I am posting this because I feel it could be of use to some people. I need all the insight and opinion possible. ChristianAnarchists@yahoogroups.com
Hey there! I’m a bit curious as to how one can be a Christian and an anarchist… It doesn’t seem to be possible from what I’ve read in the Bible. Feel free to interject though, I’m really interested to hear the reasoning behind it. Below are a couple of verses suggesting that we should support our government: Romans Chapter 13: 1: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2: Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 1 Peter 2:13-14: 13: Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14: or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. According to these verses, it isn’t wrong to be politically active to try to change the things that need changing, but it is wrong to disobey our leaders and to desire to overthrow them. On a brighter note, the power of Prayer works wonders… If we don’t agree with them, we should pray for their enlightenment (and boy, o, boy, do most of our leaders need it)! Maybe you’ll get more reception in the Christianity forum, under Philosophy… It’s a really interesting topic, but I don’t know if it’s Rainbow Family material… No offense intended, dear, I just find this interesting, and I know it’ll get responses in another forum!
Christian anarchy is very much about Christ governing you through working on your conscience. Also, the higher authorities mentioned are heavenly authorities and all men, both the common person and ruler is to be equally subject to those authorities. Also later it says government is to punish the evil doer. Any laws established that infringe beyond punishing those that cause injury or harm are going beyond rightful authority.
That isn't exactly what 1 Peter suggests. It suggests that we are to be subject to all human institutions (church leadership, government, etc.), whether it be the highest ranking official like a president or prime minister, or a lower ranking official, like a magistrate or even the police. David had to be subject under Saul until G-d was ready to remove him from the kingship of Israel. But David prayed, and eventually, Saul was removed, and David was made king of the Jews. I guess that leaves what is considered harmful up to debate. Sometimes, bad ideas can be just as harmful as any violent act... That's just an opinion, though. My opinion and a dollar twenty five will get you a cup of coffee at the 7-11. I guess my real problem with this is that not everyone is a good Christian with a relationship with Him like that, if they follow Christian precepts at all. We have to have some form of government in place so that those who aren't in regular communication with Him don't abuse those of us who are. It would be totally awesome if everyone followed Christ well enough that we wouldn't have to have gov't. I just don't trust humanity that much, from looking at the world today.
