“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” So wrote James Madison in Federalist Paper 51. NSA surveillance of Americans, IRS targeting some Americans, the “chilling” of reporters and news sources… These current controversies epitomize “the great difficulty” Madison described. These are most serious debates and they call to mind two Bible passages.
Romans 13:4 – Government “is God’s servant for your good.” Our constitutional government is ultimately answerable to God for the good it provided or did not provide its citizens.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”
Madison again, “If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.” But angels don’t govern us, so let us learn, debate, and let us pray.
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