28 November 2009

The Exclusive Kingdom of God

Christian "statists" are an enigma to the Militant Pacifist.

In Paul Green's brief essay (linked in the posting title above), he points out just a few of the gross inconsistencies involved in Christian support of states.

Let us pray with specific purpose (as the great Apostle instructed) that the state may "leave us alone" - i.e., NOT for the state's prosperity, NOT for the state's success, NOT for the state's persistence, NOT for the state's glory, NOT for the state's victory in its wars, NOT even for the protection of the state's agents - let us pray that the state powers that be will "leave us alone" so that we may live a life of honesty, godliness and peace.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (Paul the Apostle to Saint Timothy, 1 Timothy 2:1-3)."

1 comment:

Lee Shelton said...

Very excellent points. I would disagree with only one or two in that I believe God ordains everything, including governments (Romans 13), since he is in sovereign control of his creation. But that's another issue.

I especially liked the comparison of the family and the state. Christians would condemn anyone who kills on behalf of his father, but Christians applaud as heroes the men (and women, sadly) who kill for the state.