I often refer (or will refer!) to this idea of a ‘population of perfectly formed Christians’, or to an individual ‘perfectly formed Christian’. In order to simplify reference to this idea, I am going to refer to a fictional utopian state I will call ‘Edeny’ (IPA: idɛni) after our original utopian society in Eden. Residents of Edeny I will refer to as Edenites. Adjectival form of Edeny will be ‘Edenic’.
The traits of the Edenites are simple: They are a virtuous people who follow the teachings of Christ to the letter. They are still human, but they respond perfectly to human trials. I might refer to a certain political system being applied in Edeny, and explain the impact it would have on Edenites based on this fiction.
I, of course, do not have a perfect understanding of Christianity, so naturally my description of Edenites will bear all of my hubris and human error. The intent is not to perfectly represent Edenic society, but rather it is to illustrate and symbolize how a perfect society might operate given certain parameters.
The inspiration of this comes from a concept first discussed with a friend of mine: He argued (and I agreed) that a sufficiently formed populace could make any political system work. The real challenge is in cultivating ‘sufficient formation’.
While i’m here, why don’t I create an antithesis to help with our hypothetical explorations of philosophical, theological, and political concepts.
Lets create a land of perfectly unformed people. A land of Anarchy and Instinct, a perfect ‘Dystopia’. Lets call it Anakay (IPA: ænake). The residents will be called Anakites and the adjective form will be Anakish.
Lets draw some parallels, shall we?
On Authority of a Sovereign: Edenites perfectly accept Authority. Anakites perfectly reject authority.
On Truth: Edenites believe Truth is objective and extrinsic. Anakites believe Truth is subjective and intrinsic.
On Morality: Edenites believe Morality is a component of Truth. Anakites believe morality is subjective based on circumstances.
Those are some key elements.
I will be revisiting this concept often. It will expand and grow as I apply it.
AMDG
Times-Dispatch of Vichy Earth 