Feudalism in the Christian World

Feudalism in the Christian World

By: Irnawan Silitonga

Because of a certain recent case, many people have begun talking about ‘feudalism’. This made me wonder—does the Christian world also represent a kind of feudalism? To avoid misunderstanding, we need to first align our understanding of what feudalism actually means.

According to the Indonesian Dictionary, feudalism has several meanings: first, a social or political system that grants great power to the nobility; second, a social system that glorifies rank or position rather than achievement; and third, a medieval European social system characterized by great power being held by landowners. When we look on the internet, many people connect feudalism with colonialism or even slavery. Historically, the feudal structure did indeed serve as a tool for colonizers to exploit the “common people” for their own benefit. Hence, people often speak of feudalism in a very negative light.

The question is: does such a feudal system also exist in religion? Of course, I will limit my discussion to Christianity, as stated in the title above. If we reflect carefully, what sustains the existence of a feudal system? I believe the answer is ‘hierarchy’. Without hierarchy, there could be no feudalism. Feudalism requires ‘power’ to be concentrated in certain groups, while others occupy lower positions and must submit to those in authority. Historically, kings (rulers) owned all the land, while the common people worked that land for the king’s benefit. Clearly, this is a hierarchical system—the one at the top holds supreme authority, while those at the bottom become “servants” who must obey the commands of their superiors.

So again we ask: does a feudal system exist within Christianity? Perhaps we should examine Matthew 23:1–12, because in this passage Jesus speaks about “Moses’ seat,” which seems connected to a feudal system. Notice in Matthew 23:1 that Jesus addresses two groups of people: ‘the crowds’ and His disciples. To the crowds, Jesus firmly instructs them to obey and do everything the scribes and Pharisees teach (verse 3). Why is that? What if the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees is not right? Yet Jesus still says their teaching must be followed—but not their actions. The reason is clear: the scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat (verse 2). Of course, “Moses’ seat” doesn’t refer to an actual chair once used by Moses, but rather to ‘Moses’ authority’, which the scribes and Pharisees held. Thus, Jesus teaches that the people must not rebel against the authority of their leaders.

Jesus never taught anyone to rebel against leadership authority. However, what’s striking in this passage is that when Jesus turns to speak to His disciples, He begins by saying, “BUT YOU…” (verse 8). Then He commands that no one among them should be called teacher, leader, or father, for there is only one Teacher and one Leader—Jesus Himself. There is also only one Father for the disciples, the Father in heaven. Jesus then explains why there must be no teacher, leader, or father among them: ‘because you are all brothers’.

What does ‘you are all brothers’ mean? It doesn’t merely mean ‘brothers in Christ’, as is commonly understood in today’s Christianity. The context here is about Moses’ seat—leadership authority. Therefore, Jesus’ point in saying ‘you are all brothers’ is that there should be no “Moses’ seat” (no leadership authority) among them—the church. There should be no human authority of church leaders over other members. All are equal (egalitarian), and all must submit to Jesus as the one and only Head of the Church. That is why, in the early church, ‘all members followed the leading of the Holy Spirit’.

However, we know that the church has since split into tens of thousands of denominations (a hierarchical system), where denominational leaders hold authority over their followers (members). Why is this so? Because of the attack of savage wolves, causing church leaders to exalt themselves and draw followers after them, establishing their own authority over others (Acts 20:28–30). That is why verse 12 warns that whoever exalts himself will be humbled—not now, but at the judgment seat of Christ, where we will all be judged.

So, does feudalism exist within Christianity? Absolutely. Every local (denominational) church building has its own ruler, whether called senior pastor, head shepherd, or by any other title. As a closing thought, what if someone “serves” within such a hierarchical system—receiving a salary, holding a specific position under the ruler, being assigned preaching schedules—but then speaks badly about the top leader? Be assured, brother, that Jesus will not defend such behavior. Jesus never taught people to rebel against leadership authority.

If by the grace of God someone comes to see the feudalism within the Christian world, and realizes that Jesus forbids it, thus choosing not to be involved in it, there is only one way—to come out of the system (‘kosmos’) of institutional Christianity and serve God outside the feudal system of the Christian world. There are many people, my brothers and sisters, who serve God outside the system of organized Christianity. Amen.