‘God’s Great Garden?

I have always been a monarchist, and will not see a republic as a victory. However, there are good reasons for us to revisit these issues while we are not in the heat of referendum debate. A constitutional monarchy continues only by a combination of the sovereignty of God and the will of the people as reflected at the ballot box. Massive sociological changes may unhinge the monarchy from its Christian oath.

Reasons for keeping the monarchy in Australia

1 Our monarch has undertaken a coronation oath which submits the nation to the lordship of Christ and his Word! Whether or not a monarch lives up to it does not nullify the significance of such an oath.

2 A constitutional monarchy is a hedge against tyranny, because political leaders govern in the name of a “powerless” head. Any (rare) prerogative action at (vice)regal level has to force a general election.

3 Nations and society are confederations of families and all families are “hereditary”. An hereditary monarchy may reinforce the continuity of history, especially in a rapidly changing world.

Reasons for abolishing the monarchy in Australia

1 It is a distinct possibility that Britain will change the nature of the monarchy, probably when the next monarch succeeds to the throne. There are several reasons. Not just the Protestant (and Anglican) succession, but possibly the whole distinctiveness of Christianity itself could disappear from the coronation. Christ could be replaced by all faiths. Will the next king be prepared to make a distinctly Christian oath? Will the people accept it?

2 British society (which will more than any other society shape the monarchy) has become very multi-cultural and religiously plural. Mosques abound. How long will such a society tolerate a “Christian” monarchy? Will we as Australian Christians want to be yoked to a quasi- religious monarchy which is bonded to religious pluralism?

3 The monarchy has not always modeled the family values it is supposed to stand for. The Royal Family looks less like a family, and appears to have suffered from the sacrifice of love and affection to the calls of duty. Perhaps we would benefit by short term heads of state, who could retire back into family life after short-term commitments that made only temporary demands upon their families. Or perhaps monarchy can change its culture of family!

Lindsay Johnstone
“God’s Great Garden” is a term used by John Laws (2UE). No cow bell!

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