Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 101:403 (Jul 1944)
Article: Political Duties of Christians Part 1
Author: Edward W. Hooker

BSac 101:403 (Jul 44) p. 329

Political Duties of Christians
Part 1

Edward W. Hooker

The Word of God leaves untouched no subject on which a Christian can ever have occasion to ask, “What is my duty?” In the form of precept, general principle, historical fact, or specimen of character which God has approved or disapproved, he will find in this book something to free his mind from perplexity and show him his duty in a light unquestionable. On some subjects, it is true, there is less said in the Scriptures than on others. But the measure of light which they shed on any given question of Christian morals is always in full proportion to its practical importance. And not infrequently will the Christian, searching his Bible with prayer and a teachable spirit, be surprised and delighted to see how much more instruction they furnish, adapted to his wants, under given circumstances, than he had before supposed.

The foregoing remarks will be found true in relation to the subject of the present article. It is an inquiry of no common interest, especially to an American Christian and in this age of political and civil excitement, revolutions and conflicting interests, “What are the duties of Christians in relation to the civil government under which they live?” And inasmuch as the Christian is of “like passions with others,” and liable to be swayed from right judgment and conduct, this question should be asked with the Bible open before him, and in a devout and diligent prosecution of the inquiries, “What saith the Scripture?” “What is written in the Word of truth?”

The general question stated, may properly be resolved into two prominent points of inquiry. The first relates to the rulers of our country, the public servants of the people and the framers and administrators of their laws. The second relates to the body politic, as being the source of authority and

BSac 101:403 (Jul 44) p. 330

government. These will be separately considered in the following remarks.

(1) As it relates to rulers. It may not be improper here to notice the fact that in the articles of faith of several Christian denominations, as containing their views of the great instructions of the Scriptures, are given explicit statements relative to this question.1 Indeed, wherever Christianity has prevailed in its purity and the church has been “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” there have prevailed sound and Scriptural views of this subject, as entering into the system of “pure and undefiled religion.” These views have their origin in the character of several “holy men of old” as subjects of government, and in specific precepts recorded by them and others i...