BY THIS STANDARD-Greg L. Bahnsen

[berkeley]

[Aquila]

A true Christianity will not repeat the oppression and authoritarian quest for power as seen among secular governments. Nor will it resurrect the decayed carcass of the reprobate nation of ancient Israel, nor the old covenant it was predicated upon.

Christians, if embracing any kind of political perspective, would be Christian anarchist.

Christian Anarchism Defined:

Christian anarchism is a movement in political theology that claims anarchism is inherent in Christianity and the Gospels. It is grounded in the belief that there is only one source of authority to which Christians are ultimately answerable - the authority of God as embodied in the teachings of Jesus. As a result it rejects the idea that human governments have ultimate authority over Christian communities. Christian anarchists denounce the state as they claim it is violent, deceitful and, when glorified, idolatrous. Christian anarchists hold that the proper relationship between God and people 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 civil government and religion.

More than any other Bible source, the Sermon on the Mount is used as the basis for Christian anarchism. Most Christian anarchists are pacifists and reject the use of violence.

Bible passages cited by Christian anarchists:

◾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 philosophies, 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 seek political power (Judges 9:7-15, The Parable of the Trees).
◾The devil offers all kingdoms to Jesus in return for worshipping him. He is lord over this world's systems (Matthew 4:8-10).
◾The gentiles have rulers over them, but it shall not be so among Christians (Mark 10:42-45). (Notice that the word for rulers here in the Greek is archos. Therefore some say Christians are by simple deduction an-archos or in English anarchists).

Christian Anarchists generally believe in:

- 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.
- Oppose discrimination in all forms.
- Do not pledge allegiance to the state.
- Support homeschooling.
- Support herbal and natural medicine.
- Support trades and apprenticeship.
- Do not support church incorporation.
- Do not support state minister's licensing.
- Oppose state marriage licensing.
- Oppose institutional religion.
- Oppose political partisanship in the church.
- Oppose institutionalized religious hierarchy.
- Embrace communal fellowship.
- Believe in stewardship over ownership.
- Believe in distribution of any tax revenues for the common good.

Some excellent works from a Christian anarchist position were written by Leo Tolstoy.

Many statist Christians like to point to Romans 13:1-7 as a proof text that we are to obey and be allegiant to earthly governments. Christian anarchists tend to interpret the passage differently. Here's a break down of the Christian anarchist take on it:

Romans 13:1-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 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. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Earthly governments in power are only present because God has allowed them to be so. Christians are not to engage in revolt against earthly governments but to submit with reluctance. To engage in violent revolutionary acts will bring God's judgment upon us.) 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. (Earthly governments serve as an instrument through which God may punish the wickedness of man. Therefore, we should be as law abiding and as peaceable as possible.) 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. (Violent revolt against earthly governments is not God's will, and to begin violent revolt will only scar the conscience.) 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Also, we are to pay taxes so that we can aid in keeping the social order and have a clean conscience before the ungodly state.)

Also, another text under consideration would be Titus 3:1-2...

Titus 3:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

This is interpreted to mean that Christians are to obey laws and authorities as much as is possible, being ready to share Christ and Christ's kingdom. Christians are not to engage in sedition, nor instigate civil unrest. But rather we are to be gentle, showing courtesy towards all people.

This is very similar to...

1 Peter 2:13-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
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 evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Again, Christians are not to engage in violent revolt nor revolutions. We are to respect all in authority, and keep a peaceful and law abiding witness (love thine enemies). However, we are to live as people who are indeed free, not using our liberty to plan or plot insurrection. But rather we are to seek to live as servants of God in the midst of a fallen and wicked world. We are to be respectful of all men. However, we are beholden only to God and Christian community.

Most of this is, in the Christian anarchist's view, an admonition not to engage in armed rebellion, violent overthrow, engage in sedition, launch revolution, or unnecessarily disrespect the tyrants in authority. We are to remain separate from the world. But respectful of its systems. However, through example Paul demonstrated that when the government clashes with the will of God, we obey God over government.

[Aquila]

So, the Christian Reconstructionist is still as much of a "statist" as the most leftwing liberal socialist. Only, the Christian Reconstructionist is brainwashed, with wide eyes, embracing the errant interpretations of equally flawed men like Rushdoony, Chilton, Johnson, and North. Rushdoony and Karl Marx are just human beings with a socio-political agenda to gain... followers. Are you a follower? Will you allow either one of them to interpret something so important? I pray not. Because if you would, you're just another follower of a statist vision of power.

But if you sincerely feel that this society is one that is so sinful you cannot bear to live under its authority... then seek Christian Anarchism. I've considered it. Christian anarchism rejects the authoritarianism of capitalism, socialism, reconstructionism, etc. Christian anarchism is voluntary and communal. Individuals live in accordance to the standards and practices of the community they voluntarily choose to associate with. They live as sovereign sons and daughters of God and seek to be as free from any state interference as they freely choose as individuals. They can be as sovereign as being off the grid entirely... or just as parents who homeschool. There is no force or manipulation of conviction. However, the standards of the community are to be upheld. If one violates the standards of their community, they will be shunned by the community. Standards among Christian Anarchists are typically predicated upon New Testament values and standards of conduct and practice. And, there is no centralized authority defining NT conduct and practice for every community. Each community is to search the Scriptures and voluntarily adopt what standards they wish to embrace based upon what they see and understand in the New Testament.

No authoritarianism. No statism. Not even Christian authoritarianism or Christian statism. Simply voluntary associations and governance by independent Christian community. It is believed that within these communities, the Kingdom of God is made manifest... leaving all strictly under the rule of Christ alone.

Frankly, that sounds far better than the Christian fascism that would be imposed by Reconstructionists.

Unless one's true motivation is to rule over others and execute those who they deem to be "sinners" based on their own interpretations of God's Word. And that my friends is a level of force beyond the vision of Christ's Kingdom.

[Aquila]

Clearly the dumbing down of America has resulted in the rightwing conservative movement.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Clearly the dumbing down of America has resulted in the rightwing conservative movement.

On this, we agree. Because the "rightwing conservative movement" is just another wing of the national Uniparty movement. It's one great big ole turkey buzzard.

Thankfully, I'm not part of any such thing.

Of course, to people like yourself, anyone who is not a flaming communist is a one man "right wing death squad".

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

On this, we agree. Because the "rightwing conservative movement" is just another wing of the national Uniparty movement. It's one great big ole turkey buzzard.

Thankfully, I'm not part of any such thing.

Of course, to people like yourself, anyone who is not a flaming communist is a one man "right wing death squad".

Oh, not really.

My biggest lefty position is healthcare. I agree more with libertarians on the vast majority of other issues.

And that's because healthcare in our nation is already set up as a social service. It's just unfunded and in the hands of profiteers.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Oh, not really.

My biggest lefty position is healthcare. I agree more with libertarians on the vast majority of other issues.

And that's because healthcare in our nation is already set up as a social service. It's just unfunded and in the hands of profiteers.

Healthcare in our nation is a problem because of numerous reasons. Government management is the furthest thing from a viable, beneficial solution. What has the government ever managed that turned out okay?

One of the biggest problems with "healthcare" is that it isn't. It's "chronic sickness management". One of the easiest and clearest solutions is for people to manage themselves properly in ways that actually support health. That would include fewer doctor visits, by the way.

Also, healthcare costs so much largely because it costs so much to become a doctor, they are 100s of thousands of dollars in debt so have to charge outrageously just to pay off their student loans. Medicine has become a for profit enterprise so naturally inflation, profit, and so forth are the prime motivators behind everything. Previously, the church (as an institution) used to train doctors and health care was nowhere near as expensive as it is now. But, the church (as an institution) seems more intent on building bigger buildings and nice big houses for the board of directors, throwing a bone or two to the local soup kitchen to soothe their consciences.

I knew of a Baptist church 25 years ago in Houston, that according to their weekly report brought in an average of some $90,000 EVERY SUNDAY. They built a "coffee shop" at the church for the 20 somethings et al to congregate at (coffee wasn't free, of course).

Think what they could have done with that money instead? It would have been entirely within the realm of possibility for them to train laypeople to become MDs and serve as volunteers at the church, so that the membership could get reduced or even free medical care. If someone needed a 100,000 dollar operation at a first class medical facility, it would take two Sundays to raise the money for it WITHOUT needing to take up a "special offering".

But such things never seem to happen when big bucks are involved.

The solution? Christians need to be Christians, and churches need to take care of their own, and families need to work together to take care of their own. And Uncle Sam just needs to man the borders.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Healthcare in our nation is a problem because of numerous reasons. Government management is the furthest thing from a viable, beneficial solution. What has the government ever managed that turned out okay?

See, I see a mixed bag on that question. Addison needed some very expensive treatments for a life threatening condition when she was younger. Her mother didn't have insurance, but Addison qualified for state programs funded in part by SCHIP. She was able to receive the treatments she needed and she's a viable, happy, healthy young lady today. Also, I have family in Canada. I've also been to Canada, UK, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Christina lived in Ely for a few years and received adequate care there. And, I have a government healthcare plan that is very cheap compared to most, but really good. Lastly, our politicians aren't voting to drop their government plans to pick up plans off the free market. Even the most libertarian of our politicians love their government healthcare plan. I've been able to receive counseling and services through the VA. The biggest problem I had was the attitude of those at the VA. But, they do get a lot of flack from vets, the very people they are there to serve.

Now, outside of these government plans and systems we had an average of 45,000 Americans dying every year because they couldn't afford health insurance to cover treatable conditions. My mom was one of them in 2007. Christina's step dad, Mark, had a complication with a heart surgery which landed him back at the hospital. He ended up waiting in a hospital waiting room for over six hours due to a mistake by the staff when he checked in at the desk. By the time a nurse caught the signs of how serious his condition was, it was too late. Though they rushed him to an ICU and thought they had him stable, he died of internal bleeding. Everyone I know has a horror story from America's healthcare system. From very expensive bills they can't pay to the loss of loved one's over negligence.

Now, I know universal healthcare has horror stories too. And I know that private care has success stories. My thing is cost. Dollar for dollar most people living in nations with universal health insurance pay far less than we do, and they get about the same level of care as the average American.

One of the biggest problems with "healthcare" is that it isn't. It's "chronic sickness management". One of the easiest and clearest solutions is for people to manage themselves properly in ways that actually support health. That would include fewer doctor visits, by the way.

So very true. Several studies I read indicated that most Canadians are healthier than the average American. They have more regular checkups and have a better idea of their overall health than most Americans. This means they are more health conscious than most Americans avoiding many of the health issues we struggle with. In addition, more serious issues are often found quite early compared to Americans. Which leads to less expensive treatments, and shorter hospital stays. Canadians tend to see their family doctor more often than Americans do... but they don't spend as much money or time in the hospital as most Americans either.

Also, healthcare costs so much largely because it costs so much to become a doctor, they are 100s of thousands of dollars in debt so have to charge outrageously just to pay off their student loans. Medicine has become a for profit enterprise so naturally inflation, profit, and so forth are the prime motivators behind everything. Previously, the church (as an institution) used to train doctors and health care was nowhere near as expensive as it is now. But, the church (as an institution) seems more intent on building bigger buildings and nice big houses for the board of directors, throwing a bone or two to the local soup kitchen to soothe their consciences.

That's true when it comes to family practice physicians. But the biggest driving factor to rising costs is... the uninsured. We have millions of uninsured people going to hospital ERs and they are billed, or denied coverage if they have inadequate coverage. They don't pay those bills, or they pay them slowly. And that loss is passed down to us... with fees attached.

In today's world, I wouldn't trust a church with anything beyond home remedies, herbal remedies, or natural medicine.

I knew of a Baptist church 25 years ago in Houston, that according to their weekly report brought in an average of some $90,000 EVERY SUNDAY. They built a "coffee shop" at the church for the 20 somethings et al to congregate at (coffee wasn't free, of course).

Think what they could have done with that money instead? It would have been entirely within the realm of possibility for them to train laypeople to become MDs and serve as volunteers at the church, so that the membership could get reduced or even free medical care. If someone needed a 100,000 dollar operation at a first class medical facility, it would take two Sundays to raise the money for it WITHOUT needing to take up a "special offering".

But such things never seem to happen when big bucks are involved.

The solution? Christians need to be Christians, and churches need to take care of their own, and families need to work together to take care of their own. And Uncle Sam just needs to man the borders.

Sadly, even the institutional church system is nothing but a money making enterprise.

That's one reason why I've always enjoyed house churches.

[Esaias]

Here's a good read on "free government health care":

http://theonomyresources.com/pdfs/Et...hn-Robbins.pdf

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Here's a good read on "free government health care":

http://theonomyresources.com/pdfs/Et...hn-Robbins.pdf

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Is there a specific element to this that you want to draw my attention to?