Feudalism is a political, economic, and social system that emerged in medieval Europe during the 9th and 10th centuries. It was a system based on the division of land and the exchange of goods and services between a lord and his vassals.
Feudalism created a hierarchical society, with the lord at the top and the vassals (knights and peasants) at the bottom. This system became deeply rooted in medieval society and had a lasting impact on Europe's development. However, this system stands in direct opposition to the teachings and values of Christianity, and it is the duty of Christians to stand against it.
One of the main reasons why God is opposed to feudalism is because it promotes inequality and oppression. In a feudal society, the lord owned all the land and had complete control over his vassals. The vassals, in turn, were bound to their lord through a "feudal contract" and were obligated to provide military service and other forms of labor. This system perpetuated the power and wealth of the lords while keeping the vassals in a state of subjugation and poverty.
This stark contrast between the lord's extravagance and the vassals' struggle for survival goes against the biblical teachings of justice and equality. The Bible is very clear about the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect. In the book of James, it says, "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here's a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" (James 2:1-4).
Feudalism, with its inherent inequality and preferential treatment towards the upper class, goes against this biblical principle and is therefore opposed by God. Furthermore, feudalism also promoted violence and warfare. The knights, who were the primary vassals, were required to provide military service to their lords, and this often resulted in wars and conflicts. The Bible teaches us to live in peace with one another and to turn the other cheek when faced with aggression (Matthew 5:39).
Feudalism, with its emphasis on military service and conquest, goes against this teaching and promotes a culture of violence and aggression. Christians have a responsibility to stand against systems that promote injustice and oppression. In the book of Micah, it says, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
Christians are called to seek justice and show mercy to others, and this includes standing against systems like feudalism that oppress and exploit the vulnerable. One way Christians can protect themselves against the effects of feudalism is by following the principle of stewardship. The idea of stewardship is deeply rooted in the Bible, and it teaches us that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to use it wisely and for the common good.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money while he goes away. When the master returns, he rewards the servants who invested their talents and multiplied them, but condemns the one who buried his talent and did not use it for good (Matthew 25:14-30). This parable teaches us that we must be responsible stewards of our resources and use them for the benefit of others, rather than hoarding them for our own gain.
Feudalism also goes against the Christian principle of sharing. In Acts 2:44-45, it says, "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." This model of concern for others, where everyone shares what they have with one another, is in direct opposition to the feudal system, where the lord accumulates wealth and power while his vassals struggle to survive. In conclusion, feudalism is a system that is opposed by God because it promotes unjust inequality, oppression, and violence.
As Christians, we are called to stand against this system and to seek justice and mercy for all God's children. We must also be responsible stewards of our resources and promote a love one for another, in contrast to the humanistic, individualistic and hierarchical system of feudalism. Let us follow the teachings of the Bible and work towards creating a society that is based on love for our fellow human beings.
Your partner,
(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
www.jonasclark.com
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