Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Part 54 summary
Part 54 of 65 · Part 4: Of the Kingdom of Darkness · 1 min to read the part
In Exemptions of the Clergy, the argument presents clerical exemption as an unequal arrangement: churchmen receive state protection without sharing public costs or ordinary criminal penalties. It links this freedom from civil authority to exclusive loyalty to the Pope and support for his worldwide rule.
What happens
- The argument identifies the exemption of priests, monks, and friars from civil law.
- These churchmen receive legal benefits and state protection without contributing to public expenses or facing ordinary criminal penalties.
- Their freedom from civil penalties makes the Pope their sole feared authority and directs their loyalty toward his worldwide rule.
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In this part
What to notice
The sentence states the political consequence of clerical exemption. Freedom from civil penalties supports exclusive papal allegiance rather than obedience to civil authority.
Quick check
What political effect does the argument attribute to clerical exemption?
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