I saw a lady on the news berating Christians by saying that they shouldn’t try to “force their
views” on people. She was speaking of politics. What exactly does that mean? Is that a valid
argument in the political arena? Should we, as Christians, separate our Christian beliefs, our
conservative morals brought on by our beliefs, or our desire to live out our Christian lifestyles
from the way we vote?
First let me address that word “force”. That is put out there because it is a provocative word
meant to instill a negative connotation to the awaited reply. The fact of the matter is that we all
are constantly “forced” to do stuff that with which we might disagree. It is called “the law”. The
speed limit on the road in front of my house is 30 MPH. You almost have to ride your brakes to
only go 30. To me, it is not a danger to drive 40 or even 50 on most of the road but I am forced
to try and stay under 30 MPH based on someone’s belief that has been codified into law.
Now suppose that I believe that the Bible teaches that abortion is wrong; that it is the taking of
innocent life. Do I have the right to “force” that belief on others by getting it codified into law?
Absolutely! In fact, I have the responsibility to do so in order to save lives. I’d be a pretty sorry
person to believe that and do nothing to stop it. Likewise, with other beliefs I have because of
my Biblical worldview.
Can I force Christianity on someone? No. That’s not the way the Gospel works. Do I believe
the United States should be a theocracy? Another no. That would do away with the principles of
our democracy. But to live, as best we can, by God’s Word is our right and responsibility.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The United States of America is not, nor has it ever
been, the “new Israel”. God did not choose us as a people to go to a new promised land to
become peculiarly HIS people. We were, however, formed along Christian principles and
Biblical ideals (though, yes, our forefathers made horrible mistakes along the way). I believe
that history shows that God had His hand on us…blessed us…because of our efforts to honor
Him and live by His commands and precepts. When we take God out of the equation in running
our country, only bad things will happen. Proverbs 29:18 says it best: “Where there is no
revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”
Bro. Tony
views” on people. She was speaking of politics. What exactly does that mean? Is that a valid
argument in the political arena? Should we, as Christians, separate our Christian beliefs, our
conservative morals brought on by our beliefs, or our desire to live out our Christian lifestyles
from the way we vote?
First let me address that word “force”. That is put out there because it is a provocative word
meant to instill a negative connotation to the awaited reply. The fact of the matter is that we all
are constantly “forced” to do stuff that with which we might disagree. It is called “the law”. The
speed limit on the road in front of my house is 30 MPH. You almost have to ride your brakes to
only go 30. To me, it is not a danger to drive 40 or even 50 on most of the road but I am forced
to try and stay under 30 MPH based on someone’s belief that has been codified into law.
Now suppose that I believe that the Bible teaches that abortion is wrong; that it is the taking of
innocent life. Do I have the right to “force” that belief on others by getting it codified into law?
Absolutely! In fact, I have the responsibility to do so in order to save lives. I’d be a pretty sorry
person to believe that and do nothing to stop it. Likewise, with other beliefs I have because of
my Biblical worldview.
Can I force Christianity on someone? No. That’s not the way the Gospel works. Do I believe
the United States should be a theocracy? Another no. That would do away with the principles of
our democracy. But to live, as best we can, by God’s Word is our right and responsibility.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The United States of America is not, nor has it ever
been, the “new Israel”. God did not choose us as a people to go to a new promised land to
become peculiarly HIS people. We were, however, formed along Christian principles and
Biblical ideals (though, yes, our forefathers made horrible mistakes along the way). I believe
that history shows that God had His hand on us…blessed us…because of our efforts to honor
Him and live by His commands and precepts. When we take God out of the equation in running
our country, only bad things will happen. Proverbs 29:18 says it best: “Where there is no
revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”
Bro. Tony