This would be an experiment worth trying - 4 February 2011 |
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Here are the questions for session 44 of the Emmanuel Guided Reading Course. We’re looking this week at Calvin, Institutes, IV.xx (2:1485-1521).
Having previous discussed the government of the church, which “resides in the soul or inner man and pertains to eternal life,” Calvin now turns to the subject of civil government, “which pertains only to the establishment of civil justice and outward morality” (Institutes, IV.xx.1; cf. p. 1485, fn. 2-3).
Calvin begins in sections 1 to 3 with a condensed summary of, and introduction to, what follows. The rest of the chapter is divided into three areas: (1) The magistrate (sections 4-13); (2) The laws (sections 14-16); (3) The people (section 17-32).
1. What evidence does Calvin provide to support his claim that “the office of magistrate is approved by and acceptable to” God (IV.xx.4)?
2. How do “those who desire to usher in anarchy” support their position? How does Calvin respond?
3. How should magistrates respond to this recognition that they have been appointed by God (IX.xx.6)?
In section 7, Calvin explains his view that government takes a “variety of forms,” all of which are “ordained of God.” He then discusses these three forms (aristocracy, monarchy and democracy) in section 8.
4. What does Calvin mean by his insistence that “the office of the magistrates … extends to both Tables of the Law” (IV.xx.9)? What do you think this should look like in practice?
5. “If the law of God forbids all Christians to kill … how can magistrates be pious men and shedders of blood at the same time?” (IV.xx.10). How does this underline the importance of godly magistrates?
6. When is it justifiable for civil governments to wage war (IV.xx.11)?
7. How does Calvin answer the objection that “in the New Testament there exists no testimony or example which teaches that war is a thing lawful for Christians” (IV.xx.12)? What do you think of his answers?
8. What must magistrates “guard particularly against” (IX.xx.12)?
9. According to Calvin, may governments levy taxes? What justification does Calvin give for his answer (IV.xx.13)?
10. How does Calvin distinguish different parts of the Mosaic Law? How do these different parts of the law apply to civil magistrates (IV.xx.14-15)? What do you think of this argument?
11. How does Calvin qualify his statement that “every nation is left free to make such laws as it foresees to be profitable for itself” (IV.xx.15)?
12. In Calvin’s view, is it necessary for every government to impose the same penalties for stealing? Would it be legitimate for a government not to punish stealing at all (IV.xx.16)? What do you think of Calvin’s argument at this point?
13. May a Christian go to court? Under what circumstances? With what motives (IV.xx.17-21)?
14. Must Christians obey unjust rulers? Why (IV.xx.22-29)?
15. What should a magistrate do is a King becomes tyrannical (IV.xx.30-31)?
16. What should a citizen do if a civil ruler commands something sinful (IV.xx.32)?
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Guided Reading Course, Minister's Blog