Government is a form of idolatry

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Some theists argue that government is a form of idolatry, particularly when the government is secular. This is often a pretext to establish a theocracy based on their own beliefs. This argument is best countered by rejecting the premise that God is something to be relied on. Apologists have adopted a fatalistic attitude in expecting "God will provide" while undermining practical changes that actually could improve society.

Christian views[edit]

"In effect, we allow or permit or volunteer ourselves to become government slaves and they become our masters and thus we lose our sovereignty and thereby make God of secondary importance, presumably because we want a hand-out and government “security”. [...] By surrendering our sovereignty and letting government become our god, we have committed idolatry: relying more on government and man than we do on God or ourselves to meet our needs.[1]"
"Man, however, through his fabrication known as The State, has given himself the perceived right to do exactly that – to define and even take away the rights of other men. In taking this gross license, man thus attempts to dethrone God and replace Him with the state.[2]"
"At other times, however, idolatry is less blatant; it involves imputing the attributes and powers of God to a human being or a human institution and thereby creating and, in a sense, worshiping an imitation of God.[3]"
"The European Union (EU) is a secularist insurance policy for a God-rejecting nation. [...] What are we trusting in for our security and well-being?[4]"

Contrary views[edit]

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

Romans 13:1 Bible-icon.png

Atheist views[edit]

In general, atheists hold a wide variety of views on the role of government. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote that that a state was "a new idol".

"The state, I call it, where all are poison-drinkers, the good and the bad: the state, where all lose themselves, the good and the bad: the state, where the slow suicide of all—is called "life.""

See also[edit]

References[edit]