THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 14, 1995 TAG: 9508130031
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
I must take issue with Eugene J. Dean's exegesis of the Bible's teaching on civil government (``Church and state can co-exist,'' letter, July 27).
The Scripture to which he refers is Romans Chapter 13, verses 1-7. In these passages, the Apostle Paul instructs Christians to obey their civil rulers. However, his use of the term ``ruler'' is narrowed by the verses themselves. In verse 3 we read, ``For rulers are not a terror to good words, but to the evil. . . . do that which is good, and thou shalt have the praise of the same.'' (Emphasis mine.) This verse seems to clearly state that ``rulers'' reward good works and not evil. The presupposition is that rulers are good.
Further, we read in verse 4, ``For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not his sword in vain. . . .'' To interpret this to mean that government defines what is good is to ignore both the authority of Scripture and the plain meaning of the language.
Indeed, such a construction would justify the inhuman laws which were passed in Nazi Germany. This is the difference between government and tyranny.
Mr. Dean is correct in his assertion that God's laws are always in effect. However, he misses the mark when he opines that they do not negate man's laws. If man's laws are contrary to God's, then man's are ``non-law'' and are, as it were, negated. The inferior's laws do not supersede the superior's. I rejoice with Mr. Dean that he has been able to live faithfully to both civil and biblical law for eight decades. But he should realize that such harmony was only possible because, for the most part, the Western common law tradition is in harmony with the Bible. This is especially true in the United States.
One final thought. If Mr. Dean is correct in his interpretation of Romans 13, and many others hold his views, by the way, then the American war for independence was both illegitimate and unbiblical. If so, then by what convolution of conscience do we now enjoy the liberties which that struggle secured for us?
THOMAS G. LONGO
Virginia Beach, July 27, 1995 by CNB