RSSEdmund Burke as Christian Statesman W.H. Chellis …
Edmund Burke as Christian Statesman
W.H. Chellis
Yesterday, I suggested Edmund Burke as the most important defender of Christ’s mediatorial Kingship over the nations in the 18th Century. Today, I thought I might say a word in defense of that pick.
Ok, I admit it… I was a fan of Edmund Burke long before I ever heard of the mediatorial Kingship of Jesus Christ. Indeed, long before I ever heard of the RP Church. As an avid reader of the venerable Dr. Russell Kirk, I had been “from Kirk to Burke and back again.” So, prejudices admitted (in good Burkean fashion or is that good Van Tillian fashion… I don’t know… I hope Burkean), let me begin the work of establishing Burke’s bone fides as a defender of Christ’s mediatorial Kingship over the nations.
First, thankfully, I am not the first Reformed Presbyterian minister to look to Burke as a champion of our principles. David McAllister, RP minister, editor of the National Reform Association’s Christian Statesman,
and author of the book Christian Civil Government helps build the philosophical case for National Reform by quoting Burke’s eminent authority. See Christian Civil Government, pg. 122.
Second, against the atheistic forces of French radicalism, Burke defended the legacy of Protestant Christendom. Those who wish to apply Christ’s Kingship over nations in the context of late (or even post) modernism must learn from Burke’s defense of Christian civilization in the context of early modernism.
Third, against various “social contract” theories, from the trite and silly (John Locke & co.), to the alarming and dangerous (J.J. Rousseau/ Thomas Paine & co.), Burke defended a truly organic and covenantal
foundation for society and civil order. What Kirk called the “community of souls” deserves particular attention by those committed to covenant theology. (Much more to come on that when we get to the duty of nations to confess Christ)
Finally, I will let the old master speak for himself:
“We know, and what is better, we feel inwardly, that religion is the basis of civil society, and the source of all comfort… We know, and it is our pride to know, that man is by his constitution a religious animal; that atheism is against, not only our reason, but our instincts; and that it cannot prevail for long. But if, in the moment of riot, and in a drunken delirium from the hot spirit drawn out of the alembick of hell, which in France is now so furiously boiling, we should uncover our nakedness by throwing off that Christian religion which has hitherto been our boast and comfort, and one great source of civilization amongst us, and among other nations, we are apprehensive (being well aware that the mind will not endure a void) that some uncouth, pernicious, and degrading superstition, might take place of it.”
From the Reflections on the Revolution in France, Select Works of Edmund Burke: Vol. 2, Liberty Fund (1999), pg. 185-186.
Noah Bailey
June 2nd, 2006 at 6:35 pm
Here is an energetic amen to the challenge to take up the standard and call of proclaiming and asserting the reign of King Christ. The Scottish tradition, while maintaining a strong biblical root, has undoubtedly forgotten the essential need and nature of cultural engagement. The precious truths of the reformed faith - and especially that of Christ mediatorial kingship - have too long been the exclusive province of localized clans. It is time that reformed folk awake and, as Gandalf said of the Ents, find themselves strong.