Aquinas Kingship

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Aquinas also makes it a point that having a singular king is the best form of government and that the opposite it consequentially the worst form. He argues that having multiple leads brings chaos and disunity to a nation which leaves an open door for tyrannical rule. However, he also addresses that it can be a great temptation for a single ruler to conform to tyranny. This proves to divide a ruler and his subjects, as given in the example of Dionysius. Therefore, it should be in the kings best interest to rule with a just hand. In essence, a king should pursue the greater good for the people under God’s authority and rule of law. Overall, Aquinas’ view on kingship is that a king is the ultimate servant and model to his subjects, particularly …show more content…

According to the third edition of Readings in Medieval History edited by Patrick Geary, the biography of Joan of Arc is inspirational (Trial of Jeanne d’arc, 742). A child of only thirteen, she began to “hear voices urging her to help the Dauphin, later Charles VII of France, defeat the English and claim the crown.” (Trial of Jeanne d’arc, 743). By 1429, she had convicted the Dauphin and his board of religious leaders to follow her through her scared mission. As the biographer argues, because of her piety and zeal she brought a monuments victory over the English and their French allies, the Burgundians. Then by 1430, the English captured her at the battle of Compiegne. This is a girl who lead a national army to an unlikely victory, and the now crowed Charles VII does nothing to rescue her. The English tried and condemned her a heretic for wearing men’s clothes, which she wore as a protection. Some called her a lunatic for speaking of voices that lead her to prophecy. (Trial of Jeanne d’arc, …show more content…

The difference between them is how they exhibited it. Joan fiercely demonstrated her faith through acts of military force, previously noted as a strictly male method. In accordance with the Life of St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Turgot, the former Bishop of St. Andrews depicts her as the most humble servant of Christ (Turgot (Margaret), 27). “Whilst Margaret was yet in the flower of youth, she began to lead a very strict life, to love God above all things, to employ herself in the study of the Divine writings, and therein with joy to exercise her mind.” (Turgot (Margaret), 27-28). From a very young age, this saint proved to have a character that was selfless and wise in nature. In order to ensure peace between families, she willingly marries King Malcom, the son of King Duncan, the most powerful king of the Scots (Turgot (Margaret), 28). Turgot also mentions that other men as well as other women, loved and feared

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