Even though the Hutaree are a militant civilian group, which is not inappropriate in our American culture, and that they actively pursued to initiate a violent agenda which is inappropriate, I believe that the more heinous crime of the Hutaree is the fact that they claim to be a Christian organization.
In our post-Christian society of the western world, there are many who claim to be Christian, while refusing to obey God's Word. This rightfully confuses the non-Christian (pagans, atheists, agnostics, etc.) and only results in their disdain for the truth. The group who call themselves the Hutaree claim to be Christian, but they refuse to obey the Bible.
This article will attempt to show why this organization is not Christian by showing what Scripture says, and comparing God's Word to the actions of this militia.
1. All Authority Comes from God
Romans 13:1-41 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
The Bible teaches that all authority originates from God. The primary intent for authority is to resist evil. When an individual refuses to submit themselves to authority, they are rejecting God's Word and are placing themselves in serious jeopardy.
Now, I can hear someone asking, Is God really the source of all authority? What about Hitler or Stalin? And these are really good questions. If you would be patient, I will address these later on.
2. Our Security is in God and Not in Ourselves
Proverbs 3:5-65 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Between 1999 and 2005, I was personally involved with the militia movement. Our group American Militia Network was established to train and prepare other militias around the country by creating a network of resources. Our small "organization" helped others to identify dangerous infiltrators (whether they were lunatics or federal plants), obtain practical training through Col Bo Gritz's S.P.I.K.E. Program, and assist in finding food supplies and equipment in preparation of the coming catastrophe. Though the American Militia Network did not promote or condone criminal actions, we did realize that growing federal government is bad for a nation, and we were constantly fearful of government officials depriving us of our rights.
So, what was our problem? It wasn't in our preparation, because Proverbs 22:3 tells us that "a prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself....". It was because we took our eyes off of God and placed it on our surrounding situation.
In Matthew 14:24-33 is the popular story where Jesus comes to the disciples, walking on the water.
Matthew 14:24-3324 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
One of the events that really grips me is not just the fact that Jesus was actually walking on top of the water, but that when Peter asked to join the Lord, he walked on the water too (vv 28-29)! Ole' Peter climbed out of the boat, and while he kept his eyes on Jesus, he could walk on the water. The problem came when the fisherman took his eyes off of the Lord and put it on his surroundings that Peter began to sink! This is the very problem that we had, and that the members of the Hutaree as well as most (if not all) militia movements have. The Devil gets us worked up and scared over current events and what do we do? We take our eyes off of Jesus and start worrying about the waves crashing around us.
2 Timothy 1:77 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
That "spirit of fear" which permeates the militia movement is not originating from God, but from those who would get the believer off-track.
So, is it wrong to prepare for catastrophes? No, not at all.
Proverbs 22:33 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
But our preparation should never supersede God's command to obey the authorities over us, and to keep our trust in the Lord!
2 Chronicles 16:99 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him....
God delights in showing Himself sufficient to those who trust Him. What better way for God to reveal Himself than through trials? Sure, we can set aside resources in case of trouble, but our security should never be in our materialism, but in God. I myself have a well-stocked pantry, and being in Idaho, I own several "tools" to defend myself, but my security is not in my supplies or skills. My security is in the Lord.
And what about obeying all authority issue? Adolf Hitler was the authority of Nazi Germany during the 20th century and Joseph Stalin was the authority in the former Soviet Union. Are you saying we should obey governments even though we know they are corrupt?
The answer is yes... and no. Please allow me to explain.
Romans 12:1818 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.1 Timothy 2:1-21 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
We must be constantly on our faces before God, praying for our government. Why? So that they will make the right decisions and that we might live peaceably under their authority.
But what if they start doing evil? What should the Christian do if we are forced to choose between obedience to God and obedience to man? In Acts 5 (starting at verse 16), the apostles were faced with the exact same problem. They were dragged before the ruling elders of Judea and commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus. Peter's response was clear,
Acts 5:2929 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
When it comes down to either obeying God or obeying man, the Christian must always follow after God. Even if it means their ruin!
The apostle's rightfully chose to obey God and keep on preaching about Jesus Christ. Many of them suffered terribly, even being put to death, but they continued to obey God's Word.
The issue of sodomy is growing more each day. Though many like to call it an "alternative lifestyle", God calls it sin. In today's culture there is a strong movement to silence any form of public condemnation for this form of wickedness, even to the point where laws might be passed in order to stop those who are against sodomy. So what should a Christian do? We ought to obey God, rather than man. We preach God's Word (2 Tim. 4:2), and quietly submit to the consequences. The Bible teaches us not to resist evil,
Matthew 5:3939 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Are we not to trust God for our provision and protection? Yes!
Is not God greater than Caesar? Yes!
But, does God keep us from all suffering? No.
Look at the lives of the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. Look at the terrible persecutions of Christians throughout time. God does permit bad things to happen to His own, but He gives us the grace to go through these tribulations! The government might just pass laws attempting to muffle God's Word regarding sodomites, but it will fail. The real Christian will be willing to suffer persecution for the sake of God's Word. We won't resist evil, but we also will not submit to evil.
Conclusion
So, is the Hutaree a Christian militia? No, they are not. Though they might have Christians within their organization, it doesn't mean they are behaving like a Christian by the very fact that they are disobeying God's Word.
If the Hutaree have broken the law, they must suffer the consequences of their actions. There is absolutely no excuse to murder and create chaos. It's not scriptural and if they intended to do so, they ought to be ashamed of themselves and repent.
