SOURCE: Daly, L. J. “Wyclif and Civil Society.” In The Political Theory of John Wyclif, pp. 59-96. Chicago. Ill.: Loyola University Press, 1962.

In the following essay, Daly studies Wyclif's understanding of the concepts dominium and ecclesia in the context of civil society, asserting that Wyclif's approach to political philosophy was wholly theological.

In order to better adapt our mental outlook to that of a medieval political writer, it might be well to consider how important Wyclif regarded the study of theology for the right government of the kingdom. That he should think thus merely shows that Wyclif was considering things from the viewpoint of a medieval scholastic theologian.

Importance of the Theologian to Society

When he speaks of theology and the objectives of the theologian, Wyclif speaks with unmeasured praise. Without the faculty of theology the kingdom cannot possibly stand; but through it the reputation of the king...