Analysis On Savonarola's Life And His Political Thought

Savonarola (1452-1498) was a famous friar in the late of the 15th century. The political thought of Savonarola is closely related to his religious thought, what's more, to some extent, his political reform is one part of the religious reform., and the latter serves for the former. In the political reform in Florence, Savonarola conferred the title of king on the Jesus. Meanwhile, he argued that Florence is choose by the God to come true His will. He also propagate the idea that Florence is the New Jerusalem. So the religious thought always consists in his political reform. Besides, the basis of his political thought is the idea of the Christian. In his mind, human's political right comes from the God. Meanwhile, he developed the equality in the Christian, using the idea to fight against the tyrant and oligarch. So the thought of Savonarola not only comes from the traditional, but transcend the era as well.In the political practice, the Florence government which was created by Savonarola is an ideal form of government which is based on the blueprint of Christian community. Through the analysis of the Religion Reform in the 16th century, it is clear that Martin Luther and Calvin both have the radical in 15th century, numerous inspiration are coming from Savonarola. In a term, Savonarola is the pioneer of the Religion Reform. If we contrast his thought with other theologians, for instance British John Wyclif and John Hus, and we will find that his thought is not limited in the theology. Savonarola's religion thought closely combined with social reform, and the idea of the perfect form of the country had been developed from the blueprint of Christian community. Later we will find the influence in Thomas More's Utopia and Tommas Campanella's works. In a word, Savonarola's thought make an important influence to the modern of the western thoughts and the theology of the modern country.