Question
How did King James I argue that kings are like gods? Directions: Read the primary source excerpt from King James I's speech to Parliament about the Divine Right of Kings. Then, determine his central claim and the his reasoning to support his claim. Central Claim of King James I:
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Central Claim of King James I:Kings possess divine authority akin to gods.\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}\hline\ \begin{array}{c}\ Kings\ are\ appointed\ by\ God\ \\\end{array} & \begin{array}{c}\ Kings'\ authority\ is\ absolute\ \\\end{array} & \begin{array}{c}\ Disobeying\ kings\ is\ equivalent\ to\ disobeying\ God\ \\\end{array} \\\hline \begin{array}{c}\ King\ James\ I\ argues\ that\ kings\ are\ divinely\ chosen\ rulers,\ appointed\ directly\ by\ God\ to\ govern.\ \\\end{array} & \begin{array}{c}\ According\ to\ James\ I,\ kings'\ authority\ is\ not\ subject\ to\ questioning\ or\ limitations\ by\ earthly\ powers,\ as\ it\ originates\ from\ a\ divine\ source.\ \\\end{array} & \begin{array}{c}\ The\ king\ asserts\ that\ disobedience\ to\ royal\ authority\ is\ tantamount\ to\ disobedience\ to\ God's\ will,\ emphasizing\ the\ divine\ connection\ between\ kingship\ and\ the\ divine\ order.\ \\\end{array} \\\hline\end{array}King James I's argument is based on the belief in the divine right of kings, where the monarch's authority is perceived as a direct gift from God, making kings comparable to divine beings on Earth. The three supporting reasons highlight the divine appointment, absolute authority, and the sacred connection between obedience to kings and obedience to God.