Christian Anarchy as a Way of Life

What if Socialism, Capitalism, Democracy, Communism etc. are all bad choices? What if as Christians we are called to be anarchists?I don't mean that we go off torching governmental buildings, compose a hit-list of public officials, or even refuse to pay all of our taxes. But what if we, as T said, "If we all happily gave out of our own resources." I suggest that by acknowledging any of the above social structures as the correct way to lead a people, one in turn denies the Church-the living and breathing Body of Christ in the world-its proper role in our lives and the way we understand everything. Socialism, Capitalism, Democracy, Communism...they're all forever screwed because they necessarily seek the good of ONE people or nation. The way of the Slain Lamb--the way of the Church is where I propose we hold a conversation. –Me

ben, truly a prophetic lead into the conversation that is needed in the church today.

i think what ben is saying is faithful to the teachings of Christ and potent in the world of domination that oppresses the imagination that will lead humankind out of its enslavement to the powers and principalities of this world.

To reiterate what ben said, anarchism is not about chaos and violent rebellion or revolution. anarchism believes that humankind are essentially good and therefore will come to a common understanding which will create a community of peace and justice. Violence which is commonly associated with anarchism by the powers that be is the antithesis of the anarchist ideals. To participate in violence is to assume power and in turn dominate another human being. Anarchism is not lawlessness. Anarchism requires that humankind discipline oneself to live faithfully to the common understanding of the community.

Christian anarchism lives by Christ's teaching of forgiveness, contrary to retribution. Retributive action would undermine the community because it estranges the offender by assuming the power to levy punishment. Forgiveness seeks reconciliation. Christian anarchist share, and they work hard because that preserves peace and justice in a community. Most notably Christian anarchism does not seek to overthrow the existing government through the means of a revolution. Christian anarchist communities, like the community of the Exodus and the early Christian church, disobey and suffer under the empire all the while reminding Pharaoh that Christ is saying, "Let my people go." --Paul Reeser