I designed the flag above. It's so generic that I'm sure I'm not the only person to come up with it or use it, but it's what I envisioned when I thought of a Christian Anarcho-Pacifist flag. The intent is primarily personal, and it certainly isn't intended to impede on anyone's religious, political, economic, or social opinions. Actually, the intent is the opposite. I will outline this more as time goes on, and I make clear my thoughts on a philosophy regarding the nature of my leanings in this regard.
I like the idea of Christian Anarchism. I'm also pacifistic to an extreme. I believe there is never a justification for outright violence amongst people, especially over such personal convictions as religion and economics. The idea that you can somehow push someone into an ideology or belief system through force, I believe, is directly against the intent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though I don't readily have any verses to quote, as stated before, I will provide them as time goes on and I can more thoroughly explain my thoughts on this.
In my opinion, Jesus was clearly anti-state during his time, and God was clearly anti-state in many instances in the Old Testament. At least that's how I see it, given my own familiarity and study of the Bible. I'm not saying that my thoughts and beliefs can't change. Indeed, they do every time I'm presented with something that reasonably refutes my present beliefs. I'm not unreasonable, after all, and I find this flexibility to help further my understanding of God. Without it, I would not be guided by the Holy Spirit, as I would always be questioning whether or not I'm doing the right thing. It's actually this flexibility that has led me to turn my life over to Jesus Christ, the only relevant authority over my spirit and soul.
The more time that goes by, and the older I get, the less I have to question if what I'm doing is the right thing -- I believe this is directly caused by a deeper understanding and familiarity with the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. Scripture plainly explains the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, fair and unfair. If ever I wonder what I'm doing is the correct way, there is always something there to guide my way, or I can rely on responses to prayer.
The idea of Christian Anarchism, Christian Pacifism, and Anarcho-Pacifism doesn't necessarily mean, to me, a complete rejection of authority other than in a human hierarchical sense. For example, I know nothing about building houses. I would trust an expert, or someone who is clearly an authority figure in that industry, to explain and help with that sort of endeavor. Likewise if I were working for a construction company, I would need experts to talk to and learn from in order to manage my ability to work toward a goal. Without that authority present, you would never end up with a reliable framework, let alone a dwelling.
Jesus Christ is an expert on living correctly, and ultimately, the only authority that I feel I actually need to answer to. Likewise, I don't think anyone is required or needs to submit to my expertise, perceived or otherwise, on any manner that would make me an, "authority." This is speaking in regards to religious authority, economic authority, anything like that. I may personally feel I have a relevant understanding of something and offer my thoughts toward it, but I don't feel that force or coercion would be an acceptable or righteous way to change someone's mind or enlighten them in any way. That is up to the individual, and their relationship with the Lord. May they be guided by the only relevant authority. See what I'm saying?
My explanation here is incomplete and clumsy, I'm happy to expound and consider alternative views and encourage discussion around moral and other ideas. I don't believe it's possible to grow without alternate viewpoints.
All glory to Jesus Christ, may he guide me and may I be correct in his eyes. May all of my brothers and sisters in Christ live well, grow in their faith, and fellowship together. May compassion and love guide my interactions with others, rather than prejudice and annoyance, and may we fellowship together to form a better world for everyone.
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