RE: Human Governments Are Satanic
Hi John, Thanks for not pussyfooting around the issue, and for your cautionary response, as well as the analogy you've made...
Nevertheless, I'll stick by my guns, backlash or no, unless and until presented with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. While there may be something of a spectrum of "relative goodness/badness," I am not aware of any contemporary human governments that are not flawed at the most fundamental level - specifically, claiming a right (one which I recognize as belonging only to God) to coerce their "subjects" against their will. I see this as tantamount to claiming godhood. States certainly also demand worship, cleverly re-labeled as "your fair share."
There is a very fundamental "libertarian" or "voluntaryist" principle known as the Non-Aggression Principle. I believe that human society can and should be organized on a voluntary basis, and that the initiation of force is in all truth satanic. It has been disguised in all manner of high sounding speech, but I see through it.
I think that you would concede that (not speaking of you) there are humans who are outright enemies of God? Their agenda and "failings" are unquestionably demonic. They are sociopaths. I will certainly agree with you not to characterize your or my failings as "satanic." However, we both know of what pavement the road to hell consists. When we, by our ignorance, are coopted into supporting evil, may God spare us and clarify our vision!
As for the church, my article here is primarily about civil governments... and I have painted the complicity of the church with the broadest of strokes. However, it is a broad brush that, very sadly to me, covers the majority of churches and denominations that I have heard weigh in on the matter in sermon and in writing. The translators of scripture are also complicit. I have come to believe that human governments are the most likely candidates for filling the role of "The Beast" described in John's Revelation, and that typical churches have become "The False Prophet" that urges the people to worship that beast.
What else but worship can you call it when millions voluntarily give over the fruit of their lives' labor to a monster promulgating war, genocide, and suffering around the globe?
I think it's the broad brushstrokes that make me uneasy, creatr. Citing the translators of scripture for colluding with "the Beast" and churches urging their flock to worship it. Some governments have certainly verged on the demonic - I'm thinking Nazi Germany, for one. But I wonder if you would have supported Lincoln in the fight against the abolition of slavery? You see, I don't think it's that cut and dried--and I spent a lot of time in anti-cult and deliverance ministry. I respect your opinion, but respectfully disagree on some of these points, my friend.
I'm always glad and thankful to hear your thoughts, my friend. "One man's countenance sharpens another."
I would have supported abolition, but strongly opposed Lincoln on his mad anti-secessionist agenda. And I think that perhaps the primary reason you may see any clear difference between Nazi Germany and present day America is the blurring lens of modern day propaganda and the focusing effect of historic distance.
Thanks, my friend, for your kind and measured responses. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."
Postscript...
Continuing to reflect on this, my now strongly held opinions are possibly at least in part because of the systematic abuse I have experienced throughout my lifetime at the hands of "the system."
Partly, it is the strong cognitive dissonance of being "schooled" to believe that I lived in "The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave," only to discover such to be diametrically opposite of the true state of affairs when it came right down to governments dictating the course of my life.
I'm sure it is in part my "right-brain" mode of thought that makes me painfully sensitive to the slightest hint of oppression. There are probably many other factors..
Introspective much? Yep... Thanks, as usual, for making me think. ;)
I appreciate you, creatr, for being able to examine the basis of long-held opinions. That's why you're my friend - you are relentlessly in pursuit of truth. And I just have to admire that.
Thanks! :) :) :)
BTW, don't miss @canadian-coconut's recent article about un-schooling. That stuff really resonates with me! If I had only been unschooled! :O I would own the world by now... ;)
ha ha, will check :)