From what i understand, the bible instructs us to obey the government unless the law of the land contradicts God's law. i really can't say whether or not it was a good idea or God's will for the States to fight back against Britain. i'm glad they did, though.
it may not be what you had in mind, but i don't really have an answer for that question. i agree with what you said regarding what scripture says about government. which brings me to a question that i have been kicking around lately.
was God against the institution of slavery?
the reason I ask this is because there are several examples in the OT where God gives laws on how to treat slaves. and as you mentioned, in the NT, paul actual told the slaves to obey their masters. yes, perhaps the idea of every believer being equal in Christ led to the abolition of slavery, but the interesting thing was it seems that God never condemned the institution.
now we may get hung up here if we have different definitions of slavery. it seems doubtful to me that God would ever approve of the many cruel atrocities that happened because of slavery. but if we're talking about indentured servants (wiki it) and/or slavery in which the slaves were treated decently (in a humane way), i don't remember reading any biblical disapproval of it (OT or NT).
please know that i'm not saying slavery is a good thing or that we should bring it back. like i said, many horrible things happened because of it. but most people probably think of this type of slavery when they hear the word without considering how things were done in Biblical times and what the Bible actually says or doesn't say about it.
Answer: First of all, thank you very much for your question. To answer your question, I am going to try something new. I am going to answer your question with a question and I'll leave it to you, and my readers, to draw your own conclusions to the point I am making.
Let me give you two passages both found in the Bible. The first passage is Psalms 137: 8-9 which says,
"O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed. Happy the one who repays you as you have served us! Happy the one who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock!"
The second passage, found in Acts 7:60 is from the lips of Stephen the martyr who prayed these words as stones were crashing against his skull,
"Lord, do not charge them with this sin."
My question is this: Both passages are found in the Bible. Which passage is morally superior?
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5 comments:
The two scriptures that you quote deal with peoples reaction to difficult circumstances.
Personally I think we need to go by what Jesus taught. I think forgiveness would be the correct choice.
But, that said, we are human and most of us have to work through our grief. It is common for people to experience denial, anger, barganing, depression and eventually acceptance when dealing with hurtful circumstances. I think God understands that and helps us through the pain.
So, I guess both are valid emotions being expressed. But hopefully the emotions won't lead us to sin, but to peace only God can provide.
"Well, I guess I would have to answer your question with another question. How many abo-digitals do you see modeling?"
Sorry Toby, but I have no idea what you mean by your comment. Can you explain?
it's a quote from the movie Zoolander. it doesn't really mean anything; you might consider it to be funny if you saw the movie.
They love that crap in Malaysia!
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