Preceptory

The principles of Christian chivalry

Christian chivalry is not just about Christianity and chivalry, which are two very important ideas, but also refers to a specific belief system which brings together specifically Christianity and chivalry which the Order of St John/Knights of Malta/Hospitaller tradition best exemplifies.

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The Order of St John is the longest continuously existing Christian movement outside of the Eastern Orthodox/Catholic Church itself. As for chivalry, the Order is the oldest continuous knighthood in existence.

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The Order has a responsibility to hold to and teach these concepts seriously, to pursue all manner areas, as the Order has a diverse history, at different times being mercantile, naval, militant, hospital-focused, clerical and so on. The same probably can be said of the different branches of the Order (or, perhaps, derivative Orders) that each may have their particular focuses, whether on aid and welfare, on honour, on first aid and ambulance services, on religious conservatism, political aims and so on.

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The doctrine of Christian chivalry is not limited to the Order of St John, but it is the best manifestation of it. An Order has several key components. One is its history or pedigree. Another is its hierarchy and composition. The third is its character and outworking.

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It is important to identify what might be called the essential spirit of the Order, as well as the principles which govern the Order and those in it. These are the principles of Christian chivalry. Christian chivalry is the raison d’etre of this Order (or branch of the Order) of St John, and this Preceptory asserts that Christian chivalry should be the fundamental substance of what the true meaning of the Order is all about.

 

Christianity and chivalry

By Christian it means that which conforms to the truth of Christianity. The Order has strong links to the Eastern Orthodox tradition, but has been conformed to a broad Protestant polity. The Order therefore asserts the requirement for agreement to the Nicaean Creed.

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By chivalry it means that which conforms to the ideals of the code of knighthood. It obviously means honourable behaviour, the characteristics expected of a Christian. Further, it is a call to action, to promote or adhere to certain ideas, but it means militancy, discipline, persuasion and determination.

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In reality, Christianity is not merely some external idea, but really requires a divinely based change of heart. Christianity is not about mere agreement, but rather it must permeate the whole person.

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There is a wealth of information on chivalry, for example, the book “The broad stone of honour” can easily be found and read online. There are various books on knighthood available too.

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With Christianity and chivalry both being important key components that are required, the view of Christian chivalry itself must also be laid out.

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Authority is from above

Authority has divine origins and manifests through a hierarchy. Ultimate above all things, and the authority from which all authority derives is God. Indeed, this also is why the Order is called an “Order”, for it means it is ordered and organised under this authority.

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​The weight of sovereignty

The Order claims to be sovereign. Sovereignty is a divinely granted power. That divinely granted power outweighs any earthly grant or recognition. Such authority is both understood in the hearts of the those attaining such power, and is done so not by mere whim, but in response to divine actions within history.

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The Order gained sovereignty inasmuch as it was not a vassal to any earthly potentate. This sovereignty meant that it had full power to make its own decisions, choose its own leaders and retained the right and usage of its own property.

 

On Rhodes and on Malta, the Order showed very much itself to act as it were as its own state. This is not because territory or statehood are necessary, but they can be derivative manifestations of the possessed right.

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No doubt some will attempt to argue that the Order was granted its place by some Pope. Not only is this an incorrect view of history, but there are multiple examples of the Order defying the Pope, not least of which is the fact that there are Protestant Knights of the Order. Therefore, it cannot be that sovereignty of the Order requires the Pope, and a Pope cannot take away sovereignty which the Order possesses seeing as a Pope was not the author of the sovereignty. The best that could be said is that Popes generally recognised the Order’s authority.

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Laying aside land claims, taxes, postage stamps, passports, minting money and the like, the real manifestation of sovereignty must be spiritual first and must be to do with claiming and possessing authority itself. Divine authority also does not rely on a special status being granted by the UN either.

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That which apprehends is to be possessed

At one time a king was not a king, a noble was not a noble and a knight was not a knight. Those who study the Bible, genealogies and history might be able to trace family lines a long way back. At one time royal or noble lines were not so. Obviously at some point, kings were made, nobles were made and knights were made.

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A princess can come from among the commoners yet by marrying a prince, be made a royal.

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To become and entitled noble with a rank may be granted, but it would be by a recognition of what is already present. Besides this, there is nobility of character that comes about by the influence of the Christian faith. Certain cultures possess nobility also.

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It is possible that a person, being given the opportunity of circumstance or providence, and so inclined in their heart, beginning to show potential, when recognised or promoted, begins to exhibit their fuller character. Thus, while on one part a person may be apprehended of a calling, they still need to respond to it and live it out.

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Sworn duties

When a person becomes king, or a noble, or a knight, they often need to swear an oath or make certain affirmations. On joining any order, a person may make a profession of obedience or devotion.

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Further, not only are promises made which are to be kept, but if certain obligations are not fulfilled, a person can be stripped of their titles and office.

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Knighthood cannot be undone or unmade

Once a knight, always a knight, except that the knight breach his promises to the point where he is no more a knight.

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Chivalric succession

Pedigrees are usually counted either by bloodlines, or by some sort of touch. This means that authority flows through a hierarchy but also through time. Those who have been touched in one generation are bearers to another.

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A chain is yet a chain, even if joined by a weak link. It is the succession of touch which matters in a knighthood.

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Legitimacy

The legitimacy of various orders is debated by some. Obviously, certain commissions, councils and bodies have their views about recognition, and often association with a head of some state increases the prestige of certain orders. However, ultimately legitimacy requires divine authority, and in the modern world this concept is under attack, denied or usurped.

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As to the specific issue around the various branches of the Order of St John, it is one thing for organisations to make their claims as to which is or is not a genuine branch of the Order. However, it is these principles of Christian chivalry which are in recognition of the best guide of what is authentically perpetuating the Order of St John.

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Dormancy or rejection may be revived

At one time a part of the Order may appear to fail, or go into abeyance, or even be shut down through some circumstance. As long as a link remains, the springtime of rejuvenation may always come.

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Precedents are repeatable

If something has been done before, some precedent established, then the same may be done again. What has been done in the Order before may be grounds to do again.

 

Multiple origins

While one touch may come to another, when there are different branches of the Order, it would be good that if the many branches come from one trunk and root, to return to that by bringing together multiple sources to a stronger, more viable whole.

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Each part may be purged

Each period of history of the Order may pose challenges, for at times the Order engaged in piracy, was Roman Catholic, was aligned to France, etc. Every branch too may have had issues, whether controversies about the influence of Freemasonry or politically inexpedient views. However, as these issues are resolved or purged, what is good is to remain, and what is not should pass away.

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The harmony of church and temporal power

The Order itself historically was both military and clerical. This aspect of mixing together both an overtly religious and overtly political agenda is one of the important outworkings of the Order.

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As the Order has been a sovereign power, and as it is an ordered organisation, so it requires in its way the power of the sword, that is, real justice. It also allows for the support of a just war and partisan clashes of ideology in action.

 

Divine calling, ordination etc.

Unless the signs and the presence of the calling of God is present, and the hand of the holy angels, and the faithful saints, all the claims in the world would not matter.

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Conclusion

The purpose and aim of Preceptory is to promote Christian chivalry.

 

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