David Lipscomb
Read or download the book here
The contents of Civil Government: Its Origin, Mission and Destiny, and the Christian’s Relation to it were originally published as separate parts in the Gospel Advocate from 1866-1867. They were collected into one book in 1913.
What the Book’s About
According to Lipscomb, God originally governed man directly, in the garden of Eden. After this, god governed indirectly: by prophets, judges, and natural law in the form of the Mosaic laws. Civil, or human government began with Nimrod at the rebellion at Babel. All existing states descend from this rebellion.
At some point, Israel demanded a king. God granted it to them, knowing it would be bad for them, as a punishment*. The very existence of human government is a punishment upon the wicked who wanted such government. Civil government is a curse upon the wicked.
The kingdom of God is to grow and crush all states under it. When Christ returns, Divine government will be reinstated, and all civil government will be destroyed.
Lipscomb further demonstrates that a Christian ought not be involved in government in any way.
A short review
Everyone ought to read this book.
That’s about all I have to say.