Friday, October 20, 2006
The Biblical Answers to Our Special Election Questionnaire
from the St. Louis MetroVoice
Listed below are the responses which the MetroVoice believes candidates should have chosen from a biblical, Christian world view perspective along with our justification for those choices.
1. Legislative Philosophy – Biblical response: “C”
According to Romans chapter 13, God ordains human government as a means to curb evil and reward good in this life. Government officials are here called the “servants” of God. Government originates in the Divine will; therefore, God desires that it conform to the Divine will or law.
Civil government is not, as some have taught, an evil institution. It is a good institution designed to punish evil. The State is required by God to keep law and order by protecting the law-abiding citizen and punishing the law-breaking criminal. The State is, therefore, an agency of “wrath” or “vengeance” against those who violate the law. To this end, God has given the State the “sword,” which is a symbol of its power to inflict physical punishments on criminals.
However, it is erroneous to assume, therefore, that because Church and State are distinct institutions, that the State is a non-religious, or purely secular, institution. Romans 13 teaches that civil government has its origin in the Divine Will, thus it does not have a secular (non-religious) foundation. Moreover, the duty of the State is to implement law, and law has its foundation in religious belief. Law is inescapably moral, and morality expresses notions of ultimate value or religious presupposition.
In a sense, law is the legal codification of a society’s religious values. For instance, in our founding legal document, we are told that “men are endowed with certain inalienable rights,” such as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;” and that these rights are derived from “the laws of Nature and Nature’s God.” Here we have a religious principle codified in a legal document. As a result, we criminalize and punish murder. Yet, we do so because we believe that human life is sacred. But our belief in the sanctity of human life is religiously derived; it is an article of faith.
2. Immigration: “C”
On the Missouri Candidate Questionnaire, one of the issues tackled is immigration. For our purposes, we want to specifically focus in on illegal immigration. Three answers were presented that would be submitted to those running for public office. The purpose is to best describe the candidate’s position on this pressing national security issue. Two of the answers are unacceptable from a Christian viewpoint.
The first one allows those who enter our borders illegally the rights and privileges of U.S. citizens. This would in essence reward those who flagrantly violate our laws, instead of subjecting them to penalties. The second answer that best describes the candidate’s position on this burning issue was not a “concern to the office.” Obviously, this would constitute a neglect of duty on the part of any civil official that would turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to our nation’s protection.
The third answer states, “Those who enter our country illegally should not enjoy the same benefits as legal citizens of our nation. If they wish to become a citizen then they should do so legally. If they break the law then they and those who aid and abet them should be subject to the penalties of the law.” This is the answer the church needs to hear from candidates seeking our vote.
Biblically, God established the nations for His glory and our benefit. Acts 17:24-27 states, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.”
The God of the Holy Bible established the boundaries of each nation. Knowing man’s sinful, warlike nature, his greed, lust, and quest for power, God established the different nations as checks and balances to restrain the evil tendencies of our world’s dictators, tyrants, and oppressive regimes. Therefore each nation has the right to defend those boundaries from foreign invasion, whether through defensive measures militarily or through legislative measures as in the case of illegal immigration. An invasion is an invasion, regardless of the means employed.
The other important point in dealing with this thorny issue is God’s warning found in Deuteronomy 28:43,44. God’s word states, “The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.” When a nation is foolish enough to disregard and defy God’s moral laws, one of the consequences is immigration nightmares. As a nation, our sayings and doings have been against the Lord for years, therefore the alien, the stranger, the foreigner, and the illegal immigrants are rising up and damaging all our institutions and national infrastructure. They strain and drain our schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and failed welfare system. Thus it behooves American not just to pass laws that protect our borders, but to repent and return to the God of our fathers and the Biblical principles that we are violating to our own demise.
3. Discrimination – Biblical response: “B”
The Bible does not encourage persecution against persons because of race, religion, nationality, religion or gender. The modern notion of “sexual preference” (a code word for homosexual) is foreign to a biblical world-view.
In the Bible, we are told that God created “male and female” and commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:27-28). Marriage was instituted to facilitate procreation and alleviate man’s loneliness, requiring the “man to leave his mother and father, and cleave unto his wife” (Gen. 2:18-25). (It was intended primarily by God to make men and women holy, not necessarily happy. Homosexuality is a sinful behavior that is foreign to holiness). Clearly, then, God’s created order for human sexual expression is heterosexual, monogamous marriage.
All sexual activity outside of the marriage institution is considered sinful. Therefore, the Scriptures prohibit adultery (Ex. 20:14; Rom. 13:9); fornication (Dt. 22:28-29; Mk. 7:21); bestiality (Ex. 22:19; Lev. 20:15); incest (Lev. 18:6-18; I Cor. 5:1), and homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:24f; I Tim 1:10). Since the duty of the State is to punish evil and reward good, it has a legitimate right (if not duty) to discourage or criminalize each of these activities, rather than grant any of them a protected status.
4. Abortion – Biblical response: “E”
The Christian view of abortion can only be understood in the broader context of the Bible's overwhelmingly pro-life teaching. The indisputable sanctity of human life is taught throughout the Scriptures. From Genesis onward, for instance, the creation account states that men and women are created in the very image of God (Gen.1:26-28). This simple but profound fact gives human life a priceless value. Moreover, Genesis also tells us that God commanded man to be fruitful and multiply, a command that includes a moral judgment that human life is a positive good that should be reproduced. In addition, God required that murder be punished by death because man is made in the image of God (Gen. 9:5-6). Of course, the ultimate statement on the value of innocent human life is the death of Christ for mankind. How precious is a human soul for which Christ was willing to die?
In light of this biblical testimony, we must answer the question of the “hard cases” – rape and incest? According to the Bible, only those should be punished who commit a crime. Thus, the offending party, the rapist or incestuous perpetrator should suffer, not the unborn child who is the innocent party.
For many Christians the most difficult case is when a mother's life is in danger from childbirth. However, the same Christ who laid down his life for us has told us to lay down our lives for others. This is not mere cant; it is a literal command. When necessary, we are to follow Christ's example and die that others may live. A Christian mother, who risks her life that her child might live, is exemplifying Christian love of the highest order.
5. Gaming – Biblical response: “C”
That gambling has proven detrimental to society is evident from all the studies that have been conducted: it drains investment away from business, increases addiction, lowers property values, and strengthens organized crime. From a biblical perspective, Christians must avoid any activity that causes illegitimate harm to society. Thus, the second great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” is sufficient reason for Christians to oppose gambling. Moreover, gambling wastes one’s time; estranges the heart from God; seduces to love of the world; breeds laziness; inspires discontent; and is a contempt of God’s providence – all further reasons for Christians to support the abolition of State gambling.
6. The U.S. Constitution – Biblical response: “B”
The Bible does not directly address the question of Constitutional interpretation. However, it does address the issue of truth telling. In the Ninth Commandment, we are told not to bear false witness; this requires not only that we tell the truth, but also that we accurately represent the words and actions of others. Misrepresentation of someone else’s words is a distortion or perversion of meaning. It is a form of lying. This is forbidden by Scripture, and is the biblical basis for a strict interpretation of the Constitution – indeed, of any written document. To read the Constitution contrary to the meaning of the drafters is to falsify their meaning, which the Bible forbids. Those who argue that the Constitution is a “living, breathing document” generally attempt to change the plain meaning of the text to fit a modern politically-correct agenda.
7. Education – Biblical response: “C”
The Bible recognizes at least three “orders” or “institutions” ordained by God to administer His authority: the State, the Church and the Family. These three are institutionally separate, with different duties and rights. The State is to administer civil justice as defined by God: its symbol is the sword. The Church is to administer grace through the Gospel, the sacraments and charity: its symbol is the keys. The Family is to administer nurture, instruction and welfare: its symbol is the rod. Thus, there is no biblical mandate for State involvement in education, while there is a clear and forceful mandate to the Family (the parents) to train and educate their children (See Dt. 4:9; 6:3-9, 20-25; Pr. 1: 8-9; 22:6; Eph. 6:1-4). A biblical approach to education, therefore, will limit the involvement of civil government while simultaneously encouraging parents to assume full responsibility for their children’s education.
8. Second Amendment – Biblical response: “C”
Although the Bible does not directly speak to the issues of gun control or the “right to bear arms” as we understand them, it does teach that self-defense is permissible; thus the “means” of defense, or the right to bear arms is assumed. The Bible gives us a specific law that teaches the right of self-defense. Ex 22: 2 reads: “If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.” Commenting on this verse, Old Testament scholar Walter Kaiser says, “the thief was exposed to the loss of his life as the householder defended himself, his family, and his home by delivering a lethal blow. This was especially true at night when the thief’s intentions (whether to steal, kill or both) could not be easily and quickly determined.” Because the Bible recognizes the right to private property, as well as the sanctity of marriage, a man has the right to defend both his property and family from violent criminal action.
The right to self-defense would be useless of course, if law-abiding citizens did not have the appropriate means to halt aggressive criminals. Thus, self-defense assumes and requires the right to bear arms. A disarmed citizen is a defenseless citizen, regardless of his supposed “rights.” This was surely the view of our nation's Founders who drafted and ratified the Second Amendment.
9. Stem Cell Research – Biblical response: “B”
The debate over stem cell research revolves around the use of “embryonic” stem cells versus “adult” stem cells. In the process of manipulating embryonic stem cells, the embryo is destroyed – it dies. Thus, if the embryo is a human person, then embryonic stem cell research requires the destruction of innocent human life. This is the basis for Christian opposition to the practice. Therefore, the arguments against abortion are equally valid here (See Response 4).
10. Private Property – Biblical response: “B”
The Bible recognizes the right of private property (Ex. 2:22 and elsewhere). Therefore, environmental legislation that will encroach upon private property must be subject to citizen approval. In other words, the Bible makes no provision for the involuntary relinquishment of property, except in cases of restitution for a crime. When a government arbitrarily takes ownership of private property, regardless of the rationale, it is guilty of theft. All legislation affecting ownership of property should be subject to a vote by the citizenry.
There is a sacred bond between, God, the land, and His people. There are no substantial freedoms for citizens in America, if private property can be subject to public opinion, Supreme Court Decisions, or Marxist, environmental policies.
The Eminent Domain Supreme Court Decision is a direct violation of our Constitution and more importantly, a direct violation of God sacred law, “thou shalt not steal.” Theft is theft, regardless of the perpetrator, whether it is a hooded robber with a gun or a black- robed judge with an unrighteous decree. This tyrannical decision needs to be reversed and civil officials must use their legislative powers to overthrow this despotic ruling issued by the highest court in our land.
sent by Rusty Lee Thomas
Listed below are the responses which the MetroVoice believes candidates should have chosen from a biblical, Christian world view perspective along with our justification for those choices.
1. Legislative Philosophy – Biblical response: “C”
According to Romans chapter 13, God ordains human government as a means to curb evil and reward good in this life. Government officials are here called the “servants” of God. Government originates in the Divine will; therefore, God desires that it conform to the Divine will or law.
Civil government is not, as some have taught, an evil institution. It is a good institution designed to punish evil. The State is required by God to keep law and order by protecting the law-abiding citizen and punishing the law-breaking criminal. The State is, therefore, an agency of “wrath” or “vengeance” against those who violate the law. To this end, God has given the State the “sword,” which is a symbol of its power to inflict physical punishments on criminals.
However, it is erroneous to assume, therefore, that because Church and State are distinct institutions, that the State is a non-religious, or purely secular, institution. Romans 13 teaches that civil government has its origin in the Divine Will, thus it does not have a secular (non-religious) foundation. Moreover, the duty of the State is to implement law, and law has its foundation in religious belief. Law is inescapably moral, and morality expresses notions of ultimate value or religious presupposition.
In a sense, law is the legal codification of a society’s religious values. For instance, in our founding legal document, we are told that “men are endowed with certain inalienable rights,” such as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;” and that these rights are derived from “the laws of Nature and Nature’s God.” Here we have a religious principle codified in a legal document. As a result, we criminalize and punish murder. Yet, we do so because we believe that human life is sacred. But our belief in the sanctity of human life is religiously derived; it is an article of faith.
2. Immigration: “C”
On the Missouri Candidate Questionnaire, one of the issues tackled is immigration. For our purposes, we want to specifically focus in on illegal immigration. Three answers were presented that would be submitted to those running for public office. The purpose is to best describe the candidate’s position on this pressing national security issue. Two of the answers are unacceptable from a Christian viewpoint.
The first one allows those who enter our borders illegally the rights and privileges of U.S. citizens. This would in essence reward those who flagrantly violate our laws, instead of subjecting them to penalties. The second answer that best describes the candidate’s position on this burning issue was not a “concern to the office.” Obviously, this would constitute a neglect of duty on the part of any civil official that would turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to our nation’s protection.
The third answer states, “Those who enter our country illegally should not enjoy the same benefits as legal citizens of our nation. If they wish to become a citizen then they should do so legally. If they break the law then they and those who aid and abet them should be subject to the penalties of the law.” This is the answer the church needs to hear from candidates seeking our vote.
Biblically, God established the nations for His glory and our benefit. Acts 17:24-27 states, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.”
The God of the Holy Bible established the boundaries of each nation. Knowing man’s sinful, warlike nature, his greed, lust, and quest for power, God established the different nations as checks and balances to restrain the evil tendencies of our world’s dictators, tyrants, and oppressive regimes. Therefore each nation has the right to defend those boundaries from foreign invasion, whether through defensive measures militarily or through legislative measures as in the case of illegal immigration. An invasion is an invasion, regardless of the means employed.
The other important point in dealing with this thorny issue is God’s warning found in Deuteronomy 28:43,44. God’s word states, “The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.” When a nation is foolish enough to disregard and defy God’s moral laws, one of the consequences is immigration nightmares. As a nation, our sayings and doings have been against the Lord for years, therefore the alien, the stranger, the foreigner, and the illegal immigrants are rising up and damaging all our institutions and national infrastructure. They strain and drain our schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and failed welfare system. Thus it behooves American not just to pass laws that protect our borders, but to repent and return to the God of our fathers and the Biblical principles that we are violating to our own demise.
3. Discrimination – Biblical response: “B”
The Bible does not encourage persecution against persons because of race, religion, nationality, religion or gender. The modern notion of “sexual preference” (a code word for homosexual) is foreign to a biblical world-view.
In the Bible, we are told that God created “male and female” and commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:27-28). Marriage was instituted to facilitate procreation and alleviate man’s loneliness, requiring the “man to leave his mother and father, and cleave unto his wife” (Gen. 2:18-25). (It was intended primarily by God to make men and women holy, not necessarily happy. Homosexuality is a sinful behavior that is foreign to holiness). Clearly, then, God’s created order for human sexual expression is heterosexual, monogamous marriage.
All sexual activity outside of the marriage institution is considered sinful. Therefore, the Scriptures prohibit adultery (Ex. 20:14; Rom. 13:9); fornication (Dt. 22:28-29; Mk. 7:21); bestiality (Ex. 22:19; Lev. 20:15); incest (Lev. 18:6-18; I Cor. 5:1), and homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:24f; I Tim 1:10). Since the duty of the State is to punish evil and reward good, it has a legitimate right (if not duty) to discourage or criminalize each of these activities, rather than grant any of them a protected status.
4. Abortion – Biblical response: “E”
The Christian view of abortion can only be understood in the broader context of the Bible's overwhelmingly pro-life teaching. The indisputable sanctity of human life is taught throughout the Scriptures. From Genesis onward, for instance, the creation account states that men and women are created in the very image of God (Gen.1:26-28). This simple but profound fact gives human life a priceless value. Moreover, Genesis also tells us that God commanded man to be fruitful and multiply, a command that includes a moral judgment that human life is a positive good that should be reproduced. In addition, God required that murder be punished by death because man is made in the image of God (Gen. 9:5-6). Of course, the ultimate statement on the value of innocent human life is the death of Christ for mankind. How precious is a human soul for which Christ was willing to die?
In light of this biblical testimony, we must answer the question of the “hard cases” – rape and incest? According to the Bible, only those should be punished who commit a crime. Thus, the offending party, the rapist or incestuous perpetrator should suffer, not the unborn child who is the innocent party.
For many Christians the most difficult case is when a mother's life is in danger from childbirth. However, the same Christ who laid down his life for us has told us to lay down our lives for others. This is not mere cant; it is a literal command. When necessary, we are to follow Christ's example and die that others may live. A Christian mother, who risks her life that her child might live, is exemplifying Christian love of the highest order.
5. Gaming – Biblical response: “C”
That gambling has proven detrimental to society is evident from all the studies that have been conducted: it drains investment away from business, increases addiction, lowers property values, and strengthens organized crime. From a biblical perspective, Christians must avoid any activity that causes illegitimate harm to society. Thus, the second great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” is sufficient reason for Christians to oppose gambling. Moreover, gambling wastes one’s time; estranges the heart from God; seduces to love of the world; breeds laziness; inspires discontent; and is a contempt of God’s providence – all further reasons for Christians to support the abolition of State gambling.
6. The U.S. Constitution – Biblical response: “B”
The Bible does not directly address the question of Constitutional interpretation. However, it does address the issue of truth telling. In the Ninth Commandment, we are told not to bear false witness; this requires not only that we tell the truth, but also that we accurately represent the words and actions of others. Misrepresentation of someone else’s words is a distortion or perversion of meaning. It is a form of lying. This is forbidden by Scripture, and is the biblical basis for a strict interpretation of the Constitution – indeed, of any written document. To read the Constitution contrary to the meaning of the drafters is to falsify their meaning, which the Bible forbids. Those who argue that the Constitution is a “living, breathing document” generally attempt to change the plain meaning of the text to fit a modern politically-correct agenda.
7. Education – Biblical response: “C”
The Bible recognizes at least three “orders” or “institutions” ordained by God to administer His authority: the State, the Church and the Family. These three are institutionally separate, with different duties and rights. The State is to administer civil justice as defined by God: its symbol is the sword. The Church is to administer grace through the Gospel, the sacraments and charity: its symbol is the keys. The Family is to administer nurture, instruction and welfare: its symbol is the rod. Thus, there is no biblical mandate for State involvement in education, while there is a clear and forceful mandate to the Family (the parents) to train and educate their children (See Dt. 4:9; 6:3-9, 20-25; Pr. 1: 8-9; 22:6; Eph. 6:1-4). A biblical approach to education, therefore, will limit the involvement of civil government while simultaneously encouraging parents to assume full responsibility for their children’s education.
8. Second Amendment – Biblical response: “C”
Although the Bible does not directly speak to the issues of gun control or the “right to bear arms” as we understand them, it does teach that self-defense is permissible; thus the “means” of defense, or the right to bear arms is assumed. The Bible gives us a specific law that teaches the right of self-defense. Ex 22: 2 reads: “If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.” Commenting on this verse, Old Testament scholar Walter Kaiser says, “the thief was exposed to the loss of his life as the householder defended himself, his family, and his home by delivering a lethal blow. This was especially true at night when the thief’s intentions (whether to steal, kill or both) could not be easily and quickly determined.” Because the Bible recognizes the right to private property, as well as the sanctity of marriage, a man has the right to defend both his property and family from violent criminal action.
The right to self-defense would be useless of course, if law-abiding citizens did not have the appropriate means to halt aggressive criminals. Thus, self-defense assumes and requires the right to bear arms. A disarmed citizen is a defenseless citizen, regardless of his supposed “rights.” This was surely the view of our nation's Founders who drafted and ratified the Second Amendment.
9. Stem Cell Research – Biblical response: “B”
The debate over stem cell research revolves around the use of “embryonic” stem cells versus “adult” stem cells. In the process of manipulating embryonic stem cells, the embryo is destroyed – it dies. Thus, if the embryo is a human person, then embryonic stem cell research requires the destruction of innocent human life. This is the basis for Christian opposition to the practice. Therefore, the arguments against abortion are equally valid here (See Response 4).
10. Private Property – Biblical response: “B”
The Bible recognizes the right of private property (Ex. 2:22 and elsewhere). Therefore, environmental legislation that will encroach upon private property must be subject to citizen approval. In other words, the Bible makes no provision for the involuntary relinquishment of property, except in cases of restitution for a crime. When a government arbitrarily takes ownership of private property, regardless of the rationale, it is guilty of theft. All legislation affecting ownership of property should be subject to a vote by the citizenry.
There is a sacred bond between, God, the land, and His people. There are no substantial freedoms for citizens in America, if private property can be subject to public opinion, Supreme Court Decisions, or Marxist, environmental policies.
The Eminent Domain Supreme Court Decision is a direct violation of our Constitution and more importantly, a direct violation of God sacred law, “thou shalt not steal.” Theft is theft, regardless of the perpetrator, whether it is a hooded robber with a gun or a black- robed judge with an unrighteous decree. This tyrannical decision needs to be reversed and civil officials must use their legislative powers to overthrow this despotic ruling issued by the highest court in our land.
sent by Rusty Lee Thomas
posted by Steve Harris, 7:41 AM
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