Religion and Politics – Lucifer (1654) and Milton’s Paradise Lost (1674)

Abstract

Ever since the seventeenth century, Vondel's Lucifer (1654) has been the subject of controversy. The bone of contention has always been the play's portrayal of the relationship between religion and politics. In order to throw into relief the politico-religious claim made in Lucifer , and to clarify the terms of the debate in which it intervened this chapter provides the play in relation to John Milton's Paradise Lost (1667/1674). The question of the sacredness of political authority was one of the central issues in the politico-religious debates and struggles of seventeenth- century Europe. The chapter focuses on the Anglo-Dutch dimension of the debate. In Lucifer , Heaven and earth are represented as separate but mirroring realms that both reflect the unapproachable, eternal light of God. The universe is structured according to repeating patterns which allow angels and men to enjoy divine order. Keywords: Lucifer ; Anglo-Dutch; debates; John Milton; Joost van den Vondel; Paradise Lost ; politics; religion