Comments on: To Govern or Not to Govern.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:39:50 +0000

Another interesting point is considering the earliest Christ followers and how they approached these things. Most of them were pacifists in relationship to millitary service. Justin Martyr, who lived between 100 and 165AD stated that “We have exchanged our swords for plowshares, our spears for farm tools.” (Dialogue with Trypho 110.3,4) Origen said about the early followers that they “do fight for him by forming our own army, an army of faith through our prayers to God.” ( Against Celsus, Celsus against the Christians, VIII. 68, 73)

On the other hand, we do see that Paul used his Roman citizenship to advance the cause of Christ in Acts 25:11.

By: RL

RL — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:11:14 +0000

It seems that it’s easy for some believers to fall into the trap of thinking that the Republican Party (or Democrat) holds the “keys to the kingdom” so to speak and that unocking God’s great plan on earth is all about the political process. Personally, I agree that we have a biblical mandate to respect authority and it certainly makes sense to be involved in the civic process because it is one way to actualize good things for the poor and to promote peace in society. Checking out is a cop-out in my mind. However, I ultimaltely realize that poiltics will not save a soul or transform a heart. We must put our hand to the political plow, but realize ultimately that this is not our number one duty in life. If we forget to love our neighbor as ourself and we get caught in a trap of depsing one side of the political spectrum and we breed hate from our lilps, then how is that really Christian?

By: Stan

Stan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:53:29 +0000

Yes protecting the family and the American Revolution are pretty easy to accept, at least to rationalize as being just. And your comment about the Roman soldiers is an interesting one. And it occurs to me that the apostles carried swords, too, as the cutting off of the ear shows. Paul never seemed to fight back though, that I can remember.

By: steve

steve — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:32:28 +0000

There’s a lot to work with there as well Stan. I’m reminded that when the soldiers asked John The Baptist what they should do, he told them to not, “extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.” (Lk. 314) He didn’t tell them to quit the Roman Army and make sure they never shot anyone with an arrow.

For a long time I’ve simply looked at the US military as simply being an extension of the local police forces. So the question is posed, can a Christ follower be a police officer? We’ll we would say yes and we would all want dedicated and ethical police looking out for us. Yes, I know it can be a bit trickier when it comes to wars and we can divide over which is a just one and which is not. I know that if any dude was coming after my wife and kids, I’d go after them. But in a war, I just might lean toward being a medic. Well maybe not, as I’m getting older, my stomach doesn’t take blood like it used to. I think a big thing again about living in the real Kingdom of Heaven is each one of us living out our personal calling and encouraging those with a different one.

What about the American Revolution? Lot of Godly men involved there. But it was a “revolt” which apparently God seemed to bless.

By: Stan

Stan — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:51:14 +0000

How involved in the earthly kingdom should we become, biblically speaking? Was WWII a “good war”, which justified the killing of an enemy? What would justify the taking of a life?

In the film “Saving Private Ryan” the character played by Tom Hanks was presented with a dilemma. While hiding in a bell tower, the soldier was presented with a view of a NAZI entourage with Adolph Hitler in full view and vulnerable to an easy shot. The soldier, ever obedient to his orders, did not take the shot, the war did not end, and many more lost their lives.

What would our marching orders be? Can justifications for violence be arrived at biblically? It is one thing to participate in a rational representative government; it is another to participate in the violent overthrow of a ruthless, tyrannical government: can it be justified? If not why? If so, how?

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:17:18 +0000

I agree that Steve has provided a pretty comprehensive response and I do not have much to add except the thought that God has indeed commanded us to be good citizens under the authority that is put over us.

However, just as a good Christian is active and growing, so should be our political involvement. We act in all ways in love, but do feel free to act. Too many Christians feel that political involvement is not to be a part of their lives and they unfortunately get the government they get because they chose not to get their hands dirty in politics.

On the other hand, we realize that the government is not our savior although this administration would like to be. Only Jesus can fill that role. So while we await his kingdom in heaven, we need to be involved in his kingdom here on earth.