Via Henry Neufeld, a very thoughtful, multi-part post on a Christian case for limited government. (Part 2, Part 3) It touches some of the same concepts I did in Social Justice, For the Glory of Government, but is far more scholarly and in depth. Different angles, and in some cases, different conclusions. It’s well worth a read – I’m going to print them out and mull them over. Here’s a sample to get you started:
My thesis throughout this multi-part discussion will be that the main reason the practices of discipleship are in such sad shape in Western culture is not because Christians don’t want to read their Bibles, nor because they don’t want to take time to pray, nor because they would rather hoard their money than give it to those in need. While all of those may be true to a greater or lesser extent, they are but symptoms of something deeper. The main reason for the decline of the church in the West is Christian support for large government, which undermines the very integrity of the church itself as the counter-story that interprets the world’s politics.
BTW, Allan is writing a book on this which my company will publish.
.-= Henry Neufeld´s last blog ..On Character, Discontent, and the Old Testament =-.
Thanks Laura… I will definitely take a look.
Interesting side comment though. Could it also be said that typically democrats are “big government” and therefore a group that supports “democrat only” would also unintentionally and possibly even unknowingly be support big government?
PS – I appreciate this look deep into politics/beliefs. Most people don’t care to look far enough into the root issues that drives the differences.
Henry, when it’s published I’ll be glad to post and link back – just let me know when.
Immanuel – I’m not sure if that’s unintentional or unknowing… I mean, if you look at the Democratic platform, it’s clearly big government. I think a lot of Republicans unintentionally and unknowingly support big gubmint, though – because as a group we did not ride herd adequately on our representatives back when they were in control – a fact that we are still paying the price for today. (And rightfully so….) And you’re welcome. I’m not sure if I have much to offer in terms of new ideas, but I do like to read and study these things myself, and link accordingly.