For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:8
Lamenting for Justice
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Only love can transform calculating justice into creative justice. Love makes justice just. Justice without love is always injustice. -Paul Tillich
Fairness and Impartiality
The concept of justice has a long and complex origin, deeply rooted in human history and civilization. It has evolved, shaped by cultural, religious, philosophical, and legal influences.
By definition, justice means in general terms, the principle of fairness and impartiality in the treatment of individuals, ensuring that they receive what they deserve and that their rights and dignity are respected. Justice seeks to uphold a sense of moral rightness and equality, aiming to rectify wrongs and maintain order in society.
From a Biblical and philosophical perspective, God operates principles of fairness and impartiality to all of humanity in these ways.
- Universal love and compassion: Many religious traditions describe God as an all-loving and compassionate being who cares for all of creation, regardless of race, ethnicity, or belief. God’s love is seen as unconditional and available to all.
- Divine justice: God is often perceived as a just and fair judge who ensures that everyone is held accountable for their actions. This belief includes the notion of divine retribution or reward based on one’s deeds, actions, and intentions.
- Equal opportunity for salvation: In many religious systems, God offers the opportunity for salvation or enlightenment to all individuals, regardless of their background or past mistakes. This idea of divine grace or mercy allows for redemption and forgiveness.
- Non-discrimination: God is believed to be impartial, not favoring one group or individual over another. In this view, all people are equal in the eyes of God, and everyone has an equal chance to experience God’s love and blessings.
- Natural laws and order: The existence of natural laws, scientific principles, and order in the universe is often attributed to God’s fairness and consistency. These laws apply universally, making the world predictable and stable.
- Free will: God’s granting of free will to humanity is seen as an expression of impartiality. People have the freedom to make choices and decisions, allowing them to shape their destinies and be responsible for their actions.
Human Injustice
The heart of injustice is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been present throughout human history. Various factors contribute to the emergence of injustice in societies. Below, I will only list them without any elaboration.
Some of the fundamental origins of injustice include:
Power imbalances among individuals or groups; various societal inequalities, deeply ingrained prejudices, and biases. There are also flaws in legal and political systems, perpetuating discrimination and marginalization over generations. And lastly, there is selfishness, greed, the desire for power, lack of accountability, and illiteracy.
In an idealistic, if not simple society, we as faithful followers are commanded to submit ourselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
Needless to say that within the current American empire, we are far removed from idealism, the largest segment of citizens’ reality is that of defeatism, while every aspect of everyday living is multi-complexed instead of simple.
The Role of Government
The basic rationale for government is to protect the rights and interests of the people and to provide services and benefits that people need, such as national security, economic prosperity, environmental protection, social services, roads, police, fire, military, public utilities, healthcare, and education.
[sources: capitalismmagazine.com]
Types of governments in the world today
There are many forms of government in the world today. Some of the different types of government include a direct democracy, a representative democracy, socialism, communism, a monarchy, an oligarchy, and an autocracy.
According to Yale professor Juan Jose Linz, there are three main types of political systems today: democracies, totalitarian regimes and sitting between these two, and authoritarian regimens and hybrid regimes.
All sorts of human failures are transferred from the individual to those systems, including governments. Keeping our focus local, in America, the failure of our government is because of the following:
- Corruption: Corruption is a pervasive problem that undermines the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions.
- Poor Leadership: Ineffective or corrupt leadership can have a significant impact on the failure of government systems.
- Lack of Accountability: When those in power are not held accountable for their actions, it can lead to abuse of power and a disregard for the rule of law.
- Economic Mismanagement: Governments that fail to effectively manage their economies can face severe consequences.
- Political Polarization: When political divisions become deeply entrenched, it can hinder the functioning of government systems.
- Lack of Citizen Participation: Governments that do not actively engage with their citizens and fail to provide avenues for meaningful participation can face legitimacy crises.
- Weak Institutions: Fragile institutions can undermine the stability and effectiveness of government systems.
- Socioeconomic Inequality: Widespread inequality can strain government systems by exacerbating social tensions and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
- External Interference: In some cases, external interference, such as foreign intervention, can disrupt or undermine government systems.
- Historical or Cultural Factors: Historical legacies, cultural norms, or deeply rooted divisions can also contribute to the failure of government systems.
Biblical response
While the Bible does not specifically address modern forms of government, it contains wisdom and warnings that can be applied to various aspects of governance.
Here are a few examples:
- Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” This verse emphasizes the impact of leadership on the well-being of society. It suggests that corrupt or unjust rulers can bring suffering and discontent to the people they govern.
- Jeremiah 10:23: “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” This verse acknowledges the limitations of human wisdom and the need for guidance beyond our understanding. It suggests that relying solely on human governance without seeking divine wisdom can lead to misdirection and failure.
- Isaiah 33:22: “For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.” This verse underscores the supremacy of God’s rule over human governance. It implies that human governments, while necessary, should recognize their subordinate role to God’s ultimate authority.
- Matthew 20:25-26: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” This passage from the New Testament challenges the conventional understanding of leadership and authority. It encourages humility, servant leadership, and a focus on the well-being of others rather than exercising power for personal gain.
Question
Is there any clear Biblical reference warning followers of Jesus Christ from running or participating in governmental positions or offices?
In my inquiry, I discovered that there is no clear biblical reference that explicitly warns followers of Jesus Christ from running or participating in governmental positions or offices. The Bible does not provide specific directives regarding political participation or holding governmental positions.
There are examples in the Bible of individuals who held positions of authority in government while maintaining their faith and serving God. For instance, Joseph served as a high-ranking official in Egypt, Daniel held prominent positions in the Babylonian and Persian empires, and Nehemiah served as a cupbearer to the Persian king.
However, it is important to note that the Bible does provide principles and values that can guide Believers in their engagement with politics and governance. Followers of Christ are encouraged to seek wisdom, pursue justice, show compassion, and uphold moral principles in all areas of life, including politics.
Additionally, followers of Jesus Christ are instructed to prioritize their ultimate allegiance to God’s kingdom over any earthly authority. This means that while participating in government, faithful followers are called to act by their faith, promoting righteousness, advocating for the well-being of others, and seeking to bring about positive change.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue or participate in governmental positions or offices is a personal one that should be guided by an individual’s understanding of their calling, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and their commitment to serving God and others.
God’s Universal Laws for all Humanity
Before the election of Israel as a nation, before the Torah and the first advent of Jesus of Nazareth, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and the various forms of human governments, there already existed principles that are considered the basic moral code for all people to follow. It was and is the seven Noahide laws.
The Noahide Covenant, also known as the Seven Laws of Noah, is a Jewish concept originating from the Hebrew Bible. It is believed to have been established by God with Noah after the Great Flood. The covenant consists of seven fundamental ethical and moral principles given to all of humanity, not just the Jewish people. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/62221/jewish/The-7-Noahide-Laws-Universal-Morality.htm
An additional note concerning the Noahide Covenant was instrumental in the formation of greater unity and solidarity between the Jewish and non-Jewish believers of Messiah during the missionary work and expansion of Paul’s mission and ministry to the Gentiles. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/acts-15/
The significance of the Noahide Laws lies in their universal application to all people, as they were considered the basic moral framework for humanity. These laws were relevant to the broader relationship between Jews and Gentiles.
Healing the Soul of Humanity
We are in a desperate state of inner healing of the soul of humanity. “The soul knows how to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind and listen to its wisdom.” – Caroline Myss
Both divine and human justice is transformative and redemptive to humanity’s current deep-seated spiritual-moral crisis. We need constant prayer and creative means of fairness and goodness toward everyone because it is always right to do right.
Restorative justice has sometimes been referred to as the soothing balm for the wounds inflicted on society. But when there is no justice those wounds can never be cleansed, those wounds can never be healed. [paraphrased statement from the movie, Ghosts of Mississippi]
Prayer
Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV) –
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the one I praise.” Amen
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo
Some additional research material for this study: The Purpose for government: Capitalismmagazine.com; The oldest justification for government: (weforum.org), Types of governments in the world today: National Geographic.org and en.wikipedia.org. Noahide Laws as a form of government: Britannica.com and Chabad.org.