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Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture
Politique tirée des propres paroles de l'Écriture sainte (English: Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture) is a work of political theory composed by Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet as part of his duties as tutor for Louis XIV's heir apparent, Louis, le Grand Dauphin. It is one of the purest expressions of the branch of political absolutism which political scientists have labeled the divine right of kings.
- Occurrences in passages
- 26
- First use
- Genesis 1:4
- Last use
- Genesis 8:21
- Primary contexts
- Creation division, expulsion, Flood destruction
- Associated actions
- Dividing, hiding, sending forth, destroying
Lore & Background
The book was initially composed in 1679, but it was first published in 1709. Bossuet had died in 1704, and the book was published posthumously. The book is incomplete. Bossuet's role as a tutor ended in 1679 or 1680 and he had no reason to continue working on the education of Louis. He resumed working on the incomplete book in 1700, but died before completing the task.
Reader's Guide
The work is drawn almost entirely from the Bible (including the Deuterocanonical Books), especially the books of the Old Testament. The Bible used is the Vulgate, and English translations use the Douay-Rheims, causing discrepancies in numbering with contemporary Bibles. The book contains ten books covering principles of human society, authority, royal authority, duties of subjects, duties of royalty, justice, supports of royalty (arms, riches, counsel), and a conclusion on the true happiness of kings.
Did You Know?
- Bossuet was named tutor to Louis XIV's only son on 30 September 1670.
- The first six books were written in 1679, but the work was set aside unfinished.
- Bossuet resumed work on the Politique in 1700 and completed Books VII through X before his death in 1704.
- After Bossuet's death, his nephew, the Abbé de Bossuet, completed the work and inserted a fragment from St. Augustine's City of God.
- Political and theological disputes resulted in some changes before the book was finally published in 1709.
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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