Machiavelli's Gospel

The Critique of Christianity in "The Prince"

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory
Cover of the book Machiavelli's Gospel by William B. Parsons, Boydell & Brewer
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William B. Parsons ISBN: 9781782047339
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Publication: May 30, 2016
Imprint: University of Rochester Press Language: English
Author: William B. Parsons
ISBN: 9781782047339
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Publication: May 30, 2016
Imprint: University of Rochester Press
Language: English

The leading interpretations of The Prince focus on Machiavelli's historical context, but they give little attention to the source on which the moral and political thought of Machiavelli's sixteenth century was based, the Christian Bible. In this study of The Prince, William Parsons plumbs Machiavelli's allusions to the Bible, along with his statements on the Church, and shows that Machiavelli was a careful reader of the Bible and an astute observer of the Church. On this basis Parsons contends that Machiavelli's teaching in The Prince is instructively compared with that of the Church's teacher, Jesus Christ. Parsons thus undertakes what recent interpreters of The Prince have not done: contrast Machiavelli's advice with the teaching of Christ. The result is a new reading of The Prince, revealing in Machiavelli's political thought a systematic critique of the New Testament and its model for human life, Christ. In this commentary on one of the greatest works on politics ever written, Parsons not only challenges the most recent interpretations of The Prince but also sheds new light on the classic interpretation that Machiavelli was a teacher of immorality. William Parsons is associate professor of political science at Carroll College.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The leading interpretations of The Prince focus on Machiavelli's historical context, but they give little attention to the source on which the moral and political thought of Machiavelli's sixteenth century was based, the Christian Bible. In this study of The Prince, William Parsons plumbs Machiavelli's allusions to the Bible, along with his statements on the Church, and shows that Machiavelli was a careful reader of the Bible and an astute observer of the Church. On this basis Parsons contends that Machiavelli's teaching in The Prince is instructively compared with that of the Church's teacher, Jesus Christ. Parsons thus undertakes what recent interpreters of The Prince have not done: contrast Machiavelli's advice with the teaching of Christ. The result is a new reading of The Prince, revealing in Machiavelli's political thought a systematic critique of the New Testament and its model for human life, Christ. In this commentary on one of the greatest works on politics ever written, Parsons not only challenges the most recent interpretations of The Prince but also sheds new light on the classic interpretation that Machiavelli was a teacher of immorality. William Parsons is associate professor of political science at Carroll College.

More books from Boydell & Brewer

Cover of the book Distant Readings by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Servants in Rural Europe by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Medieval Clothing and Textiles 10 by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book The Political Economy of Everyday Life in Africa by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Warfare in Tenth-Century Germany by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Constant Lambert by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Performing Gender, Place, and Emotion in Music by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book The British Navy in the Baltic by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Remaking English Society by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Alexander Zemlinsky: A Lyric Symphony by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Remembering Africa by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Music in the West Country by William B. Parsons
Cover of the book Charles Mackerras by William B. Parsons
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy