Most of the Bible is addressed to people who lived under bad government. With very few exceptions, the kings and emperors who had power used it to take advantage of them. In response, biblical ethics offered practical advice about coping with evil rulers who abuse their subjects. For example, if you read the Sermon on […]
One of the first things that MAGA did was establish a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). That sounds like a good thing. We want to use power with little or no waste. However, my ears go up whenever I hear the word. I think of Jacques Ellul and Ivan Illich observing everything in a technological […]
Recently, I again heard politicians using “America First” to express their positions. At first, I assumed it referred to buying American goods to support American businesses. We should be willing to pay more so our friends have jobs. However, eventually I realized MAGA was using the slogan to express restoring US world dominance. “America First” […]
The nation is reeling after just three weeks of the Trump administration brandishing naked power. Many citizens are trying to figure out how we got to this place as if knowing might contribute to overcoming the violence. When I ask about this, I remember a visit to the South several years ago. All the conversation […]
”Love your neighbor” could be rephrased “Masters, act as servants.” If we have power over others, we are to use it to care for them, not to take advantage of them. Thinking about this brought to mind two ethical observations that rang true 25 years ago and still do today. Both were propositions about changes […]
Let’s take a preliminary look at what the Bible says about unconditional power being a human problem that could destroy the world. It’s an idea found from beginning to end in the scriptures. Hopefully, we can find some guidance for handling the present threat. The danger is usually personified. Way back in Genesis 4, Lamech, […]
Frontline Study is an online discussion of the scriptures, inviting you to share your comments and your reflections on each weekly topic. Simply click on the "Add Reply" text at the top of each post to see what others have posted and to add your thoughts.By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
