Politics

In view of the political controversies between Left and Right on the American scene in AD 2011, and in view of the attitudes and manner of speech being used on all sides, it is useful to make a reference to the teaching of Scripture on this point.

As I quote from The Epistle to the Romans, Chapter 13, consider whether your own political rhetoric, or the rhetoric and accusations of those you support, fit the pattern shown in the following passage:

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  

Verse 1 establishes the main principal of God's government in the world.  What we must ask ourselves is whether all comments and actions in public or private which are made about personalities, policies, and the rule of governments on the political scene partake of the spiritual submission to God which is called for in this verse.  Surely, in fact, you will find much said which partakes of the spirit of lese majeste rather than Christianity.  Surely, in fact, you will find much said which is more like libel and slander -- things said for which people would be sued and bankrupted or go to prison for saying, if what was said wasn't said on the political scene.  It is a disgrace for any Christian to be involved in these kinds of dealings, or to support those who act this way.

2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 

For all those who are political conservatives of some stripe (as I confessedly am), we have to understand that God will not bless our political sins.

3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 

Why is it that government is now the "enemy" in the rhetoric of the Right?  We support the forces of "law and order," or "morality," or the Armed Services, but government is still the "enemy." What is going on here? Whatever it is, it is not righteousness.

4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

As a patriotic American I can solemnly claim that we have the best human government in this country that God has ever seen fit to set over any people in the modern era.  And we hope it spreads!  Do we thank God for it?  Why is the best government ever, at this moment in history also the "enemy"?

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the auth 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

More later.