Leviathan · Chapter
Of the Principles of Christian Politics explained
Hobbes transitions from natural principles to the foundations of Christian commonwealths, arguing that reason and Scripture are complementary, not contradictory.
What happens
Hobbes transitions from natural principles to the foundations of Christian commonwealths, arguing that reason and Scripture are complementary, not contradictory. He examines how to discern true prophecy, emphasizing that miracles alone or doctrine alone are insufficient without both, and that obedience to sovereign authority is paramount even in matters of religious revelation.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Civil Authority
Hobbes argues that true prophecy must not only perform miracles but also uphold established religion and sovereign authority, using Deuteronomy and St. Paul to show that revolt from God is equivalent to revolt from the king.
Sovereignty and Absolute Power
The chapter reinforces that sovereign power extends to religious matters, as subjects must obey lawful authority even when private claims of revelation conflict.
Human Nature and Passions
Hobbes warns that dreams, visions, and claims of inspiration often arise from self-conceit, foolish arrogance, or false opinion of one's own godliness, reflecting natural human passions.
Characters to notice
- Micaiah
Cited as the one true prophet among four hundred consulted by the king of Israel regarding war against Ramoth Gilead.
- Moses
Referenced as the mediator through whom God ruled Israel after the pact at Mount Sinai, and whose miracles were greater than those of Egyptian sorcerers.
- St. Paul
Quoted from Galatians 1:8, declaring that even if he or an angel preach another gospel, let him be accursed, which Hobbes interprets as preaching against the power of the king.
- Jesus Christ
Mentioned as the Messiah and King of the Jews, and as warning of false Christs and false prophets performing great miracles.
Key passages
“For though there be many things in God's word above reason; that it is to say, which cannot by natural reason be either demonstrated or confuted; yet there is nothing contrary to it; but when it seemeth so, the fault is either in our unskilful interpretation, or erroneous ratiocination.”
While Scripture contains mysteries beyond reason, it never contradicts reason; apparent contradictions stem from poor interpretation or faulty logic.
Hobbes asserts the harmony of reason and revelation, a key principle for his Christian politics.
“We then captivate our understanding and reason when we forbear contradiction; when we so speak, as by lawful authority we are commanded, and when we live accordingly, which, in sum, is trust and faith reposed in him that speaketh, though the mind be incapable of any notion at all from the words spoken.”
Captivating our understanding means obeying lawful authority in speech and action, even if we cannot fully comprehend the words, amounting to trust in the speaker.
Hobbes distinguishes intellectual submission from willful obedience, emphasizing political compliance over private judgment.
“Seeing therefore miracles now cease, we have no sign left whereby to acknowledge the pretended revelations or inspirations of any private man; nor obligation to give ear to any doctrine, farther than it is conformable to the Holy Scriptures, which since the time of our Saviour, supply the place, and sufficiently recompense the want of all other prophecy; and from which, by wise and learned interpretation, and careful ratiocination, all rules and precepts necessary to the knowledge of our duty both to God and man, without enthusiasm or supernatural inspiration, may easily be deduced.”
Since miracles have ceased, we cannot verify private revelations; we must rely solely on Scripture, which through reasoned interpretation provides all necessary guidance for duty to God and man, without need for enthusiasm or supernatural claims.
Hobbes grounds Christian politics in scriptural interpretation by reason, rejecting private inspiration as a basis for authority.