Just a Thinker

Do we, Christians, support public policies that are incongruent with a biblical worldview? And if so, how would we know?How should a biblical worldview inform our approach to Criminal Justice, Education, Immigration, Illegal Drugs, Taxes, and more from a public policy standpoint? We can all think critically about these subjects even if we are not experts in a specific area, but are we thinking biblically about them?Or is it possible that, as believers with a biblical worldview, we still need to thoroughly consider our approach to these subjects in light of how Jesus handled the relevant situations of His day? Should we not at least consider the possibility that our approach is influenced more by the world’s norms and ethics than by Jesus? Is it possible that what Jesus said then could still have a powerful impact on today’s politics in precisely the place where ethics meets public policy? I think so. Consider what Jesus said to believers who were in a country occupied by a foreign superpower: "Observe those who bring about harmonious relationships between opposing people; they assuredly are fortuned with the 'good life,' for they shall be called the sons and daughters of God."  The good life. You know, the kind of blessed life everybody desires to have.  Jesus says it is for the peacemakers.  Not the Machiavellian power colluders playing all the right angles, scheming for all the advantages, and securing whatever they can for themselves.  No, not them.And not the moral legalists, either, who are diligent about keeping themselves untarnished by the messiness of life. No, not them.Nor the armed revolutionaries, confident in their just cause.No, to Jesus, the good life, the blessed life, belongs to those who step into the messiness of life and attempt to bring about some harmony from the conflict.  Those folks, the risk takers, they’re living the ‘good life.’Will they be successful in their attempts for peace? Perhaps. That doesn’t diminish their flourishing because it