Who first used the phrase "divine right of kings"?

kstyle53

Jean Bodin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_right_of_kings Feb 09 13, 2:14 PM

JaneofGaunt

Divine right of kings, doctrine in defense of monarchical absolutism, which asserted that kings derived their authority from God and could not therefore be held accountable for their actions by any earthly authority such as a parliament. Originating in Europe, the divine-right theory can be traced to the medieval conception of God's award of temporal power to the political ruler, paralleling the award of spiritual power to the church. By the 16th and 17th centuries, however, the new national monarchs were asserting their authority in matters of both church and state. King James I of England (reigned 1603-25) was the foremost exponent of the doctrine. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/166626/divine-right-of-kings Feb 09 13, 6:43 PM

1nn1

Wule the Divine right of kings is attributed to Jean Bodin, the liteature contains no definitive proof. While there is general acceptance that the usage was fidt coined in the 16-17th century moanrchs in Fance and Britain, the atrribution can be found in the bible: "The scriptural basis of the Divine Right of Kings comes partly from Romans 13:1-2, which states: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Divine_Right_of_Kings Feb 09 13, 9:56 PM