Using the biblical definition of faith from Hebrews 11 we come to understand that faith is the substance or assurance that God will be able to accomplish what is hoped for. What assurances do we have as people of the United States in or political leaders/government?
When a president takes office they swear an oath wit their hand on a bible that they will protect and uphold the constitution of the United States. Our most recent presidents showing that the opposite is the motivation behind their actions, we certainly can see that faith in one man is a highly unwise if not a bad idea altogether. But what about the government as a whole? Can we trust it?
In a poll taken back in Sept. 2009 (before Obama's numbers started really tanking) are the following numbers:
The numbers show that more people carried a trusted view government under George W. Bush than they do under Obama. But if you notice, the numbers of trust were decreasing some, while the number of people in the trusted "not very much" category practically doubled. Without turning this into an Obama bash as that is not what these figures strictly apply to, this is showing a trend in government of growing distrust.
Is faith in government even possible though? When the small few on the far left of this chart express a great deal of confidence and trust in their government, how can they get to that phase? What about the government is helping to impart that trust to these individuals? More importantly, how can we all increase our trust in our government.... or should we?
Does keeping our government in check show a lack of faith, or a desire to keep the faith?
Is government something in which we should put our trust? I don't think so. In fact, the healthy attitude toward government is mistrust. There is no more reason to trust government, or more precisely to trust the intentions and integrity of those running the government, when one party is in office than when the other is in office. We have had ample evidence that government no longer serves the interests of the people, regardless of party, so having faith in our political system is unwise.
ReplyDeleteInteresting response Charles. Thank you. I tend to follow the motto that is on our currency and in other places, "In God We Trust". So, for me, the only way to trust government is if it is God's government or a government that recognizes God as the source of our rights. Since our current government does neither, I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteHowever, could you reconcile your distrust for government yet your desire to leave your health up to this distrustful government.
I don't want to leave my health up to the government, I only want the government to pay for it instead of wasting my money fighting unnecessary wars and buying $5000 hammers. I will be clear that I don't want THIS government to run much of anything, it is totally corrupt. I do want Americans to rise up and regain control of their government so that Lincoln's ideal of a government of the people, by the people and for the people can once again rule in Washington.
ReplyDeleteI can't agree with you about God as a source of rights or a force in government. Well meaning and sincere people disagree strongly about what God wants and who God is and what rights God has given. The concept of God, unfortunately, is a divider not a unifier in today's world.