Are family and state properly considered different spheres?

[SRoper]

Are family and state properly considered different spheres, or is the state an extension of some sort of the family? If they are different spheres, did the distinction evolve over time or was it there at the beginning? What are some of the implications of the various views of family and state?

 

[Peairtach]

Toward a Theology of the State*

The above is an article by John Frame that indicates that the state is the head of the family that is the nation. Although that is true, I don't see how that should affect the fact that there are and should be godly and biblical limitations on the state's sphere of responsibility, power and prerogative, and in relation to the family, and the individual and the church.

 

[Peairtach]

The power of the family has been broken by the modern state, by among other things, taxation e.g. death duties/inheritance tax in the name of egalitarianism and to flatten possible rival power centres to the state. This is all part of a wrong-headed socialism, that thinks that people can't be happy unless the standard of living is similar throughout society.

It doesn't make for a strong and dynamic society but a bland, grey and standardised society. In a more Christian order of things there would be more strong families, extended families and clans with multi-generational wealth.

The nation as a family has been devastated - e.g. in Britain, since WW II - by uncontrolled immigration, multi-culturalism and multi-faithism. Also in Britain, the head of the family that is the nation, the state, has had its sovereignty restricted and traduced by the European Union.

It serves us right. There was little or no thanks to God, and no turning back to Him, after the tragedy and deliverance of WW II.