A Christian has a very unique role in legislation. Like everyone else, a Christian wishes to instill their values into the society. This is a dangerous practice for the Christian, as there are specific circumstances in which we should force our convictions upon others. Jesus’ ministry was focused on revealing the self-righteousness of the theocratic society of the Jews and supported a principled pluralist society in which grace is the focus over works. At the same time, we must not take this as a license to sin or to promote sin; so, elements of Christian restoration are also necessary.
Jesus would support principled pluralism in a non-theocratic society. In Matthew, chapter 9, Jesus is dining with “sinners,” those who the Pharisees had determined to be condemned. The Pharisees, asked, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” to which Jesus replied “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9.9-13). Jesus is condemning the Pharisees, those who have made a point to be holy according to the law. Rather than a legalistic practice of righteousness, such as sacrifice, Jesus desires to have mercy. A theonomist society would only serve to produce religious elitists, where a pluralistic society would produce ‘sinners’ ready to receive Jesus’ mercy.
Further support for principled pluralism is found in the epistles. Paul writes, “…it is by grace you have been saved,…not by works…” (Ephesians 2.8,9). If Christian values are forced upon the public, through law, then the state is forcing Christian works upon non-believers, in a sense, condemning them to hell. If the US were a theocracy, then the law would show them their sin, but since it is not, the law would only serve to support a faith based on works, which does not provide salvation.
Principled pluralism is not enough on it’s own, however. Paul writes, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! ” (Romans 6.1,2). Christian restoration is necessary in order to prevent moral decline, or even to reverse it. Where Christian values are beneficial to the whole of society, they should be instituted, unquestionably. Where Christian values may not be universally accepted, they should be left up to individuals to form their own convictions, separate of the law. It is practical to borrow from Kant for purposes of this distinction. He believed in universalism. If everyone in a culture were to perform an act, would it have a positive or negative effect on society? Take for instance abortion. If all babies were aborted, society would cease to exist, so the practice should be illegal. On the other hand, individual practices of worship, should be allowed without limitation.
A Christian should not take this subject lightly. We must consider when voting or, for those in office, passing legislation that salvation is by grace and not by works. We cannot make people look righteous as that would likely prevent them from coming to Christ. At the same time, we cannot promote sin in society, even that grace might abound.
Image Credits: davidlat, sxc.hu
A Christians Role in Legislation
