Christian anarchism
Also known as: anarchist Christianity
- 1Asserts that anarchism is inherent in the Gospels.
- 2Recognizes only the authority of God as legitimate.
- 3Rejects the authority of human governments.
- 4Characterizes the state as violent and idolatrous.
- 5Bases its political philosophy on the teachings of Jesus.
Christian anarchism is a school of political theology that claims anarchism is inherent in Christianity and the Gospels.
Connections1
political and religious philosophy held by Ellul
Ellul identified as a Christian anarchist, arguing that the state and political power are inherently incompatible with the radical freedom of the Gospel.
Christian anarchism is a school of political theology that posits that the principles of anarchism are fundamentally rooted in the teachings of the Gospels. Proponents argue that the only legitimate source of authority for a Christian is the authority of God, as demonstrated through the life and message of Jesus.
Political cartoon by Art Young depicting Jesus on a "wanted-poster". First published in The Masses in 1917. Reward. For information leading to the apprehension of —. Jesus Christ. Wanted - for sedition, criminal anarchy - vagrancy, and conspiring to overthrow the established government. Dressed poorly, said to be a ca...Wikimedia Commons; Art Young; Investigation of Communist Activities in the New York Area - Part 7, p.2261, JULY 8, 1953; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons: Category:Christian anarchismThe Deserter by Boardman Robinson . Anti-war cartoon depicting Jesus facing a firing squad made up of soldiers from five different European countries (at that time the US had not yet entered the war). First published in The Masses in 1916.Wikimedia Commons; Boardman Robinson; The Masses by John Simkin; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons: Category:Christian anarchismIn the manner of the classical anarchist symbol, that of Christian anarchism is the letter alpha (A) placed inside the letter omega (Ω). The letters alpha and omega, beginning and end of the alphabet, (AΩ) are the symbol of God.Wikimedia Commons; Lahminewski Lab; Own work; CC0; Wikimedia Commons; Wikidata P154 (logo image) Because of this singular focus on divine authority, Christian anarchists reject the legitimacy of human governments. They view the state as inherently violent, deceitful, and idolatrous, arguing that it usurps the sovereignty that belongs solely to God. This movement seeks to align social and political life with the perceived radical freedom found in Christian doctrine.