In our day and age we’ve become accustomed to the thought of a polity or republic. Mainly as the creation of a “democratic government” was seen as breaking the shackles of being bound to one ruler, a kingly headship over a nation. This perceived freedom came with the promise of self-government for the good of all. If only the founders of this great thought understood just how fallen humanity was, and how the push for democracy was yet another order away from the structure God Himself ordained.
The very thought of a monarchy to most is very troublesome, but when most think of the idea the first thought that enters their mind is an evil tyrannical dictator, and who could possibly want that? Yet, the actual structure of the world, the Church God founded, and even heaven itself is hierarchical; how could this be (especially when monarchs are evil tyrannical dictators)? Isn’t self-government, where each person has their own say, a better way to live? … doubtful
As stated, we firstly experience a hierarchy in nature, among created things. We can see this structure stemming from the smallest hylomorphic being to the rational animal (humans) and even beyond to the angels. Each of these levels have degrees to which they can be perfected but eventually a chasm occurs between the lower and higher levels. We as well read in scripture that the angels themselves are arranged in a hierarchy in heaven. Ordained by God, created as a reflection.
Secondly, the Church Christ founded while on earth is structured as a hierarchy. Ranging from the lay faithful all the way up to the Pope and the ever guided magisterium. The Pope representing Christ’s headship over His body, but Christ Himself always being King of heaven and earth.
Now that we’ve come to see that God ordained and arranged all that He has created as a hierarchy, we can ask, is Monarchical rule really the preference? For this we must ask… what is the ultimate purpose of a government?
A government serves the citizenry fundamentally by preserving unity, peace, and the common good. The better a structure of government can serve these functions the better it is, objectively. As St. Thomas states in De Regno Chapter 3:
“…whatever is in accord with nature is best, for in all things nature does what is best. Now, every natural governance is governance by one. In the multitude of bodily members there is one which is the principal mover, namely, the heart; and among the powers of the soul one power presides as chief, namely, the reason… and in the whole universe there is One God, Maker and Ruler of all things. And there is a reason for this. Every multitude is derived from unity”
A government that stands against itself will surely crumble, but in a government of one there is only unity. Peace and justice can more assuredly be attained. And when one loves his country, as a ruler should, the common good is sought more fruitfully.
A government by many only breeds distrust, disunity, and selfishness. This is especially true when we not only break the shackles of the old way of government but the very fundamental understanding of human nature and our final end. How can we expect to be “ruled by the people” when the people cannot rule themselves to begin with. Just as has happened time and time again throughout the history of creation we’ve left God behind, disobeyed His commands, and have sought to make ourselves like Him. A government dependent upon self-rule, especially when removed from virtue in the light of revelation and reason, is nothing but the same sweet words of the serpent in the garden, “you shall be like gods.”
The words of St. Thomas ring true even to this day. Creation tends towards what is natural… Since hierarchy is naturally ordained with a King presiding, we tend towards this ideal no matter how much we struggle. For an example we need look no further then the trial republic of our United States of America. What began as a democracy (of sorts) has in recent decades become an oligarchy (the negative side of a government ruled by the wealthy class, entire generations of families rooted in government with no connection to their citizens), and now we see that the oligarchy must have a single head, one that can be controlled and manipulated, but a head none the less. Except when you have a king thrust upon you by the aristocrats instead of by God or the Church you are left with nothing other then a tyrant.
St. Thomas Aquinas, angelic doctor of God’s Holy Catholic Church, ora pro nobis
A Holy Legacy 