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How religion influences government
Christianity influence on American government
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Christianity and the Government
Living in a society where democracy is upheld, I have viewed the government as a mechanism of the State through which the latter’s will is formulated, expressed, and carried out. The government is responsible in making the society a better place to live as it provides for the basic services to its constituents and protecting and advancing the interests of the same. However, I have always thought what type of government the Jews had way back then compared to how the 21st Christians associate themselves with their government. Do they choose to be loyal to God over their government? If in any case Christians do not agree with how they are being ruled, could they rise up against their government and be justified when they claim that their supreme authority is God and nobody else? These are just some of the things I have pondered upon as I reflect upon Christianity and the government.
Government under the Old Testament
From what I have learned in the teachings of the church, Israel was governed by a King who is
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This is because in the present day setting, Christians are given the free exercise of religion and this right is forever allowed. Although there are some countries that persecute those who boldly profess Christ, many countries protect the freedom of religion which is usually enshrined in its Constitution. Christians should be grateful everyday to the Almighty God because His hand is surely upon the every nation across the globe. Hence, every day should be viewed as an opportunity to commit ourselves to Christ and learn to love Him more as we do our daily thing. Christians should not be torn between the government and God. When Christians choose to follow Christ and glorify Him, following the rules and regulations enacted by the government would just come
Christianity’s role in America has rapidly changed over the last decades. Although it is still the most popular religion in the country its power over the people has decreased significantly. However, there are still many misconceptions towards American Christianity and in order to understand the unique nature of this religiously diverse country; one must understand its history and its citizens own views on the matter.
Modern Christianity however is different in this regard. While the United States of America bases the majority of its legal principles on Judeo-Christian Law, the Constitution of the United States ensures that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” 3 so there are no functional “state religions”, Christianity is still the dominant religion in the United States. Christianity’s reach in American society is solely based on its gospel and the teachings of the Bible.
The Constitution of the United States is the spirit of America written on a piece of parchment. It is the linchpin of American life, the source of our liberty and freedom, written by some of the wisest and most courageous men ever to walk the earth; our “Founding Fathers”. Our Founding Fathers were intelligent, religious men. The Constitution is so great because it was founded upon principles and rights given by God through the Holy Bible.
...-21) And even further on, Paul asserts our position relative to government as well when he says that we should submit to authority because the authority is there by God’s power and design (Romans 13:1-7).
Life is full of frustrations and confusion. There are times that questioning the purpose of one’s life to be living at all from their belief and faith in the one they believe. Christian Adherents are faced with these issues and are misguided by the loquacious talk of philosophers and scientists that seem to argue that the existence of human beings have been derived by something else other than God. These are illustrated through various forms of media and deem to be very convincing for most. However, there are people and ideas of the Christian Religion to comply back with what is said against it. Pope John XXIII was a significant role model for the Christian Religion as he showed true belief and faith to God through his deeds. Topics in debate of Bioethical issues are in question and the practices of the Christian belief are fact to the individual of the means of questioning the purpose here on Earth. Regarding the letter from Paul to the Corinthians, it says “Be on guard; stand firm in faith; be men of courage, be strong.” Its significance to believers is that they can be deceived in time of desperation and at times of hardship but God tells them to stay strong in faith and in courage no matter the distress they are facing.
The First Amendment gives its citizens the freedom of religion, not the freedom to only practice the beliefs instated by Christianity:
Christianity and Politics The descriptions of the Roman Empire and state authority offered in Christian texts seems to be one that is oppressive. Since the state often punished Christians for disturbing the peace, the Empire is often shown as merciless and callous. However, texts seem to suggest that the Empire did not treat Christians any differently from the other citizens of the state. Christianity in itself was not illegal under Roman law, so Christians were not targeted specifically as a group.
...ase of the world of Christians, who view God as a supreme being bound to a code of law which serves to protect their interests and ensure that their life is respected and continued.
What is freedom of religion? Today people speak freely about their own views over specific topics regarding what they believe and what they think is the truth. Along with everything in life there are limits and laws that the government of the United States has established. Let’s take a look at the definition of freedom, what the government says about our freedom, how it is acted out and portrayed in America, and a few case studies regarding freedom of religion.
...By tying the church to the government, people expect the government to behave ethically, but often times, an entirely moral ruler will be overthrown. People expect rulers to act differently than themselves. A ruler cannot show any weakness, or else he will no longer be feared enough to keep him in power, and he will be overthrown. Everybody sees what a ruler seems to be, but few really know who he is. A ruler must seem determined and moral to the people, and show positive results from his leadership. The most important thing for a ruler to do is to avoid being hated or despised by the people, which could occur if a ruler took people's property. For the people, more than the form of power, their perception of power may be the most important for a ruler to maintain his position. “If a ruler wins wars and holds on to power, the means he has employed will always be judged honorable, and everyone will praise him.”(pg.55) Therefore, a ruler should look mainly to winning and to the successful protection of his country. The ways he utilizes for this will always be considered honorable and will be praised by everybody.
God is King, and in spite of what some Christians may believe, it is indeed a fact that God does rule the world. “God is this central figure; he is the king who, having final authority, is ordering the events of his kingdom” (Johnson, pg 44). Nonetheless, it is important for man’s focus to maintain a vertical position instead of a linear position. “Because of man’s previous experiences, training and learning, humans have a bias in things pertaining to God” (Johnson, pg 47).
... In order to understand the Bible we must read it as the Psalmist says “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psa. 119:97). However there some suggestions to cope with the study of the Bible in effective manner. The Bible was written a long time ago before us. That is why we need to deal with some back grounds, context, and theology differs with our time. Some hermeneutics principles can help us how to work in the better frame of interpret the Bible, such as the literary context, historical context and how to compare Scripture.
The Catholic Church’s corruption during the late Middle Ages further enabled church reforms due to the ever-increasing view of the loss of credibility within the church by both the laity and clergy. Thus implementing the ideas of reform. Martin Luther is considered the father of the reformation where he instigated the challenging for the church, papal authority, and changed how the people were allowed to worship. Carlstadt and Zwingli, much like Luther, practiced Evangelical traditions, however, they expanded further than Luther in regards to doctrine and practice. John Calvin on the other hand challenged some of the Evangelical and Reformed Traditions by various religious changes politically and socially. Lindberg examines the Evangelical
However, with the passing of time, came the creation of many other religions and communities. So much so that now, in the modern era, religion is no longer a universally singular thing. Different people have different beliefs and different moral standards. So who is to decide or say whether one god has the right to rule or influence the laws of people who happen to have another religion? Just as one person should not be tasked with too much power, no one religion should be allowed to rule over all, for fear of corruption. People should have the right to decide their own
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