Government

When I began to write this essay I had an idea in mind to survey the scripture for guidance on the construction of a God-approved earthly political system.

Personally, I have made a long and fitful journey from mainstream political programming to this point where my political philosophy lies somewhere on one side or the other of the blurry line between radical libertarianism and anarchy.

I confess, I hoped my exploration would lend support to my aversion to any kind of non-voluntary organization.

It is often said that government is, at best, a necessary evil. It seems to me, however, that the amount of government (evil) considered necessary, and the extent of the power it should be granted to enforce its policies depends on the perception of personal gain to be had from supporting the state.

In my mind, the insinuation of evil into any people, regardless of intentions or purposes, will still produce evil.

I still wish to explore what the Bible has to say about governmental structure, but I feel it necessary to expand the question to include how the individual believer is supposed to interact, or not interact, with the world outside the Church.

When I was much younger I was completely co-opted into operating within the system, captured by the idea that I could conform and work from inside and still retain my spiritual standing.

I don't believe that anymore.

In fact, I do not believe that there is any political system which meets God's standards - except the one He has already implemented in the heavenly realms - just as there no scripturally acceptable economic theory for the national government.

So I admit to coming to this examination with preconceptions - I will try not to allow these predispisitions and opinions to color my analysis of what I discover and will try to adapt to what is learned instead.

So here we go, beginning at the beginning and following the trails as they develop.

Hope I can stick with it...and I hope there will be some input from outside to instigate and question.