B
brakelite
Guest
Great contributions from all so far on this thread. Great discussion.
Newlife, I agree that God's form of government must and can only be a theocracy, however that form of government can never be nor should man even attempt to establish such, in this world. God's government is God's kingdom, and as Jesus said, it doesn't belong here, and as you said, citizens of such are not of this world. Unfortunately, there are a vast number of well-meaning Christians who do not understand this principle. They strive to establish religious principles through civil legislation. Although I am loathe to bring this up because it engenders so much heated debate, I do believe Sunday laws are a prime example of this. We have such in our own country. Restricted trade on Sundays, some stores unable to sell certain products on Sunday, hours restricted in certain trading environments, etc. Also, legislation that enforces business closures on religious holidays are of a similar nature. Keeth posted a copy of some of Martin Luther's writings on this subject in another thread. I think Luther had it spot on when he said that the civil power oversteps its jurisdiction when it meddles with religion.
Daniel was the prime minister of Persia under 5 different emperors I think. What he did not do was use his power to demand religious devotion, nor did he demand secular authorities to support his religion.What he did do as a man of the true God was stay true to that God; and not allow the state to dictate how he should practice his religion. He was a minority, and as a result of his faithfulness the secular government changed its attitude and protected his minority religion...this was what God's desire is toward his people as far as secular authorities are concerned. Not enforce religious laws, just protect religious rights.
Newlife, I agree that God's form of government must and can only be a theocracy, however that form of government can never be nor should man even attempt to establish such, in this world. God's government is God's kingdom, and as Jesus said, it doesn't belong here, and as you said, citizens of such are not of this world. Unfortunately, there are a vast number of well-meaning Christians who do not understand this principle. They strive to establish religious principles through civil legislation. Although I am loathe to bring this up because it engenders so much heated debate, I do believe Sunday laws are a prime example of this. We have such in our own country. Restricted trade on Sundays, some stores unable to sell certain products on Sunday, hours restricted in certain trading environments, etc. Also, legislation that enforces business closures on religious holidays are of a similar nature. Keeth posted a copy of some of Martin Luther's writings on this subject in another thread. I think Luther had it spot on when he said that the civil power oversteps its jurisdiction when it meddles with religion.
Daniel was the prime minister of Persia under 5 different emperors I think. What he did not do was use his power to demand religious devotion, nor did he demand secular authorities to support his religion.What he did do as a man of the true God was stay true to that God; and not allow the state to dictate how he should practice his religion. He was a minority, and as a result of his faithfulness the secular government changed its attitude and protected his minority religion...this was what God's desire is toward his people as far as secular authorities are concerned. Not enforce religious laws, just protect religious rights.