Jim Wallis has an interesting essay in the Huffington Post describing the many ways in which the Tea Party departs from Christian principles. He cogently discusses its privileging of choice and of the market, and he discusses the likely racism of the Party. The part I like the best though is his discussion of the unbiblical character of the Tea Party’s impoverished conception of the role of government. He suggests this finds little support in the Bible: “Just look at the biblical prophets in their condemnation of injustice to the poor, and how they frequently follow those statements by requiring the king (the government) to act justly (these requirements applied both to the kings of Israel and to foreign potentates). Jeremiah, speaking of King Josiah, said, "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well."(Jeremiah 22:16). Amos instructs the courts (the government) to "Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts" (Amos 5:15). The prophets hold kings, rulers, judges, and employers accountable to the demands of justice and mercy. . . .
“In Romans 13, the apostle Paul [describes] the role and vocation of government; in addition to the church, government also plays a role in God's plan and purposes. Preserving the social order, punishing evil and rewarding good, and protecting the common good are all prescribed; we are even instructed to pay taxes for those purposes! Sorry, Tea Party. Of course, debating the size and role of government is always a fair and good discussion, and most of us would prefer smart and effective to ‘big’ or ‘small’ government.”
Comments