Critical Review on the Influence of John Calvin to Samuel Rutherford in Political Theology

The purpose of this thesis is to examine how a 16th century theologian, John Calvin influenced 17th century theologian, Samuel Rutherford in political theology, which then impact the understanding of the nature of good government, the view of the law, the churchstate relationship, the duty of resistance, etc, and how these influences are still applicable today. The historical theological approach and ethical approach had been applied to research on this topic. Analyzing John Calvin’s and Samuel Rutherford’s political theology through their literature writing, this thesis has shown how Rutherford founded his political theology on Calvin’s and extended it on a more radical path that has implications and applications for the modern world. Although Calvin’s political theology is comparatively more conservative compared to Rutherford’s, the influence is obvious, and it provides a solid basis for Rutherford to build upon. Rutherford completes Calvin’s thinking in political theology especially in the mediation of people in origin of government, the usage of natural law and covenant, punishing heresy, the view of tyranny and the involvement of individual people in resistance. It is also remarkable that Calvin's influence on Rutherford is still relevant to today’s society, particularly regarding Christian participation in politics, the appreciation of natural human rights, the importance of the Constitution, the right interpretation of the relationship between the church and the state, the importance of religious freedom, and the duty of inferior magistrates in resistance. Even though Calvin and Rutherford did not live in the same era as us, the principle concluded from this thesis is still applicable today.