Are Christianity and Anarchy Compatible?
The protests and riots in Los Angeles have been the key story in the news this week. Depending on who you listen to, these are either peaceful protesters being disrupted by an overbearing government, or it is anarchy raising its public head. I’m not going to delve into the particulars of current events, but I do want to chase the idea of anarchy in light of my faith and walk with Jesus.
In addition to the L.A. riots (er … protests), two things have me thinking about this.
- I just completed The Proud Tower, which painted a picture of life and events that led up to World War 1. In her book, Barbara Tuchman devoted a section to the rise of anarchism in both the US and Europe. There was nothing good, beneficial, or redeeming in the anarchists’ philosophy that sought to undermine all forms of social order, including government. These were notoriously unhappy people who could’ve used more hugs as kids.
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Leo Tolstoy OK, so anarchy is a bad thing, but then Leo Tolstoy entered the picture. Tolstoy is most known for his Russian novels like War and Peace and Anna Karenina. (For you beachgoers looking for a fun summer read, you’ll need a couple of months at the beach to get through these.) Tolstoy was also a huge proponent for Christian Anarchism. In fact, he became the poster boy for it.
Christian Anarchism?
Christian Anarchism claims anarchy is embedded in the Bible. Because anarchism rejects all authorities, like the government and the church (as an institution), the Christian anarchist says we are only answerable to the authority of God. For them, the whole of Christianity is in the simple life Jesus lived and in His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7).
Tolstoy didn’t start out this way. He was born into wealth and nobility. He struggled spiritually and began to give away his stuff, even the rights to his books. (His wife stepped in and nixed that last part. Considering she had thirteen kids to raise, the book royalties would keep Russian Pop Tarts on the table.)
It was during this period that Tolstoy embraced Christian Anarchism. He rejected not only the government’s right to rule, but he also chunked the church’s rituals and the right to tell him what to do.
Christian Anarchism was not new with Tolstoy, but he helped popularize it. And this philosophy is still alive and well today. Here is a brief summation of how they use Scripture.
- “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him” (Judg. 21:25). They fail to note that this was not a positive statement, but an indictment against the people.
- Samuel warned the Israelites of the dangers inherent in wanting a king (1 Sam. 8). Their conclusion: all kings and rulers are bad.
- In the temptation of Jesus, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth (Matt. 4:8-9). Those kingdoms and governments apparently belong to Satan and, therefore, are evil.
- The early Christians shared everything together, both possessions and labor.
- “Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard’’ (Acts 4:19-20).
I could go on, but you get the gist of their thinking. It is another case of highlighting certain passages while downplaying others. Let me modify one statement that defines Christian Anarchism. God’s rule is not our only authority; it is our ultimate authority. Until Jesus returns and sets us His perfect, eternal kingdom, authority figures and even government entities are a part of God’s design.
“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God” (Rom. 13:1).
“Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves. Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Pet. 2:13-17).
Our leaders and authority figures are far from perfect—even in the church. They have done wrong, but anarchy—whether viewed as peaceful or violent—is not the path God has called us to.
“Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1).
“Every good work” includes working with government to make this a better place. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, focus on His kingdom, and seek to help the authority figures He has placed over us be men and women who honor God.
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
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