Theodore Beza (1519-1605) was a French theologian and reformer who played a significant role in the development of Calvinism. His book, The Right of Magistrates, was published in 1574, during a time of political upheaval and religious conflict in Europe. Beza’s questions were intended to address the challenges facing Protestant communities seeking to establish political and religious autonomy in the face of persecution and oppression. We would do well to consider these ten questions in our day.
Ten Questions:
- Must magistrates always be obeyed unconditionally as God?
- Is a magistrate held responsible to render an account of all his laws to his subject? And how far are they to pressure such laws to be just?
- How far must obedience be rendered or refused to unjust or impious commands?
- How can one who has suffered wrong at the hands of a ruler defend himself against him?
- Whether manifest tyrants can lawfully be checked by armed force?
- What is the duty of subjects towards their superiors who have fallen into tyranny?
- What must be done when the orders or estates cannot be summoned to impede or to check tyranny?
- What may be done against unjust oppressors?
- Whether subjects can contract with their rulers?
- Whether those who suffer persecution for the sake of their religion can defend themselves against tyrants without hurt to their consciences?
Beza’s questions remain relevant today. His emphasis on the responsibility of rulers to act justly and the right of citizens to resist tyranny speaks to ongoing debates about the limits of state power and the importance of individual freedom.
But what I really want to know is when modern pastors will begin addressing these questions from the pulpit. Because if they refuse to, I say our country is doomed.
