Hello Everyone--
I started to post this thread in Politics and Society, but then I realized that my question really is for my Christian brothers and sisters. It is a hard question for me to ask, and if I knew the answer, I would not be asking.
I want to hear your opinions on how one like me, who loves democracy, reconciles what democracy stands for with the Word of God.
I know the answers will be varied, and they will be interesting, and hopefully there will be many. The reason I hope for many responses is so I can consider all of them.
I am truly in a quandry.
InPeace,
InLove
Hi InLove,
First we don't have a "democracy" in the purest sense of the concept. We have a Federal Republic based on democratic principles. We rule ourselves by representation. If we lived in a pure democracy, that would amount to "Mob rule", and as such a purely democratic form of government is only good for such, as small groups, like a village of a few hundred people.
Second, the Word of God is specific in our requirements toward following our respective governments, regardless of what kind they are. We are to obey the legal authorities as have been placed over us by God Himself (He puts the governments over us). We are also to get involved with our governments and be active (how else can God make change?).
Third, there may come a time in one's life wherein the Civil government directly conflicts with our religious beliefs and/or faith...that is when the proof is in the pudding. Do we follow civil authorities, or God's authority?...
It's a hard call, and one only the individual can make. There will be ramifications either way...
The object however, is to be involved with civil government in order to help make change (if we are tools for God to use, what good are we if we sit in a box, safe and sound, and useless to God?)
Case in point: Planned Parenthood gets $250,000,000 from the federal government each year, yet PP accounts for assisting with 20-25% of the abortions in the United States, each year. That is my tax dollars helping to fund the ending of new life...do I stop paying taxes?
No. I'd get involved with lobyists, and litigators who are vying to stop such tax dollars from going towards something I am against.
If my representitive is not of the same mind as me, I vote for the other guy/gal who does see as I see.
Render unto Ceasar what is Ceasars, and unto God what is Gods...many subtle bilines in that statement, don't you think?
v/r
Joshua