A Bible Lesson on Monarchy. (1876.)
The book explores the concept of monarchy through a biblical lens, examining the role of kings and queens in ancient Israel. It delves into the responsibilities and limitations placed on monarchs by God, as well as the consequences of their actions. The author argues that true leadership is not about personal power or authority, but rather about serving others and following God's will.
By James Stamers · First published 1876 · Genre: Religious, Political, Philosophical · 2,550 words
First lines
The old theory of "The right divine of kings to govern wrong," and the much-quoted text, "Fear God and honor the king," seem to have impressed many good people with the notion that the Bible is in favor of monarchy. But "king" in the text plainly has the general meaning of "ruler," and would be equally applicable to the President of a Republic. In Romans xiii. 1 -- 3, we read: "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. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. " Without stopping to discuss the bold assertion in the last sentence, we may remark that the real teaching of this passage is that Christians ought to be indifferent to politics, quietly accepting whatever government they find in power; for if the powers that be are ordained of God, or in other words, if might is right, all forms of government are equally entitled to obedience so long as they actually exist. Of course Christians are not now, and for the most part have not been for centuries, really indifferent to politics, because for the most part they now are and long have been Christians only in name; but it is easy to understand from the New Testament itself why the first Christians naturally were thus indifferent, and why Christianity has never afforded any political inspiration. Nothing can be clearer to one who reads the New Testament honestly and without prejudice than the fact that Christ and his apostles believed that the end of the world was at hand. Thus in Matt, xxiv., Jesus after foretelling the coming to judgment of the son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, when the angels shall gather the elect from the four winds, adds, v. 34, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."
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A Bible Lesson on Monarchy. (1876.) is listed on Textopian as an essay by James Stamers, dated 1876 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: James Stamers
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious, Political, Philosophical, Historical, Literary Criticism
- Length: 2,550 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Failure Of Jesus by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- Europe And The Faith by Hilaire Belloc
- On Reading The Bible by Arthur Quiller Couch
- Alphabet And Bayonet by Mary Baker Eddy
- Catholicity And Gnosis by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Genres
- Religious — The text extensively references biblical passages and interprets them in the context of monarchy, focusing on religious teachings and perspectives.
- Political — The work discusses the concept of monarchy, political power, and governance, analyzing them through a biblical lens.
- Philosophical — The text explores philosophical ideas about power, authority, and the nature of governance, questioning the divine right of kings.
- Historical — The work references historical biblical events and figures to support its arguments about monarchy and governance.
Tags
Bible Study · Monarchy · Christianity · Theology · Politics · Religion · Government · Authority · Power · Leadership · Faith · Scripture