What doctrine refers to the belief that monarchs are chosen by God to rule?

The belief that monarchs are chosen by God to rule is encapsulated in the concept known as the Divine Right of Kings. This doctrine posits that a monarch derives their authority directly from God, and therefore, they are not subject to earthly authority or the will of the people. This idea was particularly prominent in European history during the Middle Ages and the early modern period, where it served to legitimize the absolute power of kings and queens, reinforcing their right to govern and their role as intermediaries between God and their subjects.

In contrast, Absolute Monarchy refers to a system of government where the monarch holds total power over the state, but it does not inherently include the divine justification aspect. Royal Prerogative involves the discretionary powers and privileges that a monarch possesses, typically in constitutional monarchies, but again does not emphasize divine selection. Feudal Obligation relates to the reciprocal responsibilities and relationships between lords and vassals in the feudal system, which is separate from the religious justification for monarchical rule. Thus, the Divine Right of Kings is the most accurate description of the belief in divine selection for monarchs.