The Genevan Reformation and the American Founding

By (author) David W. Hall

Publication date:

15 July 2003

Length of book:

508 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9780739106396

In this provocative study, David W. Hall argues that Calvinism had a greater influence on America's founders than contemporary scholars, and perhaps even the founders themselves, have understood. Calvinism's insistence that human rulers tend 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 progressive ideals as American democracy and freedom.

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Rebellion To Tyrants is Obedience to God
Chapter 3 From Medieval Birthpangs to Geneva's Fare: Contra Tyrannos ("Against Tyranny")
Chapter 4 Calvin's Political Thought and Impact: Confoederus ("Covenant Together"
Chapter 5 Post-Calvinistic Advances on the Continent: Nemo posse Dare ("One cannot give what he does not possess")
Chapter 6 Calvin's Ideas Emigrate to Scotland and Great Britain: Lex Rex ("Law is King")
Chapter 7 Colonial Calvinism in Church and State, 1607-1700: Puritans and Pilgrims Pro Libertas ("On Behalf of Liberty")
Chapter 8 Before the Revolution, 1700-1776: Non potest civitas abscondi supra montem posita ("A city on a hill cannot hide its light")
Chapter 9 Evidences of Calvin's Themes in the American Founding: Post Tenebras Lux ("Light after darkness")

In this learned and illuminating study, David W. Hall argues compellingly that to understand the political thought and culture of the American founding one must first understand John Calvin and his Geneva. This thoroughly researched and thoughtful volume is sure to challenge and change conventional thinking on the intellectual origins of the American republic.