This much is certain: governments are either instruments of God’s anger or instruments of God’s wrath, and the less we have of government the better we shall be.
Wow, this piece certainly delves into the deep end of political theology! 😮 The idea that governments could be manifestations of God's anger or wrath is quite thought-provoking. While it may not be a viewpoint shared by everyone, it's a testament to the enduring power of faith to shape our understanding of the world around us.
Your summary really highlights the need for personal and communal morality as a foundation for a better society, and that this, ultimately, should take precedence over reliance on human government.
Politically, I have for many years been of a libertarian persuasion. The political lunacies we’ve seen in recent years have only intensified that stance.
The tensions between individual freedom and the power of government are timeless themes, and your libertarian leanings likely reflect a conviction that personal autonomy should be safeguarded against state intrusion.
Do you believe that libertarianism has more relevance today, given the increasing concerns around authoritarianism in many parts of the world? Or perhaps you see it as a constant guard against creeping state power in any era?
It has long been my belief that when we follow God’s Law, man’s laws are superfluous, and when we reject God’s Law, man’s laws are irrelevant.
With that in mind, the libertarian stance is the “natural” position. It is how society should be, where every person is free to choose for themselves how they will live their lives, how they will serve God—or not—and how they will delineate right from wrong.
We may know from 1 Samuel 8:7 that God is certainly king enough for any man, and when we establish earthly authorities we are at least in a sense rejecting His authority.
It is not that I see libertarianism as a defense against the creeping intrusion of the State into our lives. Rather, I see libertarianism as the goal for which we should constantly strive. Taking a cue from Henry David Thoreau in his famous essay “Civil Disobedience”, I very much believe “that government is best which governs not at all” and I believe the proper direction for any society to move as regards its government is the direction of no government, no State.
Our human imperfections, alas, are things against which we must imperfectly guard. And so we end up with governments exercising earthly authority over us. But that reality just makes government, as I said, testaments to our moral weakness, not our moral strength.
We should apprehend all government on that basis, and make our choices regarding government accordingly.
Your piece has a resounding clarity, as you link the values of libertarianism back to the concept of following God's Law. It’s an intriguing proposition—that when we adhere to divine principles, man-made laws are moot, and when we reject God's Law, human rules become inconsequential.
Your interpretation of the biblical account of 1 Samuel 8:7 adds another compelling layer to this discussion. It highlights the potential conflict between earthly authorities and divine sovereignty, which is a poignant consideration when exploring societal structures and values.
Once again, you have expressed a dilemma so eloquently and succinctly that it’s astounding. Thank you, Peter.
We are endlessly torn between ‘forgive and forget’ and ‘all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing’. Yes, let’s continue to protect the innocent by standing firmly for justice. We must keep the means - such as our Second Amendment rights - to safeguard liberty. But in personal encounters, and societal framing, let’s error on the side of kindness.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” - - - John 13:34
You’ve got the right idea, Peter. It’s why I continue to support your ministry with my little drips of contributions. Bless you always!
A conclusion right up my alley: “the less we have of government the better we shall be”
Wow, this piece certainly delves into the deep end of political theology! 😮 The idea that governments could be manifestations of God's anger or wrath is quite thought-provoking. While it may not be a viewpoint shared by everyone, it's a testament to the enduring power of faith to shape our understanding of the world around us.
Your summary really highlights the need for personal and communal morality as a foundation for a better society, and that this, ultimately, should take precedence over reliance on human government.
Thanks again!
Politically, I have for many years been of a libertarian persuasion. The political lunacies we’ve seen in recent years have only intensified that stance.
The tensions between individual freedom and the power of government are timeless themes, and your libertarian leanings likely reflect a conviction that personal autonomy should be safeguarded against state intrusion.
Do you believe that libertarianism has more relevance today, given the increasing concerns around authoritarianism in many parts of the world? Or perhaps you see it as a constant guard against creeping state power in any era?
This is a theme I have touched on previously.
https://blog.petersproverbs.us/p/no-king-in-israel-no-king-required-then
It has long been my belief that when we follow God’s Law, man’s laws are superfluous, and when we reject God’s Law, man’s laws are irrelevant.
With that in mind, the libertarian stance is the “natural” position. It is how society should be, where every person is free to choose for themselves how they will live their lives, how they will serve God—or not—and how they will delineate right from wrong.
We may know from 1 Samuel 8:7 that God is certainly king enough for any man, and when we establish earthly authorities we are at least in a sense rejecting His authority.
It is not that I see libertarianism as a defense against the creeping intrusion of the State into our lives. Rather, I see libertarianism as the goal for which we should constantly strive. Taking a cue from Henry David Thoreau in his famous essay “Civil Disobedience”, I very much believe “that government is best which governs not at all” and I believe the proper direction for any society to move as regards its government is the direction of no government, no State.
Our human imperfections, alas, are things against which we must imperfectly guard. And so we end up with governments exercising earthly authority over us. But that reality just makes government, as I said, testaments to our moral weakness, not our moral strength.
We should apprehend all government on that basis, and make our choices regarding government accordingly.
Your piece has a resounding clarity, as you link the values of libertarianism back to the concept of following God's Law. It’s an intriguing proposition—that when we adhere to divine principles, man-made laws are moot, and when we reject God's Law, human rules become inconsequential.
Your interpretation of the biblical account of 1 Samuel 8:7 adds another compelling layer to this discussion. It highlights the potential conflict between earthly authorities and divine sovereignty, which is a poignant consideration when exploring societal structures and values.
Your Proverbs have fast become a regular link for https://nothingnewunderthesun2016.com/ on Sundays!
Good insights as usual. Peter
Thanks for the high praise!
Once again, you have expressed a dilemma so eloquently and succinctly that it’s astounding. Thank you, Peter.
We are endlessly torn between ‘forgive and forget’ and ‘all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing’. Yes, let’s continue to protect the innocent by standing firmly for justice. We must keep the means - such as our Second Amendment rights - to safeguard liberty. But in personal encounters, and societal framing, let’s error on the side of kindness.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” - - - John 13:34
You’ve got the right idea, Peter. It’s why I continue to support your ministry with my little drips of contributions. Bless you always!