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Is applying a biblical worldview to public policy theocratic?2 min read

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Contrary to popular belief, employing a biblical world view for disciplines outside of personal faith, such as politics, art, child-raising, or science, is not using religion.  There is a difference between employing biblical principle and employing religious principle, i.e. not all biblical principles should be considered strictly religious.

For example, the principles behind workfare (as opposed to welfare) are that people should be expected to contribute, not just receive and endless handout – the biblical principle here comes from the scripture “if a man is unwilling to work, neither let him eat (for free)”

Biblical principles of govt include:
  • Limited Powers: Civil Government has limited powers, and should not usurp the responsibilities of the individual, family, church or civic group, or business entity.  For example, as leader of my Family Government (or co-leader if you like), it is my responsibility to feed my kids.  It is not the governments.  If I abdicate, the government or other organization that helps me should have as its goal to help me re-assume my responsibility.  All of this is considered biblical principle.
Other principles, outlined at Frontline.org, include:
  • A written constitution (or Covenant)
  • Balance of powers between Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches (Isaiah 9:6-7, 33:22)
  • Principles for a fair trial (innocent until proven guilty, due process, witnesses personally confront accused, impartial judges)
  • Free market economy based on property ownership
  • Education system controlled by parents, independent of the state (oops, we missed that one)
  • God as the supreme authority and law giver (see mention of God in all 50 state constitutions, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration etc)
  • Moral absolutes, from the creator (unalienable rights, self-evident truths)
  • Sanctity of life
  • Servanthood, not political power (hence “Public Servant”)
  • Restitution