MM Sunday Scripture
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, or for the praise for them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.
-I Peter 2:13-16
I'm a traditional catholic and a monarchist that lives in Puerto Rico. The elections are next month and it also comes with a referendum that might determine the political status of the island, whether it should be another state of the US, a more independent commonwealth or another independent republic. From a monarchist perspective, should one vote in this referendum? If so, which of them would be better for the monarchist cause?
ReplyDeleteUp to you, I would say, since monarchy is not an option in either case. On the religious front it would depend on how Puerto Rico would be affected by immoral laws passed by Washington and if these would be rejected by the majority if Puerto Rico would be independent (I confess I don't know exactly how much autonomy governments have in the 'American colonies'). That might influence one to vote for independence though, on the other hand, all these being equal I would not like to see yet another secular republic on the world stage.
DeleteThe ESV Bible is interesting, especially the change from king to emperor. :-D Of course, one must take into consideration what authority was in place when Peter wrote his epistle, i.e., the Roman Empire.
ReplyDelete"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:13-16 ESV)
Actually, Mad Monarchist, if you're up for some heavy reading, the English-language book "The Power of Kings: Monarchy and Religion in Europe, 1589-1715" might be of interest to you (it's about 300 pages but quite a bit to read).
ReplyDeleteIt covers the development of the sacred monarchy and of the evolution of the divine right of kings, might make for some interesting thinking.
Thanks for the tip. I want to say I read that many years ago but I'd have to look into again to be sure.
DeleteI like this verse from the New Testament, especially since it holds true for how the revolutionaries act: by using liberty (human rights, democracy and the like) as a cloak for their maliciousness.
ReplyDelete