1520s

Luther: the doctrine of the two kingdoms

God established two kingdoms, both under His rule: one under the law in its civil function, the other under the Gospel. Spiritual authority works through the Word and the Spirit, temporal authority through the sword and civil laws by means of princes and magistrates; the ruler need not be a Christian, since the basic law is known by natural reason. Since every believer is at once justified and a sinner, all as sinners are subject to civil authority. González stresses that this is not a "separation of church and state" but an application of the distinction between law and Gospel to everyday life: Christians should not seek the power of the state for the sake of true religion, and the state should not persecute heretics with the sword.