After all, we’re not savages. We’re Christians!

Has everyone read the book Lord of The Flies by William Golding? 

Quick Synopsis: A group of prepubescent British boys whose plane crashes on a deserted island are left to fend for and govern themselves. They quickly realize they need leaders and rules (government) if they are to survive. They put together a system “just like the grown ups do” and expect harmony to ensue. It doesn’t. Even with the “grown up” system in place, most become savages. 

Note the progression:  

Chapter 2 – “We’ve got to have rules… After all, we’re not savages. We’re English.” Chapter 8 – “This head is for the beast. It’s a gift.”   

After the system falls apart and children start dying, Piggy (an overweight outcast), says through tears, “We did everything just the way grownups would have. Why didn’t it work?” 

Why didn’t it work? Golding seems to think that rules, systems, codes, etc. can’t save us. Though we put our faith and trust in them, they (like all idols) over-promise and under-deliver. Golding highlights the Christian understanding of human depravity and the need for new hearts, not new systems. However, we really do need systems. God Himself institutes and sets up systems. This presents and interesting tension.

With that said, I have 2 questions: 

1. How does a Christian avoid radical political efficacy on the one hand and nonexistent political efficacy on the other. How do we stay involved and relevant in the political sphere without making it an idol? 

2. How does the gospel and the kingdom bear on these conversations? What system or combination of systems best represents the Christian ideal in your opinion?