The Political Implications of the Incarnation

This is a short paper I wrote for Systematics class. It's about the political implications of having a Chalcedonian understanding of Christ. Read "Foundations of Social Order" by R. J. Rushdoony for more information on the subject.

The incarnation, also called the Hyptostatic Union, is the most monumental event of History. The God and creator of the universe stooped to eternally unite Himself with a human nature and body. In this union, Christ’s divine nature is neither diminished nor is his humanity incomplete. His two natures are not mixed together. His natures are distinct but not separate. His body is real and physical. The early church fought long and hard to define and preserve this core doctrine. They had good reason to do so! The incarnation is not only pivotal to Christianity but also to Western Liberty.

With the appearance of God on earth as a man, there are some potential pitfalls that sinful men would like to fall into. One could assert that Jesus is merely God putting on a façade. This makes Christ’s work ineffective and has a profound effect on how we interact with the physical universe. If the matter is evil, what hope do we have for salvation? Is our God an OCD germaphobe too afraid to intervene on behalf of His people? This makes God distant and impersonal. The role of God being left empty, the state gladly steps in to fill it. If God cannot save us, only our collective volition (the state) can.

Perhaps I want to entirely deny Christ’s divinity? Well, now Christ is merely a righteous man. How about Christ is a good man who was inhabited by Christ’s spirit? These both lead us to conclude that we can attain equal or greater status with Christ. However, if Christ is only a man, why cannot other men be worshipped? The State can easily force it’s way into the role of a divine institution full of righteous Jesus level men. This too, is incredibly dangerous and men of all political stripes have used this for ages. The divine right of kings and the doctrine of ex cathedra concerning popes are just two pervasive and dangerous ideas that flowed logically from this belief. This doctrine gives a ruler divine fiat to run amok without accountability or opposition. These doctrines, called Arianism and Nestorianism, are detestable errors that have disastrous consequences. Sinful men cannot be allowed to do as they please without opposition. Christianity provides a foundation for the distrust of human rulers.

With a proper understanding of the Incarnation, we put the government in it’s proper role in society. In a world without God, the hierarchy of the universe is corrupted. Without a God to save us, who will? This creates a divine vacuum that the State will gladly fill. Statism is the logical end of a denial of Chalcedonian Christology. However, once you understand the true transcendent and human nature of the Savior, the State is put in it’s proper place. God provides a divine savior and yet, one who can sympathize with our infirmities. Since God has provided a savior, the State need not fill that role. Indeed, it cannot and should not. It was designed and instituted by God and is thus valuable, but being our savior is not it’s function. Our collective reason and volition cannot provide salvation. When Christ is a man, he is our savior. When Christ is God, the state is not.

God Bless,

Stanley