What Christians Should Seek from Government

It is impossible to translate God's laws for the nation of Israel directly into laws for a pluralistic nation like the United States. Nevertheless, there are just ends of government that we can observe in the pages of the Old Testament. The Articles of Religion say,

Although the law given from God by Moses as touching ceremonies and rites doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.

What moral principles underlie the "civil precepts" of the Old Testament law? What should Christians expect their government to do? What ends should we seek?

Among the just ends of government that I see in the Old Testament are:

  • Seek peace with neighboring countries, and among the nations of the world.
  • Defend the nation against foreign invasion and domination. 
  • Prevent the unjust taking of life or property.
  • Protect people from violence and oppression.
  • Defend the weak and vulnerable from the powerful.
  • Protect people from unsafe conditions and practices in the community. 
  • Protect people from dishonest and exploitive business practices. 
  • Protect workers from exploitation by their employers.
  • Protect people from exploitive lending practices.
  • Provide a means for the elderly and infirm to be cared for. 
  • Provide a means for the poor to meet their basic needs.
  • Provide a means for the poor to extract themselves from poverty and indebtedness. 
  • Protect refugees and migrants from mistreatment and provide a means for them to meet their basic needs. 
  • Create a sustainable economy not fueled by greed or covetousness, one that allows everyone to flourish.
  • Preserve a healthy and productive natural environment. 
  • Create an environment in which families can flourish. 
  • Protect families from abusive family members.
  • Build in safeguards against government abusing its power.
  • Ensure courts are honest and fair.
  • Treat everyone equally and impartially under the law. 
  • Ensure the church is free to be the church. 

There are certainly other ends that Christians might seek from their government, but I think this is a minimum.

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