Why shouldn't the church be involved in politics? And how does involvment in politics mean that the church isn't focusing on the message of Jesus Christ?
Also, the greatest times for the church do not correspond to persecution. Christianity in the middle east? I don't see Christians there experiencing the greatest time of the church...
One negative example on a canvas of thousands, and in a country where Christianity has never had a stronghold. Truth be known, there are some wonderful revivals happening in Iran, Iraq and various Middle East nations right now. Many are coming to Jesus.
The church should NEVER be involved in politics. It's not our commission. Church members may find themselves having a job that is political, but the church itself should never be part of a secular political process.
The bible says that most people are unrighteous. Also, most Christians seem to agree that many people in America are not Christian. So if we have a democracy (majority rule) doesn't that mean that the majority laws are going to be made by non-Christians after non-Christian principles?
Most Christians seem to agree? 65% of Americans say they are Christians.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
The bible says that most people are unrighteous. Also, most Christians seem to agree that many people in America are not Christian. So if we have a democracy (majority rule) doesn't that mean that the majority laws are going to be made by non-Christians after non-Christian principles?
That isn't good enough logic though to say the Bible discourages Democracy.
Being unrighteous is a moral implication of our guilt before God. However, we still bear the Imago Dei.
A Utopian government.... great question.
An open society where all could freely practice and live how they wished, but with certain agreed upon moral principles (murder, harming another, rape, etc). I think the American Constitution got it right. However, the challenge was making application in a living, breathing world with a document that some don't believe "lives and breathes." Since the Constitution, as a society we've had to deal with Women's Rights, Civil Rights Movement, Slavery, a changing economic system (rural to urban development), abortion and gay rights, etc... I think the American system, which is adopted in part from a mixture of Romans and English influence, is a pretty good one for secular government.
The bible says that most people are unrighteous. Also, most Christians seem to agree that many people in America are not Christian. So if we have a democracy (majority rule) doesn't that mean that the majority laws are going to be made by non-Christians after non-Christian principles?
So, what kinds of laws would we have if they were based on Christian principles?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
It seems to me that when independence was declared,
the idea was more of a group of sovereign states
in confederation
and coming together for some common causes like defense, coinage, etc.
It is my understanding that the reason we are allowed to arm ourselves is to protect ourselves from a government which might become too large or intrusive.
The 10th amendment gave lots of latitude to the individual states and restriction to the federal government but that has pretty much become just a "law on the books" but pretty well ignored.
It seems to me that when independence was declared,
the idea was more of a group of sovereign states
in confederation
and coming together for some common causes like defense, coinage, etc.
It is my understanding that the reason we are allowed to arm ourselves is to protect ourselves from a government which might become too large or intrusive.
The 10th amendment gave lots of latitude to the individual states and restriction to the federal government but that has pretty much become just a "law on the books" but pretty well ignored.
Sam, sell that one to Jefferson, who happened to pen the majority of the document. But yes, the idea was definitely balanced more to states, though there was fierce debate on how much of a role Federal Govt would have. Unfortunately, where we are now in the 21st Century, there's no turning back. I don't see how. We have all politicians to thank for that.
Actually the Right to Bear Arms is a precedent that predates America, and probably was a common law in England.
I believe the ideal government would be one ruled by Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
But I think we're talking about earthly governments. I'd choose a Libertarian society. A free society where the liberties of all (even those we disagree with) are respected and protected. I believe that the federal government's role is to protect life, liberty, and property. Anything beyond this is risky.
I believe the ideal government would be one ruled by Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
But I think we're talking about earthly governments. I'd choose a Libertarian society. A free society where the liberties of all (even those we disagree with) are respected and protected. I believe that the federal government's role is to protect life, liberty, and property. Anything beyond this is risky.
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