I’ve Been Thinking … … about faith, democracy and government. Apparently God wants us to have good government, and wants us to participate and support good government. Listen: Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God … That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. Pay then what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.” – Romans 13:1,7. That was written during the time of the Roman empire, and it was NOT a democracy. Caesar and the senate ruled supreme. The average person didn’t get a vote or a voice. We do. We get a vote and we can participate in the selection of who will rule, and we can influence their policies. Sometimes we’re satisfied with the results. Sometimes … not so much. Someone has commented that “In a democracy most people get the government they deserve.” I think that’s generally true – so if we’re cynical and apathetic so that we don’t vote, or if we’re indifferent and uninformed so that we vote for wrong-headed policies – well, we get the government we deserve. Winston Churchill declared, “Democracy is the worst possible form of government – until you consider the alternatives.” I’ll be out of town on June 12th, the day of our Provincial election. So I’m voting at the Advance poll, which is already open. I’m not going to suggest who you should vote for. But I am strongly encouraging you to research each party platform (don’t just listen to the ‘attack ads’, emotional pitch that strategists throw at us). Take an hour, and study your options toward an informed vote. Granted that good government is a complex process, nevertheless, we who are followers of Jesus, are called to build a society on values and principles from our faith. Our ultimate citizenship is under the reign of Christ, and yet we live that out in this province and this nation. Thanks for being a good citizen. Thanks for voting. With love, ORVILLE
Posted on: Sat, 31 May 2014 23:02:22 +0000
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