Is democracy Biblical?

[Esaias]

Is "democracy" Biblical? Does God want mankind to have a democratic form of government?

If so, can you prove it using Scripture?

If not, what form of government does God prefer for man?

If you think God doesn't care one way or the other, can you prove it by Scripture?

[votivesoul]

I think the answer is "no".

Democracy as an idea existed at the same time the people of God were writing the Holy Scriptures, from the OT to the NT.

Paul especially only seems to indicate that we are to be submissive to the ordained powers that be, as they are of God (Romans 13).

Simon Peter seems to say the same thing when he writes that we honor the king, the governor, and etc. This is all within the context of the Roman empire.

So, the only activities given in the Holy Scripture regarding believers approach to government only include teachings regarding pagan monarchy and imperialism.

It is silent, otherwise.

[Esaias]

Is there any indication in scripture as to what God's original social structure was, that He originally intended for man?

[thephnxman]

His NAME is Jesus!

THEOCRACY




Brother Villa

[Sean]

Originally Posted by thephnxman

His NAME is Jesus!

THEOCRACY




Brother Villa

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Is there any indication in scripture as to what God's original social structure was, that He originally intended for man?

He seemed to be against the Tower of Babel approach.

Otherwise, the Abraham and Sarah story, eventually leading to Isaac and Rebekah, then to Jacob and the 12 tribes seems to be the original intent of God for how His people are to be governed.

That is, tribal, patriarchal, hereditarial family units, governed by the Most High.

Leading into the history, Judges seems to indicate the idea of a Theological Monarchy with charismatic, anointed agents to assert God's authority was what God wanted.

The "give us a king like the other nations" nonsense didn't originate from God, even though He granted the request.

[Aquila]

There is only one source of authority to which Christians are ultimately answerable, the authority of God as embodied in the teachings of Jesus.

Historically, Christians have denounced the state as they claim it is violent, deceitful and, when glorified, idolatrous. Mature Christians understand that the proper relationship between God and the Christian is the "Reign of God" in which human relationships would be characterized by divided authority, servant leadership, and universal compassion rather than the hierarchical, authoritarian structures normally attributed to most forms of earthly government and religion.

More than any other Bible source, the Sermon on the Mount is used as the basis for a Christian's manner of living. Historically speaking, most early Christians were pacifists and rejected the use violence.

Bible passages to consider:

◾My kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
◾We are to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
◾To seek rule by man is to reject the rule of God (1 Samuel 8).
◾Christians struggle against governments, rulers, and spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12).
◾Honest people are too busy making an honest living to accept political power, so only the corruptible will accept political power (Judges 9:7-15 The Parable of the Trees).
◾The devil offers all kingdoms to Jesus in return for worshipping him.(Matthew 4:8-10).
◾The gentiles have rulers over them, but it shall not be so among *Christians (Mark 10:42-45).

Then what is our social mission? We are to seek to be advocates for justice towards the oppressed, the poor, the needy, widows, orphans, and strangers. We are to challenge the governments and systems of this world to be filled with compassion, wisdom, and mercy. And admonish all earthly leaders to serve as ministers with regards to the people they govern.

I believe that a genuine Christian will generally believe in the following as it relates to the Christian's relationship with the state:

- Radical separation of church & state.
- Obeying laws that serve the common good.
- Practice pacifism.
- Oppose war.
- Oppose serving on juries.
- Oppose oaths.
- Abstain from voting, or vote for the common good.
- Oppose discrimination and oppression of the vulnerable.
- Do not pledge allegiance to the state.
- Oppose church incorporation.
- Oppose state minister's licensing.
- Oppose state licensing regarding natural rights.
- Oppose institutional religion.
- Oppose earthly political partisanship in the church.
- Oppose institutionalized religious hierarchy.
- Embrace communal fellowship.
- Believe in stewardship of all things over ownership.
- Believe in distribution of tax revenues for the common good.

Mark 10:42-45 King James Version (KJV)
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.