I wonder: If we take Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as a play about both ancient and Papal Rome, then the point seems to be that ecclesiastical imperialism is unavoidable, that it will take its vengeance and return in more virulent forms. The “puritans” like Cassius attempt to cut the head off Rome, but instead of no Caesar they get an Octavius. Even with this interpretation, the play isn’t pro-Catholic, but it is more a warning to radical Reformers. Maybe Shakespeare and Milton are close cousins: “New presbyter is but old priest writ large.”
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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