In his book Anarchy and Christianity, French philosopher and theologian Jacques Ellul examines the compatibility of anarchism and Christianity. Historically, the two ideologies have been at odds with one another; Christianity upholds hierarchies and power structures while anarchism calls for their dismantling. However, Ellul argues that, at their core, both Christianity and anarchism are founded on a rejection of secular authority. For Christians, this authority is rooted in God while for anarchists, it is derived from the state. This shared foundation makes it possible for the two ideologies to coexist.
Historically, the two ideologies have been at odds with one another; Christianity upholds hierarchies and power structures while anarchism calls for their dismantling. However, Ellul argues that, at their core, both Christianity and anarchism are founded on a rejection of secular authority. For Christians, this authority is rooted in God while for anarchists, it is derived from the state. This shared foundation makes it possible for the two ideologies to coexist.
Ellul begins by tracing the origins of both Christianity and anarchism. He argues that Christianity arose out of a need to create a space for those who rejected the Roman Empire’s secular authority. Likewise, he asserts that anarchism emerged as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism. These two historical events led to a profound social inequality that anarchists sought to redress through their ideology.
While Christianity and anarchy may have different roots, they share a common enemy in secular authority. This commonality makes it possible for Christians and anarchists to work together towards their respective goals. Christians can offer spiritual support to anarchists while anarchists can provide Christians with a much-needed political framework. In this way, the two ideologies can complement one another instead of working against each other as they have in the past.