Anarchy Revisited

Previously, I had explained my thoughts on why I had considered myself an anarchist.

After further reflection, this idea must be revised. Anarchism is not compatible with the Church.

My previous thoughts were based on ideals, and I had found the existing description of a form of anarchist thought to fit ideas on the subject.

However, anarchism is fundamentally against the Church. The ideas outlined in the previous post, A Catholic Anarchist, are largely the same, except that government is fundamentally necessary. How this government is organised does not matter as long as it fulfills its purpose.

Here is an excerpt of the Catechism of Saint Pius X‎ about the Fourth Commandment:

8 Q. What is Civil Society?
A. Civil Society is the union of many families under the authority of one head for the purpose of assisting each other in securing their mutual perfection and temporal happiness.

9 Q. Whence comes the authority which rules Civil Society?
A. The authority which rules Civil Society comes from God, who established it for the common good.

10 Q. Are we under any obligation to obey the authority that governs Civil Society?
A. Yes; all who form part of Civil Society are bound to respect and obey authority because that authority comes from God and because the common good so demands.

11 Q. Are all laws imposed by the Civil Authority to be respected?
A. Yes; in accordance with the command and example of our Lord Jesus Christ, all laws imposed by the Civil Authority are to be respected, provided they are not contrary to the law of God.

12 Q. Have those who form part of Civil Society any other duties besides respect and obedience to the laws imposed by authority?
A. Besides the obligation of respect and obedience to the laws, all those who form part of Civil Society are bound to live in peace, and to endeavour, each according to his means and ability, to render that society virtuous, peaceful, orderly and prosperous.