The concept asserts that a monarch’s authority to rule is derived directly from a deity, not from earthly powers such as the consent of the governed or any form of election. This doctrine posits that the king is accountable only to the divine will and not to any earthly institution, including parliaments or the aristocracy. An example of this is Louis XIV of France, often referred to as the “Sun King,” who believed his power was ordained by God and therefore absolute.
The significance of this belief lies in its justification for absolute rule and its impact on political structures throughout history. It provided monarchs with a powerful tool to consolidate their authority, suppress dissent, and resist limitations on their power. Historically, it contributed to the centralization of power in many European nations and shaped the relationship between rulers and their subjects, often leading to social and political tensions when challenged by emerging ideas of popular sovereignty.
