

  The chapter reinforces the sovereign's absolute authority, extending it to matters of religious doctrine and practice.

Characters to notice

• Jesus Christ

  Central figure whose authority and teachings are interpreted in relation to sovereign power.

• Moses

  Cited as an example of a prophet and leader under divine authority, relevant to the discussion of religious and civil governance.

• St. Paul

  Referenced for his epistles that address obedience to civil authorities and the role of conscience.

• Peter

  Mentioned in the context of apostolic authority and the foundation of the church.

Key passages

• “For it is with the mysteries of our religion, as with wholesome pills for the sick; which swallowed whole, have the virtue to cure; but chewed, are for the most part cast up again without effect.”

  Religious doctrines are best accepted without excessive scrutiny, as over-analysis can lead to rejection rather than spiritual benefit.

  Hobbes uses this metaphor to argue that subjects should accept the sovereign's interpretation of scripture to maintain unity.

• “The right of interpreting the Scripture is in the sovereign.”

  Only the sovereign has the authority to determine the meaning of biblical texts.

  This statement encapsulates Hobbes's central argument that religious authority must be subordinated to civil authority.