It always amazes me to read about the life and actions of people who lived in the early seventeenth century-in what feels like an archiac era. Honestly, my vast astonishment of people has continued up to about 1972, (who am I kidding, the dealings of certain members of the public still astound me). Throughout this lengthy period, this almost eternal lapse of time and space, people continue to debate the same topics and tribulations. Whom is in power? Which person/ people are in charge? Which group is subordinate, and which group will dominate?
The work of Robert Filmer, from Patriarcha, The Natural Power of Kings Defended Against the Unnatural Liberty of the People, has once again risen this familiar questions.
He begins with a what he refers to as a "popular opinion," maintained by medieval philosophers, as well as those who learn from them. This outlook states, "Mankind is naturally endowed and born with freedom from all subjection, and at liberty to choose what form of government it please, and that the power which any one man hath over others was at first bestowed according to the discretion of the multitide." After reading this statement, one simply agrees. This seems like a type of mindset that we, as a democracy, strive for every single day. These statement makes sense to me, is almost a systematic way of thinking and understanding humankind.
Nonetheless, Robert Filmer had a different outlook of this particular opinion. He almost scoffs at the meaning of this statement, as if it is simply a means for "common folk" to have a voice and a bit of hope. He addresses the notion of "liberty" as if it is an imaginery conception that some rebel commoner invented and falsely spread throughout the region. He proceeds to remind everyone that the idea of "liberty" is what led the first created man, Adam, to his eternal end. Where were these ideas of justice, liberty, or equality in the primitive church? Not only did these practices contradict the holy scriptures; they were a danger to society.
Filmer believed that all children were subordinate to their creator; their first parent. Just as we are subordinate to God, we are subordinate to our parents, and them to their parents. Filmer states that "this subjection of children is the fountain of all regal authority, by the ordination of God himself." Filmer specifies many examples of this subordination to Adam, as well as other fathers, as indicated in Genesis, from the Bible.
From these examples, Filmer believed that in sequence, kings were now the fathers of their people, and we are taught to 'honor thy father'. These examples and exerpts are the precise reasons for the concept and establishment of 'separation of Church and State.'
Fantastic rumination. Very intersting. I absolutely love the fact that even back in the day people still felt the desire for liberty, even if Filmer was kind of against the liberty that was spoken about in your third paragraph. That's possibly one of my favorite quotes from our reading so far. I'm such a patriot, and when I read anything about liberty I get goosebumps. "Mankind is naturally endowed and born with freedom..." Poetry.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading your rumination. Liberty and freedom are things which have been earned in our country today. Although Filmer's opinion about liberty is not exactly a positive one, I still enjoyed his writing.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that you point out that Filmer believed that all children were subordinate to their creator; their first parent. Just as we are subordinate to God, we are subordinate to our parents, and them to their parents. This basically suggests that the more our family trees grow, the further from "perfect" or "ideal" we become. Similarly, it is strange to me that he believes a child to be subordinate to their parent because many people view children as an extension of themselves. Is it not everyone's goal to someday be "better off" than their ancestors?
ReplyDeleteI agree so much with the points that you made in this rumination! After I read this literature, I immediately thought, "This is the reason that we have separation of church and state," like you mentioned in your last sentence. Filmer's point of view on liberty, was negative, but after reading his work and your rumination I am so grateful for liberty and I think it is easily taken for granted.
ReplyDeleteExcellent observations, Erin! I really appreciate your insightful comments on the constant struggle for authority that has plagued our society for so many centuries.
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