Should Christians Have a Prince? The Case For A Christian Prince [Eschatology Matters]

Did the Reformers believe civil rulers should promote Christianity? In this episode of The Magistrate, James Baird responds to the claim that “magisterial Christian nationalism” ignores the reality of human sin and promotes a utopian political vision.Drawing on the writings of the Protestant Reformers, historic Reformed political theology, and the ideas of the American founding, James examines the historic concept sometimes called the “Christian prince.” Did figures like Calvin, Knox, and the early Protestants believe civil magistrates had a duty toward true religion?Does human depravity make Christian governance impossible, or does it simply require wise limits on power?This episode returns to the original sources to explore what historic Christianity actually taught about civil authority, the role of the magistrate, and the relationship between church and state.