Chompin’ on Chomsky, Part 2

Shawn McCraney explains his journey to embracing Christian Anarchy, drawing from the principles of Classical Liberalism, which promotes individual liberty and minimal interference from external powers. He critiques modern institutions for replacing these principles with justifiable infringement, leading to forms of control and subjugation, and highlights secular anarchy as a response aimed at reclaiming individual freedoms.

Christian Anarchism challenges traditional Christian authorities by calling out their inability to justify their control, power, and authority, which have historically led to issues like colonialism, slavery, and divisive practices, thus advocating for dismantling these systems in favor of more just and free structures based on New Testament principles. This teaching emphasizes an apolitical focus on faith, highlighting that no Christian denomination—whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant—can legitimately claim authority over others as they fail to align with the core tenets of the faith and lack justification for their authoritative roles.

Shawn challenges the legitimacy of religious authorities and institutions, arguing that these entities lack genuine biblical or spiritual authority over individuals. He emphasizes a subjective faith led by the Holy Spirit, asserting that each person's relationship with God is personal and independent of external religious intermediaries or traditional institutions.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the transition from organized religious systems to a more personal, Spirit-led faith experience, highlighting the idea that true Christian liberty involves an unmediated relationship with God, free from the control of institutional religion. The proposed approach, CAMPUS (Christian Anarchists Meeting to Prayerfully Understand Scripture), embodies principles of freedom, open discussion, and non-hierarchical community worship without formal memberships or imposed doctrines.

Christian Anarchy and Christian Subjectivism advocate living freely and exercising religious liberty, viewing these as part of Classical Christian Liberalism initiated by God through Christ nearly 2000 years ago. This approach critiques organized religion for often being enslaving to human constructs rather than serving God, emphasizing personal interpretation and relationship with God.