Allen Miole Supporter Family Pastor

(Below definitions were taken from Merriam-Webster)
A. Definition of dictate (Entry 1 of 2)Intransitive verb
1: to utter words to be transcribed: to give dictation dictate for the stenographer
2: to speak or act domineeringly: prescribe resents being dictated to

Transitive verb
1: to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record dictating a letter to her secretary
2:a. to issue as an order
b. to impose, pronounce, or specify authoritatively dictate the terms of surrender… the league will dictate policy for all teams …— Alex Yannis
c. to require or determine necessarily injuries dictated the choice of players The weather will dictate how long we 

Definition of dictate (Entry 2 of 2)
1:a. an authoritative rule, prescription, or injunction the dictates of the party
b. a ruling principle according to the dictates of your conscience
2:a. command by one in authority papal dictates

To simplify: To dictate someone etc. Speak dominantly, to transcribe, to issue, impose, announce authoritatively an order, require or determine necessary terms and conditions.

B. Definition of dictator
1:a. a person granted absolute emergency power especially, history : one appointed by the senate (see senate sense 1a) of ancient Rome
b. one holding complete autocratic control : a person with unlimited governmental power
c. one ruling in an absolute (see absolute sense 2) and often oppressive way fascist dictators
2: one who says or reads something for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record: one that dictates (see dictate entry 1 sense 1)
(Synonyms: caesar, despot, führer (or fuehrer), oppressor, pharaoh, strongman, tyrannizer, tyrant)

C. Definition of dictatorship
1: the office of dictator
2: autocratic rule, control, or leadership people suffering under his dictatorship
3:a. a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique Communism and dictatorship
b. a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated rising up against a military dictatorship
c. a despotic state establishing a dictatorship

If you search the Bible for these words (reference: KJV and NIV as secondary), there are no exact words mentioned “Dictate, Dictator or Dictatorship. However, in NIV, the word dictate(d) where initially found in the book of Jeremiah chapter 36 where Jeremiah called for Baruch as transcriber (scribe).
“So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the Lord had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on the scroll.” Jeremiah 36:4 NIV
Prophet Jeremiah introduces Baruch as the chosen scribe for every vision, prophecy and words of God spoken to him (read Jeremiah 36 to 45 on Baruch’s detailed role in the prophet’s life).
KJV however reads what was translated in NIV as “words at his mouth (Jeremiah 36:17)”.

So in context; Dictate is to transcribe, Dictator is simply the narrator and Dictatorship is to dominantly speak, issue, impose, announce with authority a message/order/commands/terms/conditions etc. And to require an instruction either by obtaining from higher authority or the authority itself.

So then, why have we ever came up with Dictator and Dictatorship as a negative effect especially on governance? In Micah chapter 7:3 NIV reads:
“Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire— they all conspire together.”

While KJV relates:
“That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.”

Since my base reference was always KJV, I would then conclude that the word(s) Dictator/Dictatorship were another interpretation invented/evolve by human knowledge for the purpose of simplifying the definition of rule out, commandment with authority (whether abuse of power/office/title), unacceptable terms/conditions by majority, insubordinate to imposed commandment/law(s) etc.
Genesis narrates how God created everything by His word (“and He said… Genesis 1:3”) and how it was written that the “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God - John 1:1”. We Christians are also vulnerable by this epidemic belief that God never dictates… but He does commands, speaks… to the saints and martyrs before and ahead us, it is my strong belief that they have fought a good battle just because they submit to the almighty’s instruction… or in today’s term “As God dictates”.

November 03 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Frederick Thomas Supporter Rom 3:4 ...let God be true...

Dear Charly Oswald J.Varas,

What does the bible say about dictatorship? Dictatorship to me has no scriptural approval today. This question may be asked by a concerned person who feels Christians abuse others with authority that belongs to God alone. 

1Pe 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 
1Pe 5:4 And when the CHIEF SHEPHERD appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Mat_23:8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.

God’s word is the final authority over every authority in the world and we are tempted to boss others around with it. Peter and Paul cautioned us not to preach the word of God viciously even though if we do we will still be speaking the truth but not in love Eph 4:15. 

Peter’s instruction is: convey the word gently and with respect.
1Pe 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 

Paul’s instruction is: convey the word with gentleness, patience and meekness, 
2Ti 2:24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  when wronged,
2Ti 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 

Why Peter and Paul would even mention respect, gentleness, meekness and patience makes me wonder is there another way of proclaiming God’s word? 
The opposite of respect is contempt, disrespectful and to despise
The opposite of gentleness is unkindness and brutality
The opposite of meekness is bossy, arrogant and proud 
The opposite of patience is impatience 

Can we proclaim God’s word in an unkind manner? 
Can we appear brutal when we proclaim God’s word? 
Can we preach the word showing contempt? 
Can we preach disrespectfully? 
Can our preaching make our enquirers feel despised etc? 
Can our preaching be with wrong intentions? Phil 1:15.

Paul the Apostle shows us how to respect your fellow believers.
1Co 16:12  As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.KJV

Paul acknowledge the believer's right to approve or disapprove 
Php 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 
Php2:13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. 

My conclusion is that Jesus our Lord; Paul and Peter warned us not to exercise lordship over each other.
Dictatorship kills freewill.

A dictatorship is a form of government where one person or political party has the power to do whatever they want. The ruler is called a dictator. In a dictatorship, the individuals rights are generally speaking, suppressed. (https://simple.m.wikipedia)

November 09 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report