Statism is the belief that the state or government should have substantial centralized control over social and economic affairs. At its core, statism elevates the state above the individual and grants significant authority to the governing powers. Throughout history and across cultures, there has been much debate among philosophers, theologians, and average citizens about the appropriate role and size of government. The Bible does not explicitly endorse or reject statism, but it does offer principles that can inform a Christian perspective on the merits and dangers of a strong centralized state.
Biblical Principles Regarding Government Authority
The Bible makes clear that government authority comes from God. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” While this does not mean that every specific leader is appointed by God, it does indicate that God has instituted the concept of civil government for the well-being of society. As such, Christians should generally submit to their governing authorities (Romans 13:5; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
However, the Bible also makes clear that the authority of human government is limited. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” There are appropriate times for Christians to dissent and resist an unjust state that violates biblical principles and commands, such as the protection of life and religious freedom (Exodus 1:15-21; Daniel 3:8-18).
The Bible warns about the dangers of living under the rule of a wicked ruler (Proverbs 28:15-16; 29:2). God is the ultimate judge of those in authority, and He will hold them accountable (Romans 13:4; Psalm 2:10-12). As such, leaders must use their power justly, for the good of those they govern.
Jesus distinguished between the authority spheres of the church and the state when He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Both have legitimate God-given roles, but government must not overstep its rightful biblical boundaries.
Dangers of an Overly Powerful State
While government has a legitimate role according to the Bible, an unaccountable state with nearly unlimited power can lead to great evil and harm. Lord Acton famously said, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Throughout history, statist governments that centralized tremendous power in the hands of rulers lacking moral restraint have often violated human rights and persecuted minorities. Statism often minimizes individual liberty and responsibility in favor of collective state control.
When the state oversteps its biblical role and begins to assume authority that rightfully belongs to individuals, families, churches, and local communities, the consequences are often deeply problematic. Some dangers of statism from a biblical perspective include:
- Oppressive laws that violate conscience and religious freedom (Acts 5:29)
- Unjust seizure of property through excessive taxation or outright confiscation (1 Kings 21:1-16)
- Economic policies that limit freedom of enterprise and inhibit wealth creation (Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28)
- Policies that undermine the family, parental rights, and morality (Ephesians 5:21-6:4)
- Propaganda and coercion of citizens to serve state interests over against personal conscience
- Use of force and intimidation to silence dissent and expand state power (John 18:22-23)
- Growth of bureaucracy, surveillance, and erosion of privacy in the name of state interests
Statist regimes often oppose Christianity because total allegiance to the state conflicts with allegiance to God. State powers have frequently persecuted the church when it posed a threat to their ideological agendas (Revelation 13:15-17). An all-powerful state leaves no higher authority than itself and facilitates state-sponsored idolatry.
Biblical Warnings Against Kings and States Gone Awry
The Bible contains many examples of governing authorities that abused their power and governed in an unjust or unwise manner. These accounts serve as warnings about the dangers of unrestrained state power.
The book of 1 Samuel depicts the Israelites rejecting the system of judges God had instituted and demanding a king so they could be like neighboring nations (1 Samuel 8). The prophet Samuel warned them that earthly kings would tax, enslave, and oppress the people, but they insisted on having a king anyway. Their first king, Saul, violated God’s commands and abused his power multiple times (1 Samuel 13, 15).
After King Solomon’s reign, civil war divided Israel into two separate kingdoms: Israel and Judah. The majority of the subsequent kings in both kingdoms were characterized as evil, leading the people into idolatry, injustice, and national decline. Government officials frequently exploited, harmed, and stole from the citizenry (Ezekiel 22:27; Amos 5:11-12). The wickedness of the state eventually resulted in God judging both kingdoms by sending foreign invaders to conquer them.
In the New Testament, Jesus lived under the authoritarian regime of the Roman state. The Romans maintained control through military might, taxation, slavery, and crucifixion of dissidents and criminals. Rome promoted emperor worship and considered the emperor to be a god. Christians faced state persecution because they worshiped Jesus rather than the emperor (Revelation 13:15-17).
These biblical accounts demonstrate how much damage all-powerful, unaccountable states can inflict on their citizens. The state is morally obligated to protect people’s rights and administer justice, but the Bible warns that governments often abuse their authority in harmful ways.
Advantages of Limiting State Power and Decentralization
Because of the inherent dangers of unrestrained state power, many Christians argue that limiting government authority is wise. While the state has a legitimate role, that role should be restricted to what is commanded or allowed in Scripture. Decentralizing power among various authorities and institutions prevents any single entity from gaining too much centralized control.
Allowing individuals, families, churches, charities, and local communities to handle as many concerns as reasonably possible helps guard against the growth of tyranny. These other authorities can often address social needs and disputes in a more equitable, efficient, and humane way than the state (Deuteronomy 1:9-18).
When state authority is decentralized and its powers carefully limited, abuses and oppression are less likely. Division of powers among separate branches and different levels of government creates greater accountability. Placing checks and balances on what rulers can do helps prevent corruption (Proverbs 11:14).
The biblical ideal of virtuous leadership is not easily achieved by massive bureaucratic states. Wise, just, and moral rulers are more likely in smaller jurisdictions where officials personally know their constituents and govern with their consent (Proverbs 29:2; Exodus 18:13-26). Perhaps this is one reason why God instituted Israel originally as a loose tribal confederation with most authority at the local levels.
The Danger of Idolizing the State
One of the most fundamentally unbiblical and dangerous errors is investing the state with divine attributes or allegiance that belongs to God alone. The state is not God, nor should it demand the devotion and submission that God rightly deserves.
Statism historically has tended toward idolatry of the state and deification of political leaders. Biblical warnings against worshiping and serving created things apply aptly to idolizing government (Romans 1:25). The state should not be revered as sacred, perfect, or unquestionable but simply seen as a practical mechanism for fulfilling limited duties.
The Bible also warns against trusting in the strength of horses and chariots – ancient symbols of military power and state strength (Psalm 20:7). While governments have armies to protect against foreign threats, the state cannot ultimately provide security apart from God. Christians should not put their hope in the false salvation of political solutions but in God alone (Psalm 146:3-5).
No human institution merits the allegiance that should be reserved for the Lord. Christians must always remain vigilant against state idolatry and remind themselves that God – not government – is the ultimate source of justice, meaning, and salvation.
Need for Moral Citizens
While constitutional limits and checks on power are important safeguards, the Bible emphasizes that lasting just government depends on the character of citizens, not just wise political structures. The prophet Samuel said, “the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground….Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart” (1 Samuel 3:19; 12:24). Samuel knew that even the best system cannot compensate for unethical leaders and citizens.
Scripture commands Christians to pray for those in authority so that they may govern justly (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Beyond prayer, God’s people can actively shape their society for good through caring for the poor, defending the vulnerable, engaging civilly in the public square, electing principled leaders, and holding authorities accountable through appropriate means. A moral and engaged citizenry is ultimately the best defense against statist oppression.
Cautions Regarding Radical Antistatism
While an authoritarian statism poses many dangers, the Bible does not support the extreme antistatist view that all government is evil and should be abolished. As discussed above, Scripture recognizes government as a legitimate divinely-instituted authority for maintaining order and justice in a fallen world (Romans 13:1-7). There are examples of good kings in the Bible who brought reform, justice, and spiritual renewal to their nations, like King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23).
Wisdom recognizes the dangers of power but also its constructive potential. Christians should thoughtfully engage the political process and advocate for policies that show regard for human dignity, family, religious liberty, justice for the vulnerable, and other biblical values. With wisdom and God’s help, government can still do much good within proper biblical bounds.
At the same time, Christians should remember that all human rulers and institutions are deeply flawed, including even the best attempts at government. Ultimately, complete justice and peace will only come when Christ Himself returns to establish His perfect kingdom that will never end (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4). Until that glorious day, Christians can be good citizens on earth while keeping their eyes fixed on the true eternal City built without human hands (Hebrews 11:8-16).
Keys Principles for Christians Regarding the State
In summary, here are some key biblical principles for Christians to remember regarding the state:
- Government authority comes from God but is limited in scope
- Christians should be subject to governing powers but dissent when government violates God’s commands
- There are appropriate separate spheres for church and state authority
- Unchecked state power is dangerous and prone to abuse, corruption, and idolatry
- Limiting government power through checks and decentralization helps prevent tyranny
- The state should not be idolized or assigned ultimate allegiance
- Godly character in citizens and leaders promotes good governance
- Extreme antistatism fails to recognize government’s legitimate role
- Christians can constructively engage government but only Christ will bring perfect justice
Conclusion
The Bible does not exclusively endorse or oppose statism, but it does provide timeless principles to guide Christians’ perspective on government power. Government has a legitimate role in society, but unchecked state authority poses many hazards. While Christians can thoughtfully engage and redeemed broken systems, only Christ will bring the perfect Kingdom. Until then, believers must render to government what is due while only pledging their highest allegiance to God alone.
