Abstract

The article discusses the state of research and research needs in the field of relations between the Protestant Reformation and the genesis of nobility democracy in Poland in the 16th century. Th e development of the idea of the right to resistance in the approach of Martin Luther and his collaborators is discussed. Then, the views on John Calvin and his followers – the Protestant Monarchomachs – are presented. Finally, the state of research on the reception of the Protestant concept of the right to resistance in central eastern Europe in the second half of the 16th century is discussed with its significance for building and defending the foundations of the regime of noble democracy until the early 17th century. Finally, the views of Andrzej Wolan and Bartłomiej Keckermann as they refer to the doctrine of Calvinism, are characterized.