Beyond Good Intentions: A Biblical View of Politics

by Doug Bandow, Marvin Olasky (Series Editor)

Beyond Good Intentions brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the question of how Christianity and politics interrelate. Author Doug Bandow believes the key lies in the correct use of the Bible in addressing public policy issues. Too often Christians either ignore or misapply the Bible in the political arena. Beyond Good Intentions is a much-needed corrective which takes the Bible seriously yet avoids proof-texting and questionable interpretive methods.

Genres: Politics, Christian, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1988

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlines what the Bible teaches is the role of government, and gives food for thought in applying Biblical principles to politics. There are many specific examples showing how to apply Christian principles to a wide range of political issues. It also makes the case for Christians being involved in politics.

A major theme is that it isn't the government's duty to enforce morality, but to provide an environment in which morality is allowed and encouraged.

I don't agree with the author on all points, and there are several points on which I'm undecided.

Notes
A Christian Political Perspective
We need to be involved in politics because government regulates so much of our lives.

Because we love our neighbors, we must be concerned with government institutions that affect them.

We must be politically active to defend church from government intrusions.

Biblical principles that influence role of government: justice, sanctity of life, personal and communal responsibility for the needy, respect for individual autonomy, bias against expansive godlike state, desire to protect family unit, promotion of peace and order.

The Need for a New Political Paradigm
Christ told disciples to be salt of the earth, and didn't exempt the state.

We must be involved in politics to limit the government's "potential for doing evil."

Biblical Principles: The Role of Government
Biblical role of government
1. Limited power. A strong government unjustly infringes on citizens' freedom, and may demand to be treated like God. The more expansive the authority, the greater the potential for abuse (Ecc 4:1; 5:8-9; Mk 10:42; Deut 17:14-20; 1 Sam 8:11-17). Bible recognizes political and economic liberty (Jer 34:14, 17; Rev 13:17).
2. Protect right to worship God. Government must not hinder worship of God (Mt 22:37; Acts 5:29) but must provide a peaceful environment for worship (1 Tim 2:2).
3. Regulate violent or fraudulent conduct. Government must protect citizens' lives and property from sinful conduct of their neighbors (Rom 13:3-5; Ex 20:15; Isa 61:8; Pro 23:10; Lev 19:11-13, 35-36; Deut 17:8).
4. Promote justice and righteousness (Ps 71:1; Jer 5:4-6, 26-28; 12:12; 22:1-3, 13-17; Micah 3:5, 9-11; Amos 5:10-12, 15; Lk 3:12-14; 19:8; Pro 22:22; Isa 10:1-2).

Ps 72:1-4 is only passage that suggests that government should materially support the poor, and passage may be directed more to Messiah than to earthly rulers.

Cancellation of debts and restrictions on interest didn't apply to foreigners (Deut 15:3; 23:20), showing that those aren't universal moral laws.

Government doesn't need to enforce social, economic, ceremonial laws of OT Israel. They were given to Israel, not to Gentiles (Deut 14:21; 15:3, 12; 23:20; 24:7; Jer 34:8).

In NT, authority to enforce morality moved from government to church (John 8:1-11; 1 Cor 5:9-13).

NT doesn't tell government to enforce godly virtues, but puts responsibility on individuals.

"Christ's teachings emphasized the conversion of individual lives, not the reform of public institutions."

Biblical Principles: The Transcendence of the Spiritual
"Nowhere does the Bible justify the use of coercion to enforce spiritual conformity."

Applying Biblical Principles
Regarding public school,

Christians cannot expect what is a universal, nonsectarian institution to advance our specific theological views, but we can demand that that public schools honestly present issues and history, treat religion with respect, and not propagate un-Christian philosophies.

Believers should not waste time attempting to insert formalistic, ceremonial religion into public institutions. Nondenominational prayer led by an unbelieving teacher is not only meaningless, but is also unfair to non-Christians who must attend public institutions.

Believers are obligated to be involved in civic affairs, since it's subject to God's rule and requires Christian "salt."

Believers should take an interest in public affairs, which may mean voting regularly and occasionally writing letters to the editor, or attending a party caucus or protesting immoral use of city funds. Believers should especially be willing to act when Christian organizations are challenged, such as going to a hearing. "The specifics of our involvement are less important than our readiness to hold political leaders accountable for their conduct."

Biblical role of government: promote justice and righteousness (protect life and property from domestic and foreign lawbreakers, prevent oppression of weak by strong), maintain impartiality in dealing with people, have secondary role in providing for needy (individuals and churches have primary role). "Government is not barred from performing other functions, but no others appear to be Biblically required."

Applying Biblical Principles: Some Examples
"The Bible does not mandate organized school prayer and prudence suggest that it would do more harm than good."

"Paul did not even order Christians to stay away from immoral pagans [1 Cor 5:9-11]. Would he have advocated jailing them?"

We should think carefully before attempting to control what our non-Christian neighbors can read and watch. The effectiveness of state action diminishes rapidly as it moves from issues involving conduct toward others to matters of personal conscience.

"Believers should remember that civil government is not a redemptive institution; it should be used to regulate interpersonal relations, not to try to make men into angels."

Applying Biblical Principles: More Examples
Regarding environment, humans are both to steward God's resources and fill the earth and subdue it (Gen 1:28). This implies respecting all of creation, not purposely destroying resources, and carefully balancing environmental preservation and economic growth.

Conclusion: Christian Activism in the Public Square

The purpose of Christian political activism should not be to seize control of government to promote Christianity. Jesus did not come to establish yet another interest group dedicated to using the state to get its way. Instead, God ordained the civil state to ensure justice in a sinful world, a commitment to fairness encompassed unrighteous as well as righteous, aliens as well as Israelites.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Bill Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Christian-based review of economics.