Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Part 53 summary
Part 53 of 65 · Part 4: Of the Kingdom of Darkness · 1 min to read the part
In Subjection of Bishops, the argument examines the doctrine that bishops receive their authority from the Pope rather than God or their civil sovereigns. It presents this dependence as a political danger because powerful bishops owe obedience to a foreign prince who can provoke civil war against states that resist his wishes.
What happens
- The argument identifies a doctrine that makes the Pope the source of other bishops’ authority.
- This doctrine gives the Pope obedient, powerful men within Christian commonwealths.
- The argument says this dependence enables him to provoke civil war against states that resist his control.
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In this part
What to notice
The sentence connects church authority to foreign political influence. It supplies the reason the argument treats papal control of bishops as a threat to civil peace.
Quick check
According to the doctrine described, from whom do bishops derive their authority?
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