Machiavelli and Luther: An Examination of Authority in the 16th Century
Written in 1513 Florence, Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince aims to serve an educational purpose, enlightening those in power on ways to secure authority and hold onto it. Separating ethics from the acquisition of power, Machiavelli essentially lays forth a guide to achieving and maintaining ruler status with emphasis on sustaining an adequate military force and establishing a rapport with the populace. In 1520 Saxony, Martin Luther wrote the treatise “Concerning Governmental Authority” not to educate, but rather to explore the role of earthly authority and punishment in a Christian context. Although distinct, both Machiavelli and Luther delve into the entrenched systems of government in which they live and
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Luther writes in his treatise “The Freedom of a Christian” that it “is evident that no external thing has any influence in producing Christian righteousness or freedom, or in producing unrighteousness or servitude” because the only thing that can evoke these qualities in an individual is “holy word of God” (33-34). This poses a dilemma in regard to leadership. If an external authority figure cannot instill morally upright and justifiable behavior in his/her citizens nor hold them accountable for their actions, then what is the role of a political leader? Luther argues that Christianity “can do all things and has all things and lacks nothing,” therefore faith is all one needs to govern oneself and life a righteous, moral life (52). However, not every citizen achieves this level of faith or even practices Christianity, therefore, governance and discipline are still necessary to the community as a whole. In “Concerning Governmental Authority,” Luther likens this dilemma to a shepherd trying to herd predators and prey together–– the prey would govern themselves peacefully but they would not survive the predators