In Judgment over Tyrants: Vindiciae, Covenant, and The Theological Interpretation of Scripture

Recent work in historical and political theology has recognized the complex set of questions our contemporary contexts present as well the resources present within Reformational and post-Reformational for our common life. This paper seeks to explore the role that the theological interpretation of Scripture and the motif of covenant play in Philippe de Mornay's Vindiciae, contra tyrannos's reformulation and redistribution of political judgment. In it, I argue that Vindiciae’s construal of political judgment is founded upon a series of theological readings of the Old Testament and the appropriation of resources intrinsic to Reformed theology. Together, these two resources provide the stimulus for reconceptualizing and redistributing political authority around the central motif of covenant, a move that empowers the ecclesial community to participate in the act of exercising political judgment, insofar as its members share in the validation and authorization of political authority, and provides grounds for protesting its abuses.