An American husband and wife who are gracEmail subscribers ask if they must vote for a particular political candidate and his party in order to be "good" Christians. Another subscriber, who is a pastor, asks how morality should affect our voting as Christians. * * * Over the years, I have voted for Democrats, Independents, Republicans and Libertarians. That said, I must add that a Christian has no obligation to support any particular political candidate or party, since all parties and all candidates are human, fallible, morally mixed and at best align themselves only partially with God's … [Read more...]
Archives for 2012
POLITICS
A gracEmail reader writes, "I am so discouraged by the shenanigans of our national politicians in both parties. But it seems to me the strongest 'Christian' voices are often overly simplistic and sometimes extreme in their views as well. What are we to do?" * * * The best we can, my friend. The best we can. Measured by God's standard, no human act or agenda, platform or program is totally pure. And some sinful people -- at every strata of society -- will abuse any system we have, proportionately to their power and opportunity. If we look closely at either political party, any illusions of … [Read more...]
KING OF THE NATIONS
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was a slow learner, but after seven demented years he finally recognized that "the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whomever He wishes" (Dan. 4:32). God created the people of every nation and determined when and where they would live -- that all might seek him (Acts 17:26-27). Earthly rulers have no power apart from God's consent (Rom. 13:1). The sovereign God has now given all authority in heaven and on earth to his Son, Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18). Jesus is "ruler of the kings of the earth" (Rev. 1:5). Today, the nations rage … [Read more...]
JUDICIAL OATHS
A subscriber writes: "How can we obey the authorities of our nation (which the Bible commands) by swearing on oath to tell the truth, and yet not swear (which Jesus prohibits)? You have no doubt had to deal with this in your legal profession, and I am curious how we can resolve it." * * * Although I am an attorney, I am first of all a Christian committed to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. Some very devout Christians take Jesus' language in Matthew 5:33-37 in an unrestricted sense as forbidding oaths of any sort. However, the context suggests a more limited point. In this passage, the Lord was … [Read more...]
CRIMINAL LAW & CHURCH
A gracEmail reader writes: "Suppose a case of sexual abuse occurs in the church. The law requires that such cases be reported, yet the Apostle Paul forbids believers taking legal action against each other (1 Cor. 6:1-8). What is the right thing to do?" * * * First of all, you are not asked to take legal action, only to report criminal activity to the proper authority. Further, I believe that a closer reading of this passage will make plain that Paul is not issuing a blanket prohibition against Christians using the courts of the land, even in matters where all parties are believers. He is … [Read more...]
CHRISTIAN USE OF EARTHLY LAW (2)
A gracEmail reader asks, "Would you care to comment on the use of Paul's appeal as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:9-12) as the basis for Christians organizing and sponsoring litigation against certain of our own laws which permit activities contrary to Scripture?" * * * Although Paul regularly used Roman law defensively in the course of his ministry, Scripture does not record any occasion when he used the law offensively to further his spiritual ends. God's kingdom is not "of this world," Jesus had declared to Roman Pilate (John 18:36). It does not depend on worldly power, human plans or earthly … [Read more...]
CHRISTIAN USE OF EARTHLY LAW (1)
A gracEmail reader asks, "Would you care to comment on the use of Paul's appeal as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:9-12) as the basis for Christians organizing and sponsoring litigation against certain of our own laws which permit activities contrary to Scripture?" * * * The Apostle Paul was truly a cosmopolitan man. A native of the colonial city of Tarsus, he enjoyed all the benefits of Roman citizenship, Greek culture and Jewish religion. He spoke at least two languages, traveled throughout the Empire and studied rabbinics in Jerusalem where he topped his class in seminary. Once he encountered … [Read more...]
LAW AS A CALLING
A gracEmail subscriber writes that his son is interested in becoming an attorney. "Many people have a negative view of lawyers," notes the dad, "considering them to have but little concern for truth and justice if those things do not further their own agenda or personal gain." Can I offer any advice as a Christian attorney? * * * I know many lawyers who try to follow Jesus Christ and to do what is right. I know some others who do not. The same may be said concerning salespeople, business folk, industrialists, financiers and even career clergy. The practice of law offers unique opportunities … [Read more...]
RESOLVING CIVIL DISPUTE
A gracEmail subscriber and her husband are owed a debt by a young couple as the result of a business deal. The young couple profess to be Christians but have ignored the scheduled payments, apparently thinking the creditor couple does not need the money. The gracEmail subscriber wonders if it would be wrong to sue the debtors, in view of Paul's disapproval of Christians going to court against fellow-believers. * * * Some within the church at Corinth were airing internal disputes in public before pagan judges. The Apostle Paul addressed that situation disapprovingly in 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 and … [Read more...]
IMMIGRANTS, GO HOME?
A newspaper columnist complained about immigrants who would like to change traditional American customs and ways. This is our country, the author said--a Christian country in which people speak English. If newcomers don't like that, he said, they should exercise their right to return to their original homelands. A gracEmail subscriber asked for my reaction. * * *It is historical fact that those who resettled America beginning in 1492, often removing the people who already lived there, were white Western Europeans from countries with historic Christian cultures. That does not necessarily … [Read more...]
