Christian worldview and the impact of biblical principles

Abstract

This document describes the biblical elements that underpin many of the core concepts and principles of the United States government. Here, the document focuses on the concepts of justice and fairness and how society defines these abstract terms in a biblical context. The society need for a collective good and a natural rule of law are core elements throughout the old and new testament. Likewise, the need for individual sacrifice for the greater good of society are also critical elements within society. In addition, detail is provided related to the powers of congress and how they align with many of the core tenets within biblical studies. The document then transitions into a brief discussion related to the three primary worldviews. Here, a comparison between the three common worldviews is provided with the author providing context between the merits of each doctrine. The document concludes with a discussion on how society can potentially evolve and grow given the three prevailing worldviews.

Introduction

The bible is a core foundational document used to help found the United States of America. Many of policies and procedures adopted by government during the countries founding, have large influences from the Christian bible. Many of these principles include the role of God and how he provides meaning and influence in the lives of others. This influence often dictate behavior in society along with many of the checks and balances we currently benefit from. The notion of “Justice” and “Fairness” in American society have their roots within the biblical text. Likewise, the need to help others and be kind to fellow human beings in the impetuous behind many of the humanitarian efforts utilized throughout the county’s founding. Indirectly, the bible has also reinforced the large since of pride Americans feel for their home country. According to the bible, God made man in his own image. Here, many Americans believe that their country is the embodiment of the ideals of God through our worship and obedience to this word. As a result, the greatness the country has experienced over the years, many citizens attribute to the blessing of God. This reinforces their belief in the influence of Christianity within their daily lives and routines. American society therefore uses the wealth and power of America a justification that the principles espoused by Christianity are correct and warranted (Berkhof, 2015).

Body

As it relates to specific biblical concepts that contribute to the role of the government, the first concept is that of inalienable rights. One of the more famous excerpts from the American constitution is as follows:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

One of the core tenets of the preamble is the concept of inalienable rights that endowed by God to man and cannot be revoked. This concept has direct influence from the bible in acknowledging the universal power of God and man’s inability to challenge these rights. Essentially, these rights are given at birth and should therefore be honored by society. Initially, this concept was somewhat hypocritical considering that the parties that created the preamble where all wealth, land owning, white men. Likewise, as well documented, slaves and white women where not included in the, “ all men are created equal,” portion of the preamble. However, this general premise has enabled society to further the rights of women and minorities to better adhere to the principles of equality and inalienable rights of all men (Boys, 2019).

In addition, congress has been provided enumerated powers such as levying taxes, maintain the military, declaring war, coining money, regulating commerce, and making laws. These powers are kept in check through other branches of the government. For example, as discussed above the Legislative branch has the authority to declare war, the executive branch has the power to veto legislation and helps to enforce laws. Finally, the Judicial branch interprets the laws and can determine if certain laws are unconstitutional or not. This all work together to avoid one branch having too much power. The most recent example occurred with the vaccination mandate that was passed through executive order by the executive branch. However, the Judicial Branch ruled that the mandate was unconstitutional. This policy of vaccination mandates leverages biblical principles of attempting to provide care and a voice to those suffering in society. However, this mandate violated the rights and sovereignties of other citizens in the process and was therefore unconstitutional (Burgess, 2017).

The next concept is that natural law, which is a system of laws based on human nature and intrinsic human values. This is concept is very similar to that of inalienable rights in that these rights are not conferred by a legislative act but instead given by nature. Here again, this concept is heavily referencing with both the old and new testaments of the bible. In fact, the concept of natural law has been in human civilization since the roman empire due in part to the efforts of Christian Philosopher Tomas Aquinas. The prevailing thesis behind natural law is that human are sentient beings that possess reason. The ability to reason is a distinguishable trait given by the divine. Due to this concept, all human lives are therefore sacred and infinitely valued as compared to other objects in the world. Romans 2:15 also mentions this concept of natural law by saying, “They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.”

In addition to the two concepts discussed above, the founding of the nation also looked to separate church and state. This concept too has its origins long before American civilization. Here too, the separation of church and state allows those in society to worship in the manner in which they deem necessary without interference from the government. Here again, the prevailing thought with this concept is that man should not have the power to direct the activities of God from a legislative perspective. In these instances, individuals may believe they have more power than God and leverage the church as a means to obtain a greater authority over religions and its activities. By separating the two, man recognizes the authority and power of God within civilization (Clark, 2016).

The distinction between sin and crime is another tool used to maintain society and its biblical principles. Throughout the bible, sin was heavily punished and frowned upon by society and by God. The 10 commandments are principles and concepts that are embedded in society today. For example, for society to be successful, it is important for its constituents to not steal, murder, lie and commit others acts that could otherwise undermined the functioning of society. As a result, many of these biblical tenets have been adopted in American society and are often punished severely if they are committed. These crimes are often characterized as sins in the bible and society is designed to mitigate their occurrence (Bennett, 2002).

Finally the concept of covenant and federalism in American society has its roots in biblical teachings. Here, American society is dominated by the view of rule by consent. Here society allows consent for rule understanding that the rules are for the greater good of society. This concept has biblical influences as those following God had to first willingly give their lives to God and commit to following his teachings. This often-included discarding wealth, possesses, and other freedoms in pursuit of the greater good of Christianity.