The Genevan Reformation and the American founding
In this provocative study, David W. Hall argues that the American founders were more greatly influenced by Calvinism than contemporary scholars, and perhaps even the founders themselves, have understood. Calvinism's insistence on human rulers' tendency to err played a significant role in the founders' prescription of limited government and fed the distinctly American philosophy in which political freedom for citizens is held as the highest value. Hall's timely work countervails many scholars' doubt in the intellectual efficacy of religion by showing that religious teachings have led to such pr
eBook, English, 2005
First paperback edition View all formats and editions
Lexington Books, Lanham, Maryland, 2005
History
1 online resource (507 pages)
9780739155530, 0739155539
861526806
Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Preface; Acknowledgments; List of Leaders of the Swiss Reformation; List of Terms Pertaining to the Swiss Reformation; Selected Political Tracts of the Reformation, 1540-1600; Chapter 1 Rebellion to Tyrants Is Obedience to God; Chapter 2 From Medieval Birthpangs to Geneva's Farel: Contra Tyrannos (""Against Tyranny""); Chapter 3 Calvin's Political Thought and Impact: Confoederus (""Covenant Together""); Chapter 4 Post-Calvinistic Advances on the Continent, 1550-1600: Nemo Posse Dare (""One Cannot Give What One Does Not Possess""). Chapter 5 Calvin's Ideas Emigrate to Scotland and Great Britain: Lex Rex (""Law Is King"")Chapter 6 Colonial Calvinism in Church and State, 1607-1700: Puritans and Pilgrims Pro Libertas (""On Behalf of Liberty""); Chapter 7 Before the Revolution, 1700-1776: Non Potest Civitas Abscondi Supra Montem Posita (""A City on a Hill Cannot Hide Its Llight""); Chapter 8 Evidences of Calvin's Themes in the American Founding: Post Tenebras Lux (""Light after Darkness""); Bibliography; Index; About the Author