A statement of the reformer Heinrich Bullinger, an influential second-generation leader in Zurich, on his preferred form of government:
God had established through Moses in His law the most excellent, the most admirable and convenient form of republic, depending on the wisest, most powerful and most merciful king of all, God, on the best and fairest senators and not at all on extravagant and arrogant ones, and finally on the people; to which He added the judge, whenever it was necessary. They would have maintained it at any cost had they been wise; but rarely is the multitude wise. In general it is changeable and always fickle, ungrateful and eager for new things (trans. J. Wayne Baker, Heinrich Bullinger and the Covenant [Ohio UP, 1980], p. 69).
See also: “Our Counter-Majoritarian Constitution.”
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Category: Bible and Theology
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democracy, government, heinrich bullinger, monarchy, republicanism
I am reminded of the words of Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar: “…the Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”
Bob
April 25, 2008
8:23 am
One of my favorite parts of the Bible is where the Israelites are begging God to give them a king and, after He tells them no repeatedly and they keep asking, He decides to punish them by giving them what they ask for.
Troy Camplin, Ph.D.
April 28, 2008
2:43 pm