It is not enough to say, with Jesus (Mark 10:42-45), that we should not be "archists." Jesus does more than prohibit us from being like the Gentile kings. He gives us a positive command as well. The command to be "servants" is the well-spring of social order.
Many who hear a proposal to eliminate "the government" are rightfully and properly shocked, because they feel this is a disregard of important social duties, such as education, care of the poor and elderly, and checking crime. Our criticism of the State is not a disregard of these or any other "civil" functions, but a belief that the State is creating disorder in each area where it intervenes. Our goal is to encourage greater personal responsibility for the functions of "civil government" and ensure that these functions are carried out efficiently and humanely.
Social order is neither created nor maintained by the coercive apparatus of "organized government." Social order is not the result of threats and negative sanctions. Social order begins in the Family. Social order never leaves the home to take up residence on Capitol Hill. Such social order permeates society and expands spontaneously.
Vine & Fig Tree
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Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
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