Home

Uncommon Sense

There is a bit of word play in the title of this post, but the core meaning is clear. There is no place for democracy in the Bible. Adam Nicolson says in his book God’s Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible, “The condition in Eden had been one of obedience; a steeply raked social structure was ordained by God; and so crawling to the great could be holy in England too.”

This is not just a remnant of the Old Testament replaced by the New Testament by Christians. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans says quite straightforwardly: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers for there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation.” It is obedience all the…

View original post 286 more words

5 thoughts on “God is No Democrat”

  1. The author makes a valid point, Robert. Christianity, like its half-brothers Judaism and Islam, is authoritarian in the execution of its precepts. The early days when the Church and State were one brought us the Dark Ages and mountains of abuse within the Church.

    My greatest difficulty in living the religious life as a Catholic nun was not my Vow of Chastity; it was the Vow of Obedience – obedience to God’s will as “discerned” by the Catholic Church and my religious superiors. I raise this issue in my yet-to-be-published novel, The Twisted Circle, about a young nun’s journey to self-determination in a patriarchal Church and under an autocratic government. Your post, added to the #MeToo Movement, reaffirms my belief that my story is very relevant to our time.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Though not trying to flatter, I am consistently impressed with your keen and eloquently delivered insights. Your personal perspective on this issue is most relevant, and I’m greatly anticipating publication of The Twisted Circle – which I would be eager to write a review on. Will you announce its availability on your blog?

      Spirituality, to me, is very personal. The existential questions of our humanity are incredibly fascinating and compelling. I appreciate and respect all points of view. There is much to be learned in such discussions. Perhaps more than anything else, it distinctly defines us.

      Institutional religion, on the other hand, is different. As you noted, it is more often about exercising social control. I think Lord Acton’s axiom is fitting: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Thanks for your kind compliment, Robert. With regards to my novel, I’m presently discouraged with the number of rejection letters I have received to date from literary agents I’ve contacted for representation. “Not a good fit for me,” they all say. Looks like I’ll have to consider self-publication.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.