A Historical Study
This book was originally published 2006. We will soon be publishing the 2nd edition. Also, we recently read the first chapter (below) on our podcast and on our first YouTube video.
Chapter 1 – Introduction
In 1651, an English philosopher and political theorist named Thomas Hobbes wrote a book called, Leviathan. In it he claimed that people are predatory in nature and that they need a larger predator–the State (which he called Leviathan) –to control their behavior.
Do you agree with Hobbes?
Hobbes borrowed the word Leviathan from the Bible, where it is used to describe a fierce sea monster or dragon. (See Psalm 104:26 and Isaiah 27:1). However, Hobbes, should not, in any sense be considered a Christian believer. In fact, it is probably more fair to classify Hobbes as a secularist.
secularist = "The view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education." (TheFreeDictionary.com)
In the Bible, in the book of Revelation (Rev. 20:2) Satan (the devil)–the arch-enemy of mankind–is also called “the dragon.”
The Bible also refers to Satan as:
- “The ruler of this world” (John 12:31)
- “The god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4)
- “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2)
How did Satan get this power?
It was surrendered to him in the Garden of Eden, when Adam & Eve chose to submit to him, rather than submitting to God.
The book of Romans says:
“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey…”
Romans 6:16
And in another place, the Bible also says:
“…The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (referring once again to Satan).”
First John 5:19
And when we look around the world-even over just the past 100 years–we see 6 million Jews murdered in Nazi Germany, 40 million killed in the former Soviet Union, and at least 50 million killed in Communist China. And even here in America (just considering the past two years) what do we see? Rioting, looting, burning, and all kinds of corruption and violence.
People used to quote from the Bible to describe America:
“Righteousness exalts a nation…”
Proverbs 14:34
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”
Psalm 133:12
But people don’t quote those about America anymore.
The Bible does say (in 1st Timothy 1:9) that the law is necessary to control the behavior of unrighteous people. And it says (in Proverbs 28:2) that the less people govern their own behavior, the more government (Leviathan) they need.
In the 1830’s, a Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville came to America to see why our War for Independence had been such a huge success in comparison to the bloodbath of his own country’s French Revolution. He wrote:
“Upon my arrival in the United States the religious aspect of the country was the fist thing that struck my attention; the longer I stayed there, the more I perceived the great political consequences resulting from this new state of things. In France, I had always seen the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom marching in opposite directions… Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power…”
Democracy in America (Alexis de Tocqueville)
In other words, our rulers can be considered a reflection of the health of the spiritual life of our nation. Consequently, then, we can say that any effort to reform our government merely through political action alone must fail.
Take a look back at the old black and white film, The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941) with Walter Huston. Satan’s authority over this world is not limited to sitting on people’s shoulders.
The Bible records something that Satan once said to Jesus:
“All these things (all the kingdoms of the world) I will give to you, if you will fall down and worship me.
Matthew 4:8-9
Make no mistake about it–Satan’s influence in our nation’s seats of power is real–and strong.
Does this mean that all rulers are evil and are being manipulated by Satan? No, the Bible, in fact, gives multiple examples of wholesome rulers: Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Daniel, and Nehemiah.
But it is very difficult to be in a position of power and privilege, and not be corrupted by it. By handing out favors–power position, privilege, and wealth, Satan has firmly established his dominion over our world–and, we no longer have the power (in ourselves) to throw off his tyranny.
Take a look at the Bible again–at the book of Job:
“Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook? …Will you play with him as a with a bird…Lay your hand on him; remember the battle–never do it again! Indeed, any hope of overcoming him is false… No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up…
“On earth there is nothing like him… He is king over all the children of pride.”
Job 41: 1-10, 34-35
The book of Ephesians says:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12
So what are we to do?
About 500 years ago, a man stood–alone–against all the powers of Medieval Europe.
And he wrote a song, the words of which say:
“Our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and–armed with cruel hate–on earth is not his equal…”
And he continued:
“…Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; were not the right man on our side–the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He… and He must win the battle.”
The first step in defeating Satan, and overcoming the tyranny of Leviathan is to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone has the power to defeat Satan.
The Bible says:
“…Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”
2nd Corinthians 3:17
That was true in the Middle Ages, it was true for our Pilgrim Fathers and in the founding of America, and it is true today.
Our next chapter will be about God’s plan for self-government.
