The Patriarchal theory of Government as found in the Bible and the Patria Potestas of ancient Rome were in many respects identical in terms, and in particular they each emphasized the authority and control of the father or head of the family over the person and property of the "Son under the Power. " The earliest peoples were first found in isolated families, then, as the number of families increased and some were grown more powerful than others, the law of self-preservation brought about a combination of several families, forming a tribe.
Want to read this article from the Journal?
Subscribe to JSH-Online to access The Christian Science Journal, along with the Christian Science Sentinel and The Herald of Christian Science. Get unlimited access to current issues, the searchable archive, podcasts, audio for issues, biographies about Mary Baker Eddy, and more. Already a subscriber? Log in