Jude 2

I have found this to be an interesting thought. Yes, I know that the word theocracy does not exist in the bible, however I believe it is a Bible principle and all Christians live by it. So can an organization, group, or whatever have a theocratic form of government and not have true/pure theocracy?

Amuse me please!

Have to think on that one some, I really don't know, initial reaction was no, but possibly following the form?

IN a Pentecostal world where every Pentecostal believer gets their OWN version of what Thus saith The Lord (evidenced by dueling messages and Interpretations in various assemblies), THEOCRATIC government is a farce, an ABSOLUTE imposibility.


If theocratic government was a Biblical Principal two things would not have occured in the NT:

1) Lots would not have had to be cast in order to choose Judas successor.

2) Paul would never had butted heads with Barnabas, the govenor would have governed.
The immediate objection to this would be but we all don't hear God perfectly and there you have made the objection yourself in defense.


Another question to consider:

Where was the principal of Theocratic government of a People at the time of Jesus arrival on the Religious scene?

The Jewish religious system was so corrupt they did not even recognize the hand of the creator in their own midst.

How can such a state have existed among GODS CHOSEN PEOPLE if they were being "Governed theocraticly"?

Actually,

All claims to Theocracy would relate to a Theocratic form at present. A true/pure Theocracy would be more than a form of government when one consider the attributes of God (omni x 3). But as it relates to an organized body where Christ is the head, and the scripture is the governing "document" etc then Theocracy though a really Theocratic is at the same time a form of government and has human elements that certainly miss "Theo" at times.


Now, whether I would agree that every "form" of government calling itself "Theocratic" is or not is a different ball game. Consider the Watchtower. nuff said.


But Imagine Theocracy at it's height ... in the millennium.

Poimen wrote:...Now, whether I would agree that every "form" of government calling itself "Theocratic" is or not is a different ball game...

Exactly. the analagy I would use as a similatude: Many "religious organizations" claim to be "Christian".

To merge a couple phrases to make my own: Theocracy is, as Theocracy does. I voted yes for this poll.

I believe that there can be a "form" of Theocratic government, without having a pure Theocracy. I don't necessarily like everything about them or agree whole-heartedly with them, but I do believe that they exist. I think that part of our (anthropan) problem, is that we don't live in these physical bodies long enough anymore to mature to a level to actually understand and live within a pure Theocratic society/government.

Many groups have or have had a theocratic form of government through the years if not presently. Pure or true theocracy ever how you want to say it is just that and may have not been experienced by any of us at all. I believe the early Church experienced it even though they cast lots. I don't know why they did this, but they chose to and I see no condemnation of their behaviour in the Scripture. The Jews during Jesus's life on earth had rejected theocracy and God's Word altogether (except a small minority) so sure they weren't under theocracy.

The Church in the wilderness was under theocracy. Did some rebel? Yep! Were they dealt with ? Yep! Did they reject this leadership and ask for a king? Sure did! The Church over the years dealt with the very same issues. Some wanted to set the Tomlinson's up as kings and sorta worship them as some do say. Others wanted no part of their leadership. The office of General Overseer was never intended to be set up as a kingship or papal type office. I saw it fall into that in TCOG. The assembly is the multitude of counsellors and is to be governed by the head Jesus Christ. If a man takes that authority and privledge away from the multitude of counsellors then theocracy doesn't exist though a theocratic form or shell may be left. in the case of General Overseer he is to just generally oversee the day to day operations of the church and fulfill the administrative duties. He is not the spiritual father, head, dictator, and author of the way that some imply. Can one have theocracy without a GO. Sure! Where is that position at in the Scripture? If James was the GO then show us where he was selected and who replaced him upon his death.

There are three basic principles to theocracy I believe. Without one of the three you can't have true theocracy menaing God isn't leading the whole aka everbody within. I'll go into them later if I get the time.

Please remember us in prayer as we will be travelling to the holy land this week. No not Israel, Cleveland. We will be having our International Assembly. Pray for the meetings as well.

If any would like please join us. It will be held at the Cleveland State College July 30 - August 1. The Singing Goodwins will be present and singing Friday night and Saturday night. I've heard good things about their ministry. God Bless!