Citizenship in a religious polity: the political thought of Thomas Arnold

Abstract

This study is concerned with the political thought of Thomas Arnold (1795-1842) and, in particular, with his theory of political maturity. Arnold's approach to political representation for the individual involved a tiered strata qualified by moral and educational factors. However, his broader notion of the 'Christian citizen' in society was located within a theory of historical progress synthesised with a rationale for a national church establishment. Moreover, Arnold offered an alternative social, political and religious commentary from his contemporaries in several respects: on the nature of progress; the role of property in the political system; the relationship between church and state; and the legitimacy of government, the role of consent, and the nature of political authority. This thesis examines Arnold's views on these topics in relation to the overall theme of the 'gradual' political maturity of the Christian citizen in his church-state.