Timor Dei and Timor Idololatricus from Reformed Theology to Milton

Abstract

This article considers the unexplored concept of timor idololatricus (idolatrous fear) together with the more familiar notion of timor Dei (fear of God) in Reformed theology and the works of John Milton (1608–74). After reviewing treatments of timor Dei from Augustine to Calvin, this study turns to timor Dei and timor idololatricus in Milton, with the origins of the latter located in the Reformed compendia of Amandus Polanus (1561–1610) and his student Wollebius (1589–1629). Opposed to timor Dei, timor idololatricus signifies the dread afforded to idols. For Milton, as for Polanus, this notion can be applied to Catholic forms of idolatry, but its principal sense is fear of the pagan gods. In offering a demonic reflection of timor Dei, the concept of timor idololatricus points to the commonality of religious dread in pagan and Christian worship, while also reminding the Reformed of the fear due to God.