Divine Kingdom Holy Order

The canon of western political theory has long misrepresented Martin Luther’s political thought, mistaking it as a forerunner of the “freedom of conscience” or the “separation of church and state,” or an ancestor of modern absolutism and even German totalitarianism.

These misleading interpretations neglect Luther’s central point: temporal government is a gift from God, worthy of honor and respect, independent yet complementary to the purpose and mission of the Church.

Spanning Luther’s career as a reformer, the writings in this anthology demonstrate his resolve to restore temporal government to its proper place of honor and divine purpose.