The Role of Government

intricatic · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 12:19 AM

I think there are two types of people. There are those who like government and think it can help solve problems, and there are those who dislike government and think it's a necessary evil that should be kept tightly in check. There might be some variable views within the range of those two, but for the most part, I think that sums it up fairly well.

Which type of person are you?

I don't think I need to answer this one, personally. It should be obvious.

Tenor · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 02:48 AM

My personal feelings is that the Government is there for a reason, and could do some good, but they have been given way more power than was originally intended, and have way to much control over things that they should not.

Some things need to go back to the way that the Bible says that they should be, not what man says.

intricatic · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 02:55 AM

I'd agree with that. I'm not an anarchist - I think government is a 'necessary evil' in the sense that we need some structure, and a means of preserving rights and liberty without infringing on those same rights and liberties in the process.

Timothy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 11:53 PM

I like the government. I will continue to do so as long as they pay for my university tuition...

Annie · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 04:04 AM

the government was ordained by God (whatever government we may be under) to govern us. Though there will never be such a thing as a perfect government, the idea of government is not inherently evil neither is it inherently angelic. But i tend to agree with Tim now that i'm seriously thinking about my educational future - if they wanna pay for my schooling they can't be all bad

imluvd · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 02:45 PM

1 Samuel 8: tells us that God allowed us a king (government), but that he didn't want us to be ruled by anyone, but him. He even warns them from verses 11-18 the terrible things the king would do to them and their families, which reminds me of Iraq and taxes! And also God says in closing " When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day." Personally I think we need to look to God to lead us and take care of us, not men.

Annie · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 03:01 PM

can you apply that to all nations though? Israel was set aside specifically for God to be led and molded by Him in a pretty direct way obviously that was a special case. When they decided to throw that away in favour of following along with the rest of other nations that was a pretty blunt way of telling God that they had no interest in being His people but wanting to live as the rest of the world.

And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. - 1 Sam 8:7

but does that mean all nations should reject their governments that God has ordaind for them (rom 13) and become a theocracy like Israel was having only prophets and judges to guide us?

Mr.Dude · #8 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 01:12 AM

Government? EW. Needs to be kept small. I'm an ultra-conservative, so that should explain what I think of government.

intricatic · #9 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annie

can you apply that to all nations though? Israel was set aside specifically for God to be led and molded by Him in a pretty direct way obviously that was a special case. When they decided to throw that away in favour of following along with the rest of other nations that was a pretty blunt way of telling God that they had no interest in being His people but wanting to live as the rest of the world.

And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. - 1 Sam 8:7

but does that mean all nations should reject their governments that God has ordaind for them (rom 13) and become a theocracy like Israel was having only prophets and judges to guide us?

Actually, it could be taken as a statement to man's standing, in general, before God. Do we take the government to be the natural translation of God's will, or do we take God's revelation to be the natural translation of God's will? Although I respect the authority granted to government, I only submit to God. Through that submission to God, I live peaceably within the society I've been placed. This doesn't mean I take man's authority seriously, though, aside from it's source in God's sovereignty. Man has no authority if God does not allow it.

Sealed · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Dude

Government? EW. Needs to be kept small. I'm an ultra-conservative, so that should explain what I think of government.

I fall in line with the latter option too like Mr. Dude. Less is more in this regard. Less my taxes have to pay for and support; more for those who need it (needy, fatherless, widows); less to keep in check/line to name a couple good reasons.