Christian anarchism: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:19, 20 July 2005

Revision as of 21:22, 20 July 2005

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'''Christian anarchism''' is the belief that there is only one source of authority to which [[Christian|Christians]] are ultimately answerable, the authority of [[God]] as embodied in the teachings of [[Jesus]]. Christian anarchists therefore feel that earthly authority such as [[government]], or indeed the established church do not and should not have power over them. Christian anarchists are [[pacifism|pacifists]] and oppose the use of all physical force, both proactive and reactive. Many Christian anarchists are [[vegetarianism|vegetarian]] or [[veganism|vegan]].

Some have compared ''Christian anarchism'' with mainstream [[anarchy]], but it differs in the belief freedom from earthly authority will only be guided by the grace of God if individuals display compassion for others and [[turn the other cheek]] when confronted by oppressors. Its adherents believe this quest for freedom is justified spiritually and quote the teachings of Jesus, some of whom are critical of the existing [[establishment]] and church. They believe all individuals can directly communicate with God and will eventually unify in peace under this one God.

[[Leo Tolstoy]] (who wrote ''[[The Kingdom of God is Within You]]'' [http://www.kingdomnow.org/withinyou.html] in [[1894]]) and [[Ammon Hennacy]] were notable Christian anarchists. Leo Tolstoy's work inspired [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s [[nonviolent resistance]] movement in the 1930's.

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The Catholic Worker Movement has consistently protested war and violence for over seven decades. Many of the leading figures in the movement have been both anarchists and pacifists.

Catholic Worker [[Ammon Hennacy]] defined ''Christian anarchism'' as:

:...being based upon the answer of Jesus to the [[Pharisees]] when Jesus said that he without sin should be the first to cast the stone, and upon the [[Sermon on the Mount]] which advises the return of good for evil and the turning of the other cheek. Therefore, when we take any part in government by voting for legislative, judicial, and executive officials, we make these men our arm by which we cast a stone and deny the Sermon on the Mount.