Christ is All: Frank Viola Audio
Jun 23, 2026 · 51 min · 12 segments
To read the full essay with detailed footnotes, go to https://www.frankviola.org/hierarchy.
So where did human government come from? And as a related matter, where did human hierarchy originate? The answer to both questions may surprise you.
Misapplied texts.
Some Christians believe that God instituted human government, and they point to two proof texts to defend this idea.
Specifically, this passage, And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.
I will demand an accounting from every animal, and from each human being too.
I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being.
Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed.
For in the image of God has God made mankind.
There's not one word about government in this passage.
Instead, the text is invoking a God-given rule for humanity.
and there's no specific entity mentioned that's supposed to enforce it.
Genesis 9, therefore, cannot be used as a basis for human government, a political system, a natural law code, or a blueprint for the state.
John Nugent points out that Genesis 9 is God's attempt to limit violence among fallen humans.
The laws are restrained upon human bloodshed by limiting retaliation to one life for one life.
Urban Loft Publishing, forthcoming.
So where did human government come from? And as a related matter, where did human hierarchy originate? The answer to both questions may surprise you.
Misapplied texts.
Some Christians believe that God instituted human government, and they point to two proof texts to defend this idea.
Specifically, this passage, And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.
I will demand an accounting from every animal, and from each human being too.
I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being.
Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed.
For in the image of God has God made mankind.
There's not one word about government in this passage.
Instead, the text is invoking a God-given rule for humanity.
and there's no specific entity mentioned that's supposed to enforce it.
Genesis 9, therefore, cannot be used as a basis for human government, a political system, a natural law code, or a blueprint for the state.
John Nugent points out that Genesis 9 is God's attempt to limit violence among fallen humans.
The laws are restrained upon human bloodshed by limiting retaliation to one life for one life.
Urban Loft Publishing, forthcoming.
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