There are various secular theories as to the origins of government, but among Christians the debate has centered around either creation or the Fall as the primary source of government and politics. This paper will explore the historic debate, contending that government was rooted in various dimensions of creation, but then had further functions due to the Fall. And yes, it does matter where we lodge the source, for an exclusive Fall basis for government leads to viewing it in primarily negative functions of control.
The paper will first explore various thinkers espousing the Fall as the source of government as articulated by Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Howard Yoder. In this approach government was ordained by God to temper and control the fallen threats to human beings and corporate realities. Thus, the functions of government are primarily focused on the maintenance of order. Second, we will turn to various thinkers who argue that some of the major foundations of government and politics arise from creation, including the nature of human beings as social creatures, and the cultural mandate including the establishment of work. In this view government clearly must address order and peace due to human and institutional sin, but it also plays an important role in coordinating civic life for God’s image bearers. Here we will look at the arguments of Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and Abraham Kuyper.
The conclusion of the paper will spell out why this debate matters. A Fall only perspective views the state and politics in primarily negative terms as a mechanism of control to fallen impulses. It also tends to breed cynicism about government, which studies show is quite prevalent among today’s youth. A creation and Fall perspective, gives a much more balanced approach to government and politics, inviting wise and creative perspectives for human life together in communities and nations. It provides a perspective that is neither naïve about life within society, nor despairing about the corporate life of humans, even in their fallen state.