What is our responsibility as Christians

[freeatlast]

As Christians how far should we go in seeking our legislators to pass laws that are based strictly on what we feel are moral issues? In other words should we seek laws limiting someone's activities that have no direct effect on others, but are personal choices? For instance should we seek what are called blue laws? Laws that shut down most business on Sunday or have them all appealed? How about laws that make it illegal to use drugs or should we let each decide if or what they use while only restricting what they do while taking them such as driving? It is legal for people to drink and even get drunk as long as they do it privately so why not the taking of drugs and getting high?
How about homosexuality as that is a personal choice that effects no one but the two involved? How about them marrying? It used to be illegal and the church was the reason why and people went to prison for doing it. Now it is not. Should we seek to make that illegal again. Or how about prostitution? Should that be made legal as it is an agreement between two consenting adults? How about having multiple husbands or wives? Should we seek to repeal those laws that stop it or seek to keep them? Why isn’t that a personal choice as it causes no harm to others so should it be legal? Or how about dog fighting or fighting chickens? How about suicide? That is a person's choice so should that be legalized? Why or why not?
As Christians in a society where we are the government along with every other citizen should we seek to impose our moral values on others through legislation/laws who are not Christians or allow them to live as they see fit as long as their activities have no direct influence on another or might cause physical harm or death to another? What do you think God expects of us as Christians who live under this form of government as how we are to seek our legislators in the making of laws? Take each one of those mentioned and give an answer as to why it should or should not be legal based on a free society and the church not being under law.

 

[HAMel]

What is our responsibility as Christians

...to follow Him.

 

[Oldtimer]

Which one(s) of the activities listed don't have an effect on others in some manner?

Responsibility of a Christian.....

Listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance in all matters. What does God want us to do?

 

[HankD]

We often here the statement "we are not under law"? So how should this translate into our political endeavors?

As Christians how far should we go in seeking our legislators to pass laws that are based strictly on what we feel are moral issues? In other words should we seek laws limiting someone's activities that have no direct effect on others, but are personal choices? For instance should we seek what are called blue laws? Laws that shut down most business on Sunday or have them all appealed? How about laws that make it illegal to use drugs or should we let each decide if or what they use while only restricting what they do while taking them such as driving? It is legal for people to drink and even get drunk as long as they do it privately so why not the taking of drugs and getting high?
How about homosexuality as that is a personal choice that effects no one but the two involved? How about them marrying? It used to be illegal and the church was the reason why and people went to prison for doing it. Now it is not. Should we seek to make that illegal again. Or how about prostitution? Should that be made legal as it is an agreement between two consenting adults? How about having multiple husbands or wives? Should we seek to repeal those laws that stop it or seek to keep them? Why isn’t that a personal choice as it causes no harm to others so should it be legal? Or how about dog fighting or fighting chickens? How about suicide? That is a person's choice so should that be legalized? Why or why not?
As Christians in a society where we are the government along with every other citizen should we seek to impose our moral values on others through legislation/laws who are not Christians or allow them to live as they see fit as long as their activities have no direct influence on another or might cause physical harm or death to another? What do you think God expects of us as Christians who live under this form of government as how we are to seek our legislators in the making of laws? Take each one of those mentioned and give an answer as to why it should or should not be legal based on a free society and the church not being under law.

We aren't under the law - it's in the scripture.

Our walk in life should EXCEED the moral requirements of the law.

Three principles would cover all these above FAL.

That which is not of faith is sin.

To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
It is better to obey God rather than men.​

Or in a one sentence scripture:​

The just shall live by faith​

or another:​

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.​

We have been freed from the law to worship, serve and glorify Him.​

We don't have a checklist righteousness of do's and dont's but have been given the righteousness of Christ which is greater than the righteousness of the law.​

That's my answer, perhaps someone has a better.​

HankD​

 

[HankD]

Double post

 

[freeatlast]

We aren't under the law - it's in the scripture.

Our walk in life should EXCEED the moral requirements of the law.

Three principles would cover all these above FAL.

That which is not of faith is sin.

To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
It is better to obey God rather than men.​

Or in a one sentence scripture:​

The just shall live by faith​

or another:​

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.​

We have been freed from the law to worship, serve and glorify Him.​

We don't have a checklist righteousness of do's and dont's but have been given the righteousness of Christ which is greater than the righteousness of the law.​

That's my answer, perhaps someone has a better.​

HankD​

Let me remind you. This is about the how we are to do in government not the church. So what is yourt answer? As Christians should we seek to get our legislators to allow the things I the OP or not?

 

[HAMel]

Let me remind you. This is about the how we are to do in government not the church.

As the Lord has told us that homosexuality is a sin, why would any believer vote for a person who endorses such? Or, begin to think perhaps they need to ponder "What Would Jesus Do" in such a situation?

As perhaps 99 percent of all politicians would fit nicely in the Despicable File, it all boils down to the lessor of all the evils. As strong a stand as Ron Paul offers up a vote (for) him will equate to a vote for (Obama).

In Washington, not much legislation is passed for the benefit of Citizens to begin with and for sure, one person usually can get nothing accomplished. As diversification has been rammed down our throats over the past few decades there are too many agenda's out there to deal with. The American Way has long since been abandoned and it will require some coast to coast calamity/threat to stir the people back into action.

 

[freeatlast]

Let me remind you. This is about the how we are to do in government not the church.

As the Lord has told us that homosexuality is a sin, why would any believer vote for a person who endorses such? Or, begin to think perhaps they need to ponder "What Would Jesus Do" in such a situation?

As perhaps 99 percent of all politicians would fit nicely in the Despicable File, it all boils down to the lessor of all the evils. As strong a stand as Ron Paul offers up a vote (for) him will equate to a vote for (Obama).

In Washington, not much legislation is passed for the benefit of Citizens to begin with and for sure, one person usually can get nothing accomplished. As diversification has been rammed down our throats over the past few decades there are too many agenda's out there to deal with. The American Way has long since been abandoned and it will require some coast to coast calamity/threat to stir the people back into action.

So would you press your legislators to make laws against all the things in the OP?

 

[HAMel]

So would you press your legislators to make laws against all the things in the OP?

I'm not trying to dodge your bullet here I've learned over the years that you can't "press" anyone to do anything against their will. One can "suggest" but until the other sees the need, you're wasting your time.

I've heard it said that slime bag politicians consider one phone call or one letter to represent the feelings of at least a thousand people. If true, then a thousand people offering up one phone call or one letter on the same topic would equate to one hundred thousand voters. Now you're talking.

We are told to pray for our leaders. They spend their time "praying" for their re-election while orating with a forked tongue. The "fringe elements" in this country are quite organized and efficient while the average church is split down the middle arguing over the color of the new carpet.

 

[Sapper Woody]

For me, the question comes down to whether or not the item in question meets 2 criteria (assuming that the item is biblically wrong):

1: Would making this item illegal hinder someone's right to religious preference?
2: Does this item interfere with how I wish to raise my children?

If the answer is yes to the first, then no to the second, then I leave it alone. If the answer is yes to the second, I try to change it for the better. The probllem comes in when it's yes to both. That's where things get sticky, and it has to become "the lesser of two evils".

 

[Pastor David]

As Christians how far should we go in seeking our legislators to pass laws that are based strictly on what we feel are moral issues? In other words should we seek laws limiting someone's activities that have no direct effect on others, but are personal choices? For instance should we seek what are called blue laws? Laws that shut down most business on Sunday or have them all appealed? How about laws that make it illegal to use drugs or should we let each decide if or what they use while only restricting what they do while taking them such as driving? It is legal for people to drink and even get drunk as long as they do it privately so why not the taking of drugs and getting high?
How about homosexuality as that is a personal choice that effects no one but the two involved? How about them marrying? It used to be illegal and the church was the reason why and people went to prison for doing it. Now it is not. Should we seek to make that illegal again. Or how about prostitution? Should that be made legal as it is an agreement between two consenting adults? How about having multiple husbands or wives? Should we seek to repeal those laws that stop it or seek to keep them? Why isn’t that a personal choice as it causes no harm to others so should it be legal? Or how about dog fighting or fighting chickens? How about suicide? That is a person's choice so should that be legalized? Why or why not?
As Christians in a society where we are the government along with every other citizen should we seek to impose our moral values on others through legislation/laws who are not Christians or allow them to live as they see fit as long as their activities have no direct influence on another or might cause physical harm or death to another? What do you think God expects of us as Christians who live under this form of government as how we are to seek our legislators in the making of laws? Take each one of those mentioned and give an answer as to why it should or should not be legal based on a free society and the church not being under law.

The Bible says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people" (Pr. 14:34).

From this I think we can rightly discern that God expects a standard of righteousness from our nation. The question then becomes what is going to be our standard of righteousness? And there are really only two answers to this question. Either we will live by God's standards of righteousness or our own. Therefore as Christians, I believe we must advocate for God's own standards of righteousness as revealed in His Word. Because sin is a reproach to any people.

 

[freeatlast]

For me, the question comes down to whether or not the item in question meets 2 criteria (assuming that the item is biblically wrong):

1: Would making this item illegal hinder someone's right to religious preference?
2: Does this item interfere with how I wish to raise my children?

If the answer is yes to the first, then no to the second, then I leave it alone. If the answer is yes to the second, I try to change it for the better. The probllem comes in when it's yes to both. That's where things get sticky, and it has to become "the lesser of two evils".

So how would you handle the things listed in the OP?

 

[Sapper Woody]

I need to emphasize here that my following responses are only in regard to laws and the legality of things. This is not my opinion on whether or not they are right to do, only whether they should be illegal.

Laws that shut down most business on Sunday or have them all appealed?

That does not affect the way I want my kids to turn out, and those laws inhibit free religious views. I think that they should all be repealed (if anymore even exist). Besides, they were (at least imo) enacted in reaction to the faulty idea that the Sabbath was Sunday.

How about laws that make it illegal to use drugs or should we let each decide if or what they use while only restricting what they do while taking them such as driving? It is legal for people to drink and even get drunk as long as they do it privately so why not the taking of drugs and getting high?

Drugs and alchohol use should both be kept private. Drugs should be legalized, however using any drugs that potentially harm a person should be grounds for therapy, just like someone hurting themselves in other ways. Alchohol (and drugs) should have a tighter leash on the "public intoxication" laws.

How about homosexuality as that is a personal choice that effects no one but the two involved? How about them marrying?

This one gets sticky right here. Aside from it being wrong, I think that homosexuality should not be punished legally. However, I also believe that same sex marriage should be illegal. What they do in their own privacy does not affect my family. However, what they do in the open does.

Or how about prostitution? Should that be made legal as it is an agreement between two consenting adults?

Prostitution should be made legal. However, it should be governed closely so that it does not cause / spread disease, etc. It should also be kept private, and not flaunted.

How about having multiple husbands or wives? Should we seek to repeal those laws that stop it or seek to keep them? Why isn’t that a personal choice as it causes no harm to others so should it be legal?

As unwise as having multiple wives would be (Think: more than one mother in law!), this should be legalized. However, it would have to have some regulations (that I have not put thought into yet) to stop people from "farming" green cards, welfare, etc.

Or how about dog fighting or fighting chickens?

Should be illegal, as it is cruelty to animals.

How about suicide?

I've never heard of anyone being put in jail for suicide. :thumbs: Joking aside, it should not be able to be prosecuted, but people who attempt and fail should be put into therapy.

I feel the need to reiterate that this is just my view on the legality of things, not whether they are right/wrong or sin.

 

[freeatlast]

Woody thank you for sharing your view on this.

 

[freeatlast]

The Bible says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people" (Pr. 14:34).

From this I think we can rightly discern that God expects a standard of righteousness from our nation. The question then becomes what is going to be our standard of righteousness? And there are really only two answers to this question. Either we will live by God's standards of righteousness or our own. Therefore as Christians, I believe we must advocate for God's own standards of righteousness as revealed in His Word. Because sin is a reproach to any people.

Thank you for the response. I assume by your response you feel the things I mentioned in the OP should be against the law and that we should seek to get our legislators to enact them.

 

[JesusFan]

As Christians how far should we go in seeking our legislators to pass laws that are based strictly on what we feel are moral issues? In other words should we seek laws limiting someone's activities that have no direct effect on others, but are personal choices? For instance should we seek what are called blue laws? Laws that shut down most business on Sunday or have them all appealed? How about laws that make it illegal to use drugs or should we let each decide if or what they use while only restricting what they do while taking them such as driving? It is legal for people to drink and even get drunk as long as they do it privately so why not the taking of drugs and getting high?
How about homosexuality as that is a personal choice that effects no one but the two involved? How about them marrying? It used to be illegal and the church was the reason why and people went to prison for doing it. Now it is not. Should we seek to make that illegal again. Or how about prostitution? Should that be made legal as it is an agreement between two consenting adults? How about having multiple husbands or wives? Should we seek to repeal those laws that stop it or seek to keep them? Why isn’t that a personal choice as it causes no harm to others so should it be legal? Or how about dog fighting or fighting chickens? How about suicide? That is a person's choice so should that be legalized? Why or why not?
As Christians in a society where we are the government along with every other citizen should we seek to impose our moral values on others through legislation/laws who are not Christians or allow them to live as they see fit as long as their activities have no direct influence on another or might cause physical harm or death to another? What do you think God expects of us as Christians who live under this form of government as how we are to seek our legislators in the making of laws? Take each one of those mentioned and give an answer as to why it should or should not be legal based on a free society and the church not being under law.

We are NOT to be based uopon the Mosaic law as a society, as TAHT was given to the nation isreal, as it regulated their behaviour and showed them the Holiness of their God!

In America, we are to have laws based upon the principles of the Bible , as reagrding moraility such as not to murder/steal/drunk driving/molest children etc

But in areas like sexual morality, should legislate against anything dealing with child perversions, and should NOT support/endorse same sex marriage, but they would be free to choose that as their lifestyles, even though its wrong...

Fine line here, as we need to regulate the general areas of sin behaviour but live open the specific areas at times...

 

[Pastor David]

Thank you for the response. I assume by your response you feel the things I mentioned in the OP should be against the law and that we should seek to get our legislators to enact them.

I believe Christians should allow the Word of God to inform every aspect of their life. Therefore, if a Christian is called into public service in the office of legislating law, they should not be expected to leave their and faith and convictions at the door, but to advocate for righteousness as spelled out in God's holy Word.

 

[JesusFan]

I believe Christians should allow the Word of God to inform every aspect of their life. Therefore, if a Christian is called into public service in the office of legislating law, they should not be expected to leave their and faith and convictions at the door, but to advocate for righteousness as spelled out in God's holy Word.

the trick is to be able to legislate such that we as a society cannot legalize "Sin", but also have to allow for freedom to chose to sin!

 

[Pastor David]

the trick is to be able to legislate such that we as a society cannot legalize "Sin", but also have to allow for freedom to chose to sin!

There really is no trick here. Christians should legislate according to their convictions. If they believe something is wrong, they should advocate for making it illegal. As believers, our standard for righteousness (right living) is not found among ourselves or our collective opinions as a society, but the Word of God which is sufficient for all our life. See 2 Tim. 3:16-17;

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

 

[JesusFan]

There really is no trick here. Christians should legislate according to their convictions. If they believe something is wrong, they should advocate for making it illegal. As believers, our standard for righteousness (right living) is not found among ourselves or our collective opinions as a society, but the Word of God which is sufficient for all our life. See 2 Tim. 3:16-17;

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

IF we were back under the Old Covenant, and OT law, would be pretty much cut and dried! BUT

Since we are not today, i do see the difference between making same sex marriage illegal, and saying they cannot chose to do that, or be punished for it!