Kings and Kingship in the Writings of Bede
Conor O’Brien
Abstract This article argues that the Anglo-Saxon intellectual Bede (d. 735) saw kingship as a ‘secular’ office. Previous historiography has tended to rely upon evidence of Bede’s historical works, which, for reasons genre and audience, do not accurately represent his attitudes rulership; here, exegesis theology are foregrounded. theological writings describe both Christ Satan kings, suggesting morally neutral view kingship. Biblical texts which would have allowed him comment behaviour contemporary kings received purely spiritual interpretations in display little interest general ideology ministerial The did believe good Christians could be use their power benefit Church, but this was primarily because very ‘secularity’ kingship, an institution veered between elect reprobate devout should take advantage when they could. But expect these Christian spread faith at point sword or transform rulership into force ecclesiastical reform. Influenced by Augustinian ideas, events earthly monarchy emerging from early medieval Rome, maintained basic conviction worldly belonged secular sphere. While Robert Markus influentially suggested transition Late Antiquity Middle Ages ‘de-secularisation’ Europe, suggests continuation secularism eighth century.
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