Ideal government

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I think we all believe government to be for the people. So I think we must know a little about the kind of people to be governed before we determine how to ideally govern them

Suppose Christians are in charge. How would Christ want them (the Christians in charge) to deal with the people? Would it make a difference what the composition of the populace is? Would it be different if they are all believers, vs a mix of believers and unbelievers?

[Sneekee]

Did Christ ever make one direct comment on how a Christian should conduct civil government?

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Sneekee

Did Christ ever make one direct comment on how a Christian should conduct civil government?

Not that I know of, but the point I'm trying to make is this: a government that is of the people and by the people actually is the people. And if the people who establish a government are believers, shouldn't that government, which is acting on their behalf, behave like Christ wants them to behave?

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Suppose Christians are in charge. How would Christ want them (the Christians in charge) to deal with the people? Would it make a difference what the composition of the populace is? Would it be different if they are all believers, vs a mix of believers and unbelievers?

It would make a huge difference what the composition of the populace is. If everyone was a Christian it would be different than if there was a mix of believers and non believers, even if the believers were a vast majority. The reasons for this are:

1. A government for the people must be for all the people.
2. A government by the people must give everyone a voice.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by jfrog

It would make a huge difference what the composition of the populace is. If everyone was a Christian it would be different than if there was a mix of believers and non believers, even if the believers were a vast majority. The reasons for this are:

1. A government for the people must be for all the people.
2. A government by the people must give everyone a voice.

How would it be different? Different laws? Different rights? I need examples!

[Timmy]

Different flag?

[Timmy]

Hey! I got it! And I figured it out all by myself!

If the entire population is 100% Christian... Are you ready? It's so simple! I can't believe I didn't think of this before. (And I really can't believe you guys didn't, either! ) OK, here it is: If the entire population is 100% Christian, you don't need any laws at all! Well, duh! You don't need written laws because you all have God's law written on your hearts!

You're welcome.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sneekee

Did Christ ever make one direct comment on how a Christian should conduct civil government?

Christ said that his kingdom is not of this world. I'd expect believers to respect the laws of the land. However, the believer should keep the perspective that this is not truly our home and/or country.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Christ said that his kingdom is not of this world. I'd expect believers to respect the laws of the land. However, the believer should keep the perspective that this is not truly our home and/or country.

Anybody remember this that some of us used to sing in our churches?

This World Is Not My Home

1. This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

2. They're all expecting me and that's one thing I know
my savior pardoned me and now I onward go
I know He'll take me through though I am weak and poor
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

3. Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally
the Saints on every hand are shouting victory
their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoEP5cQFHxU

[Sam]

or....

how about this one

I Am a Pilgrim
(Merle Travis)

I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Traveling through this wearisome land
I got a home in that yonder city, good Lord
And it's not, not made by hand.

I got a mother, a sister and a brother
Who have gone this way before
I'm determined to go and see them, Good Lord
Over on that distant shore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOkpMaQ3Rcs

I'm going down to that river Jordan
Just to bathe my weary soul
If I could touch but the hem of His garment, Good Lord
Well, I know it would make me whole.