Shalom.
I haven't been on and updated for a while. For that, I apologize.
I guess I haven't had much to write about lately. It seems like I am sputtering out the same stuff over and over again and looking forward to the same people who agree and disagree with what I have to say... It seems like the same stuff all over again. By now, everyone on Xanga knows my view on abortion, gay marriage, pacifism, government, and just about everything else. It just gets old, writing the same thing in different ways. In fact, It is so old, I can't believe we still have the same hot-button issues as we had 10 years ago... Except for the global warming issue, that is...
Anyway, I want to say a little something about what I believe about the church and the government... again... something I always talk about...
If you look throughout history, you will see that anytime government is fused with religion, it causes problems for not only the religion, but for the government itself. Rarely, are the two able to work together.
I am an anarchist... But I believe I am anarchist by default...
We can get into a lot on this topic... about hidden meanings... about hermeneutics, whatever... but I believe that it is very difficult for a person to be a Christian and support government.
Now before anybody goes crazy over what I just said, I believe that supporting government and obeying one's governing authorities are two completely different ideas. I will not support the idea of an unjust war (if there is such thing as a just war), however, I will submit myself to the governing authorities if we were to have a draft and I was selected for "service". That isn't saying that I would go to war, but I would proudly go to jail instead... and that is still being submissive.
People love to argue and bicker about what it means to be in the world but not of it. Some say the Amish have it all wrong because they separate themselves, completely. Some say that there are those who spend their time ministering in bars is being too far into the world. Personally, I respect the conviction of both parties, however, I feel that it is important for Christians to stay neutral to the government. What I mean is, stay submissive, follow the laws, and pay taxes to the government, but don't be involved in voting, any type of enforcement (whether it be via the military or law enforcement), and anything that could put you in a situation where you may have to pick one view over what you should believe as a Christian... and it is difficult, if not, impossible to find an area in government where you would not have to go against your convictions as a Christian. I don't buy into the "voting for the lesser of two evils" mentality... because that way, you are still going against some strong convictions.
That is why I say that every Christian is an Anarchist at heart. It might sound like a contradiction in terms, but it really isn't. Let me explain:
Anarchism is not a rejection of government. It is just an idealistic form of altruism. It is not impossible, but it certainly takes a lot of discipline. So, to go on further- Anarchy is not a chaotic state... not in an altruistic society, anyway. As an anarchist, I can see that the government has authority over me... because I am not blind... I question that authority, naturally... but nevertheless, I am bound to that authority, but ideally, a society based off of altruism and self-motivation is the key to success in a state of Anarchy... which in all reality, this is what extreme conservatives would like to see more of, anyway. The problem is, most people want to see a person who has authority, like a president or a king, or what have you. But if we read the book of Judges, we will see that it was never God's intention for His people (Jew or Christian [I believe it can pertain to both]) to have a ruler other than Him.
One of my all time favorite quotes is from a Christian Anarchist named, Ammon Hennacy.
"An Anarchist is anyone who doesn't need a cop to tell him what to do."
and another one like it,
"Oh, judge, your damn laws: the good people don't need them and the bad people don't follow them, so what good are they?"
If you ask me, he raises a good point... because ideally, if we were all Christians, and we were all holding each other accountable, we really wouldn't need governing authorities. And even in the stage of life we are in right now, we still don't. I believe that God's justice is over all of us... in one form or another... and I will not limit the power of my God... because I know he isn't tucked away safe in a little box... because my God sees all, hears all, and knows all... and I know that those who will make him angry will see his wrath in some form. If this is the nature of my God, what more do we need?
A good website someone pointed out to me the other day: www.jesusradicals.com
Check it out. They even have a section about Christian Anarchy!
Comments (4)
I may not agree with you wholeheartedly on some issues, but I not only don't support the multiplicity of laws that governments enact, I also often speak out against governmental involvement in private affairs such as business and religion. The best scenario would be to have lawmakers meet once a year for one week, but be paid all year for NOT enacting any more laws. We are on the same page in this.
When anarchist comes into play return target sorcery from your graveyard to your hand.
@Justin_DeBin - Bahaha.
I agree man. Personally I'm tired of being chastised by the church for believing it either. If we're not bending over for the government, then we are not Christian apparently.
When did Jesus ever submit to the government during his time when he knew they were doing wrong? Jesus was the biggest revolutionary of his time, and he didn't even need to lift a finger against them. His non-violent tactics were incredible.
Agreed...
I pray that God would reveal the places in my life where I rely on the government and consumerism to rule my life rather than trusting him for my needs.
You're starting something James, servant of Christ.