A gracEmail subscriber asks: "What is your biblical perspective on the Middle East situation -- the tension between Israel and the Palestinians, the militant Muslims?" * * * In general, I have the same biblical perspective regarding the Middle East that I have about any other part of the world. I do not believe that the modern political state of Israel has any special standing in God's eyes and I do not see it as the fulfillment of any particular biblical prophecy -- concerning either the restoration of the people of Israel and Judah to their ancient homeland or concerning … [Read more...]
TAX-TIME, GOD & CAESAR
"In view of governmental waste and funding of some projects which I consider immoral," someone asks, "can a Christian properly protest by refusing to pay income taxes on April 15?" (which is annual income tax day in the USA.) * * * Most thoughtful tax-payers probably share your frustration from time to time, but the biblical command is too clear to avoid. "Render to all what is due them," writes the Apostle Paul, "tax to whom tax is due" (Rom. 13:7). The Apostle Peter also instructs his readers to fulfil their civil duties (1 Pet. 2:13-17). The Roman government under which … [Read more...]
ON CRITICIZING CIVIL LEADERS
Somewhere over the past couple of decades, civility seems to have gone missing in much public discourse in the USA. Whether we listen to the political Right or Left, we hear shrill and intemperate voices charging national leaders with immorality, illegal actions, lying and cover-ups. Both sides have been represented in the melee and neither side has been spared from accusation. How ought Christian citizens to think, speak and react under such circumstances? Does Scripture provide applicable light? It is clear, of course, that no human being, regardless of worldly position, is exempt from … [Read more...]
VOTING ONE’S CONSCIENCE
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...]
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...]
