Christian anarchism

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Christian anarchism is a movement in political theology that claims anarchism is inherent in Christianity and the Gospel. It is grounded in the belief that there is only one source of authority to which Christians are ultimately answerable: the authority of God as embodied in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christian anarchists believe that earthly authority, such as government and established churches, are illegitimate and should be rejected.

Origins and Development

Christian anarchism has its roots in the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, which emphasizes nonviolence, forgiveness, and love for one's enemies. The early Christian Church is often cited as an example of a community that practiced anarchist principles, living communally and sharing resources.

The modern Christian anarchist movement began to take shape in the 19th century, influenced by thinkers such as Leo Tolstoy, whose book The Kingdom of God Is Within You is considered a foundational text. Tolstoy argued that Christians should not participate in the state or its institutions, as they are inherently violent and corrupt.

Key Beliefs

Christian anarchists hold several core beliefs:

• **Nonviolence**: Following Jesus' teachings, Christian anarchists advocate for nonviolent resistance to oppression and injustice.
• **Anti-authoritarianism**: They reject all forms of earthly authority, including governments and hierarchical church structures.
• **Community and Sharing**: Inspired by the early Christian communities, they emphasize communal living and the sharing of resources.
• **Simplicity**: Christian anarchists often advocate for a simple lifestyle, free from the excesses of consumerism and materialism.

Notable Figures

• Leo Tolstoy: A Russian writer and philosopher whose works have greatly influenced Christian anarchism.
• Dorothy Day: Co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, which combines direct aid for the poor and homeless with nonviolent direct action.
• Jacques Ellul: A French philosopher and theologian known for his writings on technology and society, who also wrote extensively on Christian anarchism.

Criticisms

Christian anarchism has faced criticism from both religious and secular perspectives. Some argue that it is impractical and idealistic, while others believe it misinterprets the teachings of Jesus. Critics within Christianity often contend that the movement undermines the importance of established church traditions and authority.

Related Pages

• Anarchism
• Christianity
• Leo Tolstoy
• Dorothy Day
• Jacques Ellul
• Sermon on the Mount
• Catholic Worker Movement