What have YOU learned about Government?
November 1, 2008 · Print This Article
That’s the new group writing project from Robert Hruzek of Middle Zone Musings . He’s asking everybody to share "What I Learned from… Government." I don’t know about you, but this one sounds particularly interesting. Especially in light of this little thing happening in the United States on November 4…
So head over to Robert’s blog for all the details . Here’s my distillation of his pitch.
Pop Quiz: Pick a nation, any nation. What’s one thing they all have in common? (I mean, other than bugs. I hate bugs.)
… (sound of drumroll) government !
…Do you consider government a good thing, or would you prefer anarchy? Something in between, perhaps? Have you always agreed with your government, or do you see room for improvement? Do you even care? Why or why not? What have you learned from the different types of governments across the world?
Put up your posts starting Monday, November 3. To participate, here’s all you have to do:
- Write a new post on your blog about what you’ve learned from government. As Robert says, "feel free to be as eloquent (or concise) as you like. C’mon; show off for us!"
- Include a link to Robert’s main post that will go live on November 3.
- Send Robert an email (rhruzek@sbcglobal.net ) containing your name, the title of your post, and the permalink of the post. (To make sure he doesn’t miss it.)
I don’t see government as the solution. Many have used some of Christ’s teachings on social teachings to promulgate big increases in social spending. Jesus never called on the Roman government to feed the poor. His call was to those who would follow him.
Interesting how we have such strong feelings about government. (We do, yes?) Interesting because, even in young children we see the urge to create governance structures. Like it’s part of human nature.
I’m reminded of something my kids (now 9 and 11) have developed over the past several years. One day a week they have a free play time in the woods near our church. Except it didn’t work to just have free play.
Before I knew it, I was hearing about the structures they’d begun to put in place. Leaders arose. A common area. Private property. Rules to govern the use of the various spaces. A judging rock where disputes would be heard and settled. A mini society, with a government. Amazing really.
LL…interesting observation! My kids are 5, 9, and 11…and I see the same thing in them. It’s never long before some form of structure has to be developed…usually involving a judge, officers of the law, and a jail. Always involving some sort of leadership and division of labor.
I think a need for government *must* be some part of us that we are somehow born with. I’m thinking of how the Israelites begged God for a king, back in the days of the Judges. Maybe it’s the same part of us that tends to fall into a dependence on religion vs. faith, maybe it’s easier to depend on some other structure to make our choices for us? And on the other hand, I think we have a God of order rather than a God of chaos…and without some form of government chaos seems to be the rule.
I am rejoicing in the verses in Romans that point out that it’s God who raises up leaders…whatever purpose he has, whether we like how the situation looks to us or not…we know that he is in control. Not that we don’t defend ourselves against a government that attacks our faith, if that were the case…but its comforting to know that God’s got it covered. We’re lucky to live in a place where we have the freedom to even discuss it!
Erica…
A jail. Oh yes, I’d forgotten. I believe there’s one of those in the woods too.
Though the judging rock is supposed to be preventative.
And Romans. Good reminder. No human structures exist completely outside the support and requirements of God.
I’m glad you all are commenting here, but remember you can participate in the group writing project by posting thoughts at your own blog and linking to Robert’s post.