A doctor of the Church influenced Declaration of Independence

Michie · Jul 4, 2023

Catholics are increasingly asking, “Was July 4 good for the Catholic faith?” so it is helpful to see how Catholic leaders have answered.

Is America’s Independence Day worth celebrating?

It’s a good question. After all, Americans have been re-thinking many aspects of our history to try to be honest about who we are and how our nation’s story unfolded.

In 2020, many were asking, “Was July 4 good for civil rights?” and it was helpful to see how civil rights leaders answered.

In 2023, Catholics are increasingly asking, “Was July 4 good for the Catholic faith?” so it is helpful to see how Catholic leaders have answered.

That’s what my colleague Dr. Kevin Vance at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, explored in recent informal remarks. He reveals that Catholic leaders of the highest order have had a lot to say about America from the very beginning.

First, a Doctor of the Church provided ideas that were fundamental to America’s founding principles.

Independence Day is the celebration of America throwing off the rule of a king. Where did we get the idea that we could do that? Vance shared the fascinating role of St. Robert Bellarmine, a Doctor of the Church, in developing the arguments against the principle of the divine right of kings.

The arguments formulated by this Italian Jesuit scholar ended up being referenced by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others. He argued against the divine right of kings, saying there are many legitimate forms of government, but the form of government chosen should be established with the consent of the governed.

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