trevor j major

Although we often associate Medieval Europe with feudalism, there were pockets of republicanism on the margins and in the mountains. These communities retained some independence from the empires that encroached upon their lands. A classic case in point is Switzerland. In 1291, representatives from three republics assembled on the field of Rutli to sign a covenant uniting them against Austrian imperial control. Other city states and regions joined the Swiss Confederation over the ensuing centuries.

Continue reading

[tab:Introduction]

Introduction

“The predestination of saints,” Augustine of Hippo wrote, refers to the “foreknowledge and the preparation of God’s kindnesses, whereby they are most certainly delivered, whoever they are that are delivered.”[1] The unpalatable corollary is that those who are not so chosen remain in their sin and are eternally lost. This “ferocious doctrine,” as Bertrand Russell called it, would form the basis for Calvin’s decrees of divine election and rejection.

Continue reading

[tab:Faith in the Free Markets]

Faith in the Free Markets

The Soviet Union ceased to exist at 12:00pm on December 21st, 1991. As President Reagan might have put it, the Evil Empire had fallen. It is very tempting, especially from a Western perspective, to see God’s providence at work in this stunning series of events. Nations in the former Eastern bloc, as well as Russia itself, moved quickly to adopt freer markets. Capitalism won; communism lost. Does this mean that God loves capitalism and hates communism?

Continue reading