The doctrine asserting that a monarch’s authority derives directly from a deity, not from the consent of the governed. This tenet posited that rulers were accountable only to the divine and not to earthly powers such as parliaments or nobles. For example, Louis XIV of France famously embraced this concept, claiming his power was ordained by God, justifying his absolute rule.
This belief provided a powerful justification for centralized authority and royal absolutism across various empires and states globally. It legitimized policies, including taxation, warfare, and suppression of dissent, as divinely sanctioned. Understanding this justification is crucial for analyzing political developments during the Early Modern Period and beyond, as it shaped the relationship between rulers and the ruled, often leading to conflict and revolution when challenged.