Asher Sisneros

The Christian literature from the early Middle Ages ranges from the accounts of the martyrs, Justin Martyr’s First Apology, St. Augustine’s City of God, and various hymns. By examining those writings, an astute reader can deduce what the Church believed regarding various topics. There were some differences of opinion. For example, they disagreed on who intercedes for the sinner and deserves prayer. Some believed the apostles, saints, and Mary interceded on the Christian’s behalf. Others were dogmatic that only Christ—in being equally God and man—could intercede for the sinner. However, there are some areas where the various pieces of literature share common themes, expressing a single voice on behalf of the early medieval Church, and Christian political involvement was one example. 

First, it is important to address who the Church regarded as sovereign. As one might suspect, the Christian Church regarded Christ as their sovereign Lord. The entire point of Justin Martyr’s First Apology was to warn the Emperor to fear God and keep His commandments. The sentiment Solomon expressed in Ecclesiastes echoed in the early medieval Church: “Let us hear the whole conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for that is man’s all. For in the end, God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.” Early medieval literature said that all of humanity was subject to Christ’s rule; all of humanity was subject to Christ’s law; and all of humanity would be judged by Christ’s standards. In terms of who exercises sovereignty, it could not be more clear. The Church openly declared God’s sovereignty over everything, including the emperor and the king. In short, according to early Christian literature from the Middle Ages, civil magistrates have an equal obligation to heed the law of God. 

Saint Augustine, in his book The City of God, prioritized the fickleness of world regimes. He openly declared that governments—the city of man—could never compete with the eternal city of God in Heaven. However, he did spend some time addressing what a city of man that governed itself according to God’s law would look like. In short, it was a city with eternal peace and bliss. It was a Heaven on Earth, so to speak. Saint Augustine praised such a concept and thereby praised the idea of Christian political involvement in the pursuit of cultural reform according to God’s law. However, he also believed it was futile and unchristian men who rejected God would also reject His law. While Christians in history may pursue political reforms in their nation, unchristian men will always reject it. It will always be overturned. Augustine warned his readers that despite world chaos, God is supreme, and their treasure is laid up in Heaven, i.e., the city of God. 

Despite the lack of political progress, the Church would attain throughout history, the early medieval literature continued to put a trust in God’s final judgment. They recognized that even if wicked men rejected God’s law on this Earth, that was to their personal detriment. At least they did their duty in preaching the law. They bore no guilt because they faithfully proclaimed the law, and it was the city of man that rejected God’s law. 

The Christian overwhelmed by the lack of political progress in history might become discouraged and wonder, “What is the point of pursuing political reform if the city of man will always reject it?” It is quite simple. The stoic philosophers regarded death as the great equalizer. They could not be more wrong. Death is not the great equalizer. Men are not all in the same place as equals after death. There is a separation that occurs on the final day of judgment. Pagans reject it, but it is true. In the end, God will stand as the Judge of the Earth. The Christian who pursues political reform may not see the fruits of their labor. However, they will be blessed in Heaven for being a witness to the Earth, preaching God’s law. Why should Christians pursue political reform? Because it is their duty. They should not pursue political reformation with the anticipation that the Devil will willingly surrender; they should do it so God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”