Dr Robert Kraynak Analysis

In Dr. Robert Kraynak’s article, he questions whether or not the Christian faith is compatible with modern liberal democracy. He begins by explaining that the assumption that these principles are in harmony with each other is an idea that goes back to the founding fathers of America. Yet, it seems that this harmony is turning into hostility at a very alarming rate. Now Christians are faced with the dilemma of conforming to a culture and supporting a government that legalizes abortion and gay marriage, emphasizes materialism while leaving behind the lower class, and regulates the freedom of religion in public despite promoting self-expression. Other modern democracies in Canada and Europe have altogether put aside their Christian roots and became

solely secular. Can Christianity really be in harmony with modern democracy if it appears to be actively forcing Christians to hide their faith? That seems to be contradictory to the Biblical creed found in Matthew 28:19. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” In order for Christians to be in harmony with liberal democracy, democracy has to be based on respect for other human’s that are made in God’s image not based on natural rights used for personal gain.
The idea of “rights” is a concept that is not entirely in line with Christian doctrine. Rights are fundamental claims against higher powers for personal gain or protection for freedom.

These rights are said to be deserved by all and no one can take them away. Christianity instead claims that one’s primary duty is not to protect oneself or advance one’s welfare , but instead a person’s highest duty is to the advancement of God’s will and to the welfare of one’s neighbor. The concept of rights put one’s happiness above their duties to God and mankind. Mark 12:30-31 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” The Bible claims that one’s own comfort is not to be put above God or mankind. In the Christian belief system divine revelation, usually through God’s Word, is considered to be absolute truth and the highest authority. Thus if a manmade “right” contradicts the Bible then Christians are to refer to God’s Worth first. This makes divine revelation the primary foundation in the Christian belief system as opposed to modern liberal democracy’s foundation of human rights. Christian’s believe that sin is inherent in every human being. With this sin comes the abuse of rights and the corruption that is characteristic of man’s

desire for selfish gain. Man will not chose to use these rights to benefit mankind and their faith, but instead will inevitably use it to defend their immorality and cruelty. Where would the line be drawn between man’s right for freedom and man’s right to protection? It is too great a burden to give the government the responsibility to eradicate man’s sin from the rights that man believes he has inherited. Christianity values the greater good above man’s right or even a group’s right. This greater good is usually viewed as harmony among people and the upholding of moral virtues. The greater good is not intended for the advancement of individuals, as are rights, but for universal peace and harmony. In fact, rights seem to be more focused on a selfish principle than the traditional sacrificial principle that the Bible teaches. For man to have fundamental rights without even earning them implies that mankind is owed something for simply existing. Granting natural rights to people that continue to indulge in their selfish habits seems entirely too self-centered, a virtue that Christianity does not support. Human rights could be beneficial when used against oppression to promote harmony and peace, but instead in modern times they are used in a selfish manner to destroy authority to promote self-gain.