What if the US Government and Laws were originally rooted from The Scriptures

[JackSafari]

This is just a hypothetical question that is very simple. When the US Constitution was created in 1776, what if it stated that The Bible is the final over-riding source for all legal and government decisions.

For example, no laws could be passed that would be in contradiction to what is in The Bible. All Judges would use The Bible as ultimate legal source for their decisions. Elected leaders would be required to justify their public policies by using The Scriptures as the main source.

Otherwise conclude that technology has progress all the same path over the past 200 years.

• How would our society be different? Better, worse, the same?
• What about other religions, would they be part of our culture, or would they be rejected and not reconized as being valid under the law.
• Freedom of speech. How would that be impacted, if The bible was the unquestionable book of god and the law of the land, and some citizens spoke out against issues they felt were wrong within the government and society?

 

[SilenceInMotion]

The United States basically did use the Bible as it's basis of law. It may have not been written in the Delclaration of Independence or in any Constitution- in fact they point away from religious standards, but the US was all around Christian and democratic. There were sodomy laws, for example, and if you openly declared yourself an atheist, you were generally frowned upon in society.

Biblical standards cannot work for government, because it is too often abused and distorted. A lot of Americans justified everything from slavery, Puritan banishment, and even the death penalty by pointing at Leviticus. Christianity works a lot better in bringing out the errors of society and doing what can be peacefully done rather then forcing it upon others. All force does is cause revolution: petition against the unrighteous, do not posit tyranny.

 

[HammerStone]

I don't think things would diverge all too much from where they are now. Such a provision may have deterred a handful of immigrants, but I think we would still be in the wink-and-nod stage with politicians giving lip-service to something. I should like to think it may have had a greater bearing on women's (lack of) suffrage, slavery, and other moral issues, but I still go to the problem not being the government but the people.

The inherent problem is the governed, and frankly we'd still find a way to mess things up. ;)

 

[afaithfulone4u]

They were!
The truth is the Bible tells us exactly what will happen and when it will happen. God knows His man well but remember God is not a fortune teller, He is the author and finisher of His Word. In other words, He wrote the Bible and has told us what to EXPECT because His Word does not return VOID! Government and all leaders in the earth are with God's permission.
I used to wonder how 1 man could get a nation to obey them... then God revealed to me through His Word that He is the one who gives the power of rule to man. Rather it is an evil leader or a good leader, they are what the people have sown and God allows them to eat the fruits of their labor. When you sow to Ungodly children then eventually you get ungodly rulers.

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
KJV

 

[JackSafari]

I think a few are missing the point, its not to suggest The bible wasn't influencing factor when the conistution was created, The question is What if the bible was a requirement for all legal and government decisions. Another example, if a law was passed, but challenged in the courts, it would be struct down if a judge or judges determined that the law contradicted what is in The Bible. Currently, judges are not allowed to consult the bible when the make legal decisions, same is true when it comes to creating government policies. Sure, it may happen in some limited cases privately, but it can't be a matter of public record that the final outcome was a result of consulting The Bible. A judge must reference case law, not the bible in a decision, what if a judge was legally able to say "My decision is because in the bible it states...."

 

[veteran]

I think a few are missing the point, its not to suggest The bible wasn't influencing factor when the conistution was created, The question is What if the bible was a requirement for all legal and government decisions. Another example, if a law was passed, but challenged in the courts, it would be struct down if a judge or judges determined that the law contradicted what is in The Bible. Currently, judges are not allowed to consult the bible when the make legal decisions, same is true when it comes to creating government policies. Sure, it may happen in some limited cases privately, but it can't be a matter of public record that the final outcome was a result of consulting The Bible. A judge must reference case law, not the bible in a decision, what if a judge was legally able to say "My decision is because in the bible it states...."

Then the U.S. would have been a Theocracy and not a Constitutional Republic.

It's the liberalism from the thinkers of the French Revolution that also crept into certain thinking within the U.S. Constitution (i.e. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, etc.). That's why the founders didn't include a direct Biblical support requirement, but some of the founders did say they hoped that Americans would never remit their Christian heritage and roots which would help maintain their constitutional hopes.

And that's exactly what has happened; the further away from Christ the people have gotten, the less keeping to the founder's understanding, hopes and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.

 

[Axehead]

A theocracy like Saudi Arabia has does not employ mercy.

At least you can find mercy in the American judicial system. Some people argue there is too much mercy, and some argue not enough, but those questions are for another thread.

We are certainly not a theocracy.

It is true that the farther we seem to get from Christ in this now Post-Christian world, the more that totalitarianism is creeping in. If you can't see it, keep looking. It is coming into focus.

This is just a hypothetical question that is very simple. When the US Constitution was created in 1776, what if it stated that The Bible is the final over-riding source for all legal and government decisions.

For example, no laws could be passed that would be in contradiction to what is in The Bible. All Judges would use The Bible as ultimate legal source for their decisions. Elected leaders would be required to justify their public policies by using The Scriptures as the main source.

Otherwise conclude that technology has progress all the same path over the past 200 years.

• How would our society be different? Better, worse, the same?
• What about other religions, would they be part of our culture, or would they be rejected and not reconized as being valid under the law.
• Freedom of speech. How would that be impacted, if The bible was the unquestionable book of god and the law of the land, and some citizens spoke out against issues they felt were wrong within the government and society?

It is enough that Jesus Christ is Head of the Church, we don't need Him to be Head of State. It is not His intention, anyway. His kingdom is not of this world. But, nevertheless, He works in the hearts of men to free them from the bondage of sin's tyranny.

A theocratic state can be very harsh and merciless to minority religions and America is not. Freedom of religion is a hallmark of our nation.

Unlike example such as this that we see all the time in a theocratic society.


"Hundreds of Christians clashed with police across Pakistan on Sunday, a day after a Muslim mob burned dozens of homes owned by members of the minority religious group in retaliation for alleged insults against Islam's Prophet Muhammad."

Christian protesters, police clash in Pakistan

 

[makahiya117]

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1983 YEAR OF THE BIBLE
JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE U.S. SENATE S.J. 165
AND THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.J. 487

WHEREAS THE BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD, HAS MADE A UNIQUE
CONTRIBUTION IN SHAPING THE UNITED STATES AS A DISTINCTIVE
AND BLESSED NATION AND PEOPLE.

WHEREAS DEEPLY HELD RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS SPRINGING FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES LED TO THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF OUR NATION.

WHEREAS BIBLICAL TEACHING INSPIRED CONCEPTS OF CIVIL
GOVERNMENT CONTAINED IN OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

WHEREAS MANY OF OUR GREAT NATIONAL LEADERS, AMONG THEM
PRESIDENTS WASHINGTON, JACKSON, LINCOLN AMD WILSON,
PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SURPASSING INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE IN OUR
COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT, AS IN THE WORDS OF PRESIDENT JACKSON THAT THE BIBLE IS THE "ROCK UPON WHICH OUR REPUBLIC RESTS".

WHEREAS THE HISTORY OF OUR NATIONS CLEARLY ILLUSTRATES THE VALUE OF VOLUNTARY APPLYING THE TEACHING OF THE
SCRIPTURES IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND SOCIETIES.

WHEREAS THIS NATION NOW FACES GREAT CHALLENGES THAT WILL
TEST THIS NATION AS IT HAS NEVER BEEN TESTED BEFORE.

WHEREAS THAT RENEWING OUR KNOWLEDGE OF AND FAITH IN GOD
THROUGH HOLY SCRIPTURE CAN STRENGTHEN US AS A NATION AND A PEOPLE.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE ON OUR REPUBLIC AND OUR PEOPLE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM 1983 THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES. I ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS, EACH IN HIS OR HER OWN WAY, TO REEXAMINE AND REDISCOVERING IT’S PRICELESS AND TIMELESS MESSAGE.

FEBRUARY 3, 1983, 9:00 am-est

 

[Axehead]

This is just a hypothetical question that is very simple. When the US Constitution was created in 1776, what if it stated that The Bible is the final over-riding source for all legal and government decisions.

For example, no laws could be passed that would be in contradiction to what is in The Bible. All Judges would use The Bible as ultimate legal source for their decisions. Elected leaders would be required to justify their public policies by using The Scriptures as the main source.

Otherwise conclude that technology has progress all the same path over the past 200 years.

• How would our society be different? Better, worse, the same?
• What about other religions, would they be part of our culture, or would they be rejected and not reconized as being valid under the law.
• Freedom of speech. How would that be impacted, if The bible was the unquestionable book of god and the law of the land, and some citizens spoke out against issues they felt were wrong within the government and society?

You can't mix the age of grace with the Law. The law was merciless. So, let's first start there. When you say Bible, what part of it do you refer to? OT or NT?

Heb_10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

 

[veteran]

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1983 YEAR OF THE BIBLE
JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE U.S. SENATE S.J. 165
AND THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.J. 487

WHEREAS THE BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD, HAS MADE A UNIQUE
CONTRIBUTION IN SHAPING THE UNITED STATES AS A DISTINCTIVE
AND BLESSED NATION AND PEOPLE.

WHEREAS DEEPLY HELD RELIGIOUS CONVICTIONS SPRINGING FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES LED TO THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF OUR NATION.

WHEREAS BIBLICAL TEACHING INSPIRED CONCEPTS OF CIVIL
GOVERNMENT CONTAINED IN OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

WHEREAS MANY OF OUR GREAT NATIONAL LEADERS, AMONG THEM
PRESIDENTS WASHINGTON, JACKSON, LINCOLN AMD WILSON,
PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SURPASSING INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE IN OUR
COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT, AS IN THE WORDS OF PRESIDENT JACKSON THAT THE BIBLE IS THE "ROCK UPON WHICH OUR REPUBLIC RESTS".

WHEREAS THE HISTORY OF OUR NATIONS CLEARLY ILLUSTRATES THE VALUE OF VOLUNTARY APPLYING THE TEACHING OF THE
SCRIPTURES IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND SOCIETIES.

WHEREAS THIS NATION NOW FACES GREAT CHALLENGES THAT WILL
TEST THIS NATION AS IT HAS NEVER BEEN TESTED BEFORE.

WHEREAS THAT RENEWING OUR KNOWLEDGE OF AND FAITH IN GOD
THROUGH HOLY SCRIPTURE CAN STRENGTHEN US AS A NATION AND A PEOPLE.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE ON OUR REPUBLIC AND OUR PEOPLE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM 1983 THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES. I ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS, EACH IN HIS OR HER OWN WAY, TO REEXAMINE AND REDISCOVERING IT’S PRICELESS AND TIMELESS MESSAGE.

FEBRUARY 3, 1983, 9:00 am-est

Good quotes.

Problem is though, those things were their wishes and hopes for the American people, and not instituted directly into our U.S. Constitution with The Bible as supreme authority. If it had been, then the Church would have been in supreme authority in the U.S., meaning a Theocracy (like the old Papal states in Europe). The founders were against the Church being in supreme authority in the U.S. Constitutional Republic, which was because of religious persecutions the early pilgrims and later immigrants from Europe fled to the Americas to escape. We just can't have our cake and eat it too until Christ's second coming when He will be our King and High Priest de facto here on earth ruling over all peoples and nations. One could even say, the shortcomings even of our U.S. Constitution on this shows all the more how we need our Lord Jesus Christ as our King and Supreme Head.

 

[Axehead]

Good quotes.

Problem is though, those things were their wishes and hopes for the American people, and not instituted directly into our U.S. Constitution with The Bible as supreme authority. If it had been, then the Church would have been in supreme authority in the U.S., meaning a Theocracy (like the old Papal states in Europe). The founders were against the Church being in supreme authority in the U.S. Constitutional Republic, which was because of religious persecutions the early pilgrims and later immigrants from Europe fled to the Americas to escape. We just can't have our cake and eat it too until Christ's second coming when He will be our King and High Priest de facto here on earth ruling over all peoples and nations. One could even say, the shortcomings even of our U.S. Constitution on this shows all the more how we need our Lord Jesus Christ as our King and Supreme Head.

Very good statement, Vet.

 

[JackSafari]

You can't mix the age of grace with the Law. The law was merciless. So, let's first start there. When you say Bible, what part of it do you refer to? OT or NT?

Heb_10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Both OT and NT.

Law makers, judges, elected officials and everyone who works for the government (ie Teachers) would be expected to adhere the teachings of the bible. Those who failed to do so would be removed either through elections or required to resign from their jobs. For those who work for the government, clearly there would a fair process and given the opportunity to redeem themselves. However, there would be defiant individuals who would put the Koran on their desk and refuse to adopt Christianity as required by law for all government employees. It would be a Christian government run by Christians, who use the bible to make public policy and laws. Judges would make rulings based on what the bible says is right\wrong. We can easily conclude that Adultery would be illegal as would be premarital sex. The punishment for these crimes would be debatable, but the bible would be used to determine their fate.

 

[excubitor]

Ronald Reagan is wrong.
Of course there were many Christian bible believers at the founding of America,
however the primary influence on the foundation of America was freemasonry, this is why that if there are any Christian principles in the constitution that they are very well hidden.
Most protestant denominations allow membership of freemasonry and do not regard it as being incompatible with Christianity.
This was not always the case. In previous centuries the church was unanimous in decrying freemasonry and forbidding church members from belonging to it.


If I were to found a nation I would make sure that it was based entirely on Christianity. The Ten commandments and the scriptures would be required teaching in the schools. All office bearers of the nation would be Christians sworn to uphold Christian values. Sunday would be a required public observance and nobody but essential staff would be allowed to work.
Mosques and temples would not be permitted to be built.

The fact that none of these things are true is proof that we do not have a Christian nation, we have a masonic one which allows every form of pagan religion and sect to flourish.

 

[JackSafari]

Good quotes.

Problem is though, those things were their wishes and hopes for the American people, and not instituted directly into our U.S. Constitution with The Bible as supreme authority. If it had been, then the Church would have been in supreme authority in the U.S., meaning a Theocracy (like the old Papal states in Europe). The founders were against the Church being in supreme authority in the U.S. Constitutional Republic, which was because of religious persecutions the early pilgrims and later immigrants from Europe fled to the Americas to escape. We just can't have our cake and eat it too until Christ's second coming when He will be our King and High Priest de facto here on earth ruling over all peoples and nations. One could even say, the shortcomings even of our U.S. Constitution on this shows all the more how we need our Lord Jesus Christ as our King and Supreme Head.

This is the closest to what I was getting at in terms of a government lead and controlled by Christians where the bible is the final word in all cases.

• Clearly there would be laws against adultery and those who committed adultery would be punished.
• Homosexuality would be against the law, and those who were homosexuals would be punished, required to take anti-homosexuality treatment, or be forced to leave the country.
• Non-christian religions would illegal because Christianity would be the only recognized religion, and if a christian Church practiced something that was determined to be in conflict with the Bible, they would need to stop practicing it or have their Church shut down.
• Abortion would be extremely illegal, no exceptions. If a girl got a abortion, she would be charged with murder of her own child, most likely be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. Some level of Christian mercy would be considered if the girl has been raped or a victim incest, but murder is murder, so one crime does not justify another.