The Genevan Reformation and the American Founding

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Lexington Books, 2005 - History - 508 pages
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 progressive ideals as American democracy and freedom.
 

Contents

Rebellion to Tyrants Is Obedience to God
1
From Medieval Birthpangs to Genevas Farel Contra Tyrannos Against Tyranny
27
Calvins Political Thought and Impact Confoederus Covenant Together
67
PostCalvinistic Advances on the Continent 15501600 Nemo Posse Dare One Cannot Give What One Does Not Possess
161
Calvins Ideas Emigrate to Scotland and Great Britain Lex Rex Law is King
229
Colonial Calvinism in Church and State 16071700 Puritans and Pilgrims Pro Libertas On Behalf of Liberty
285
Before the Revolution 17001776 Non Potest Civitas Abscondi Supra Montem Posita A City on a Hill Cannot Hide Its Light
335
Evidences of Calvins Themes in the American Founding Post Tenebras Lux Light after Darkness
417
Bibliography
453
Index
471
About the Author
Copyright

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About the author (2005)

David W. Hall is an author, pastor, conference speaker, and political commentator. He is the founder and Senior Fellow of the Kuyper Institute, a political think tank in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

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