What does the Divine Right of Kings doctrine entail?

The Divine Right of Kings doctrine holds that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, rather than being conferred by any secular authority or chosen by the people. This belief was prevalent during the early modern period, particularly in Europe, and it provided a religious and political justification for absolute monarchy. Monarchs who claimed divine right argued that they were accountable only to God for their actions, making their authority unquestionable and legitimizing their rules without the need for consent from their subjects or the intervention of external forces.

This doctrine also influenced the perception of kingship and governance, positioning the monarch as a divinely sanctioned figure whose decisions were inherently justified. It contrasts sharply with concepts of democracy and the idea that rulers derive their power from the consent of the governed.