tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6476868488396853824.post3945740956295144815..comments2023-06-17T15:46:23.163+01:00Comments on Woodbrooke Good Lives Blog: Ideas to revisit (1) - anarchismUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6476868488396853824.post-40329387019911234432012-04-17T21:49:06.904+01:002012-04-17T21:49:06.904+01:00Quakerism probably has most in common with the ...Quakerism probably has most in common with the 'Christian Anarchism' of Leo Tolstoy (eg in his book 'The Kingdom of God is Within You'). Tolstoy rejects State institutions, (including State religion) on the basis of their support for and practice of violence and oppression, and the impossibility of reconciling this with Christ's teaching of forgiveness and love of enemies.<br />There certainly seems to be a strong anarchist influence on contemporary movements such as Occupy, which are very much based on 'bottom-up, self-governing associations' and consensus decision-making. <br />I do have some reservations about the usefulness of this approach to political organising. It seems to rely on the assumption that humans are naturally good at getting on together, and only need oppressive authority to be removed to create just societies. There are plenty of societies around the world where oppressive State structures have been removed, and the most ruthless and aggressive groups have simply moved into the vacuum. Some of the refugees I have met from countries with 'failed States' have expressed their joy and relief at being in a country with a functioning rule of law, despite all of our system's inequities.<br />The early Quaker approach to the State accepted its authority to 'wield the Sword' to maintain public order, while openly refusing to obey any law or command that infringed the 'Light in their consciences' (and accepting the consequences). <br />Thanks for this post, and for all your work and ministry.Craig Barnetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16201061939693242954noreply@blogger.com