Abstract

GARCIA ALONSO, Marta. Tutela e insurrección en los orígenes del derecho de resistencia. Rev. latinoam. filos. [online]. 2007, vol.33, n.1, pp.5-23. ISSN 1852-7353.

According to a widespread view, the most original protestant contribution to resistance theory would have been derived from an original exegesis of the Pauline epistle to the Romans. In this reading, obedience is only due to the authorities that act in the general interest. Calvin would have played a relevant role in the transformation of such view into a constitutional theory of political resistence. I will argue that Calvin's theses on resistence theory do not allow for such a constitutional reading. The people is not the source of political authority and cannot act spontaneously against their rulers if they do not comply with their religious or political duties. Active resistence should be exceptional and only if permission is granted by a divinely invested political authority acting as the people's tutor. The analysis of the context in which Calvin's ideas were put in practice will provide additional evidence for our interpretation.

Keywords : Resistance rights; Calvin; Political theology; Protestantism.

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