What was the divine right of kings in the 17th century?

The divine right of kings was a political and religious doctrine that asserted that monarchs derived their authority directly from God, rather than from the consent of the governed. In the 17th century, this belief legitimized absolute rule, suggesting that a king's power was sacred and inviolable, making it a sin to oppose or challenge their authority. This concept was used to justify the centralization of power and the suppression of dissent, particularly in countries like France under Louis XIV and England before the English Civil War. Ultimately, it played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the era and contributed to conflicts over governance and authority.