This modern Christian thinks they are cautionary tales for Christians who seek to change the world through political machinations. The Church Fathers, up to Constantine, actually forbade Christians from becoming involved in the political arena, though grudgingly allowed government officials who converted to remain…while keeping a close eye on them!*
We are to be first and foremost servants, not masters, not lords. “Jesus called 9his disciples) together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28
Giving Christians qua Christians secular power is a recipe for disaster. ALWAYS.
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