Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Chapter 39 summary
Chapter 39 of 65 · Part 3: Of a Christian Commonwealth · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 39, Hobbes distinguishes the scriptural meanings of Church and defines a church capable of collective action as Christians united under one sovereign. He argues that a Christian commonwealth and a governing church are the same body, so separate religious and civil authorities create conflict.
What happens
- The discussion distinguishes Church as a worship building from Ecclesia as an assembly of citizens.
- Scriptural uses also include scattered Christians, particular congregations, the elect, and assemblies of people who profess Christianity.
- Only an authorized congregation can act as one person, and its meetings require the civil sovereign’s permission.
- The argument rejects an earthly universal church because no earthly ruler governs every commonwealth.
- A governing church and a Christian commonwealth are identified as one body, with the civil sovereign as chief pastor.
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Why does the argument deny a universal earthly Church that all Christians must obey?
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