Are legal standards limited to the determination and interpretation of each individual?
As Christians, I think first and foremost we must realize that God is an all-powerful God who governs this world, and has created His own sets of rules that each of us are to follow and live by. According to the book of James, "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy..." (4:12). The fact that God has set up and revealed His own laws and rules to us through the Bible and our conscious, which is ingrained with His morals, shows that legal standards shouldn't be up to the indiduals interpretation as we are given these guildlines.
We must realize that there may come some instance where man's law goes against that of God's law. We know that God has set up these laws and rules for us to follow, yet we may be in a situation where we are unsure what to do. If ever, in any given situation we encounter laws that go against what God's law says, such as "You must worship idols," then it is up to our determination and decision to go aaginst what man's law is. God has laid our all we need to know about His laws and rules for us. I beleive that legal standards are up to the determination and interpretation of the individual whenever one is unclear on what they should do. As Christians, we have the Bible to use as a tool in which we can pull out information that should help us through these decisions. For the most part however, we are to understand that God's natural/divine laws have been set up, and that through our conscience and the Word of God, we are able to determine what does, and what doesn't please God.
To conclude, I would like to say that whenever in a situation in which you are unsure to act or respond, use your knowledge of God and His Word and your conscience to determine what the right interpretation of that legal standard or whatever it may be is. For it is much better to please God, then to please man. We do not want to misinterpret God's laws as we do not want to hinder our chances at eternal life.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Law Blog Post 1
Are governments the ultimate authority for creating laws? This depends on the worldview in which a person holds. For instance, Secular Humanists beleive in positive law which "claims laws are rules made by human beings and that there is no inherent or necessary connection between law and morality" (Noebel 301). This may be true for Secular Humanists, but we as Christians have a whole different take on this question.
As Christians, we beleive a divine/natural law which is "Physical moral laws revealed in general revelation and built into the structure of the universe..." (Noebel 285). We beleive that God has established laws in which are revealed through the Bible and our morals. For example, just as Christians believe in universal morals, or the idea that everyone has the same morals ingrained in their conscience, we beleive that through this God's will and laws are revealed. For instance, just as we all know that it is wrong to kill someone, then we know that this is one of God's divine laws. We see this justified in Exodus 20:13 in which God commands "You shall not murder."
In regards to what Sarah thinks, societies do not create laws. Laws that are created in societies are based off of God's universal laws. For example, Romans 12:1-3 says: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended."
Therefore, in conclusion, we must realize that governments are not the ultimate authority for creating laws, but through the Bible and our conscience which reveals God's will and morals, we are able to distinguish what the ultimate laws are.
As Christians, we beleive a divine/natural law which is "Physical moral laws revealed in general revelation and built into the structure of the universe..." (Noebel 285). We beleive that God has established laws in which are revealed through the Bible and our morals. For example, just as Christians believe in universal morals, or the idea that everyone has the same morals ingrained in their conscience, we beleive that through this God's will and laws are revealed. For instance, just as we all know that it is wrong to kill someone, then we know that this is one of God's divine laws. We see this justified in Exodus 20:13 in which God commands "You shall not murder."
In regards to what Sarah thinks, societies do not create laws. Laws that are created in societies are based off of God's universal laws. For example, Romans 12:1-3 says: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended."
Therefore, in conclusion, we must realize that governments are not the ultimate authority for creating laws, but through the Bible and our conscience which reveals God's will and morals, we are able to distinguish what the ultimate laws are.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Feminism Blog Post
As Feminism has so influenced our culture today, it is difficult as Christians to decide how to respond to this idea of feminism. The book of Genesis basically establishes the roles of both genders, giving some key points for Christians to build off of.
First off, God has created male and female in His image, however we do it uniquely and differently. To both genders, God calls each to general tasks such as rule, fill, subdue, and multiply. On top of these general tasks, God calls each gender to their own specific roles. Males, for example are the "little king", in which male is to be held more accountable and responsible. Males are a poets, or better put: men are called to use words well and powerfully. Finally, men are called to Zakar, or remember what God says and what God has done. Those are the specific roles given to men in the early chapters of Genesis.
Women, are given their own set of specific roles as well. For example, women are called to be a rescuer-warrior. They are also to be a completer, as they complete man. Thirdly, women are life-givers as they bear children. These are the three specific roles in which God established for women to fulfill within the first couple chapters of Genesis.
In addition to these roles, we can see that as God punishes both Adam and Eve for their sin, the diction hints at what defines men and women. For instance, in Genesis 3:16, it says: “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband,and he will rule over you.” From this verse, we see that women define relationships and that men are to rule over women. Now in verse 18 it talks about work being hard- "It will produce thorns and thistles for you..." By this we see that men define work.
All in all, the book of Genesis defines the Christian view of feminism. Based on the fact that God establishes different roles and tasks for each gender shows that we have our own tasks to follow. Men are supposed to be the provider, while women are the completer. God has established the tasks for men to follow so that men will follow them. In the same way, God has established tasks for the women so that the women will follow them. When responding to feminism, we as Christians must remember that God has established roles for each gender to fulfill and most importantly that neither male or female is better than the other because we both bear the image of God equally.
First off, God has created male and female in His image, however we do it uniquely and differently. To both genders, God calls each to general tasks such as rule, fill, subdue, and multiply. On top of these general tasks, God calls each gender to their own specific roles. Males, for example are the "little king", in which male is to be held more accountable and responsible. Males are a poets, or better put: men are called to use words well and powerfully. Finally, men are called to Zakar, or remember what God says and what God has done. Those are the specific roles given to men in the early chapters of Genesis.
Women, are given their own set of specific roles as well. For example, women are called to be a rescuer-warrior. They are also to be a completer, as they complete man. Thirdly, women are life-givers as they bear children. These are the three specific roles in which God established for women to fulfill within the first couple chapters of Genesis.
In addition to these roles, we can see that as God punishes both Adam and Eve for their sin, the diction hints at what defines men and women. For instance, in Genesis 3:16, it says: “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband,and he will rule over you.” From this verse, we see that women define relationships and that men are to rule over women. Now in verse 18 it talks about work being hard- "It will produce thorns and thistles for you..." By this we see that men define work.
All in all, the book of Genesis defines the Christian view of feminism. Based on the fact that God establishes different roles and tasks for each gender shows that we have our own tasks to follow. Men are supposed to be the provider, while women are the completer. God has established the tasks for men to follow so that men will follow them. In the same way, God has established tasks for the women so that the women will follow them. When responding to feminism, we as Christians must remember that God has established roles for each gender to fulfill and most importantly that neither male or female is better than the other because we both bear the image of God equally.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sexist? Homphobic?
When many people look at the church, they claim that the church is both sexist and homphobic. While this may apply to some people, the Bible covers these two topics in the book of Genesis as it establishes its roles for both men and women and sets the foundation of mariage.
In the first book of the Bible, we see three main points on humans and their relationships with each other. First off, we see that both male and female equally bear the image of God, however it is demonstrated differently and uniquely. In addition to equally bearing God's image, male and female are generally called to accomplish the same tasks, which are to: rule, fill, subdue, and multiply. Genesis 1:28: "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Also, on top of these general tasks in which male and female are called to follow, God calls for each gender to follow more specific roles. Males, for example, are called to the little king role, which is that men are accountable and held more responsible than women. Men are poets, in which they are called to use words well or powerfully. Thirdly, men are called to zakar, or remember what God has said and has done, and to remember God's faithfulness and tell everyone around them like their wife and kids...etc. Women on the other hand are called to be a rescuer, completer, and a life giver. This clearly doesn't sound sexist in any way shape or form. We are both created equally in the image of God, and are called to the same general rules, we are only called to different specific roles. This demonstrates equality between men and women and doesn't favor one side.
The church is also claimed to be hompohobic. The Bible clearly teaches against homosexuality. First off, we see in Genesis too that Adam is lonely, and that God decides to create a woman for Adam. Genesis 2:24 says: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This clearly indicates that man unites with his wife, who is a woman, and they become one flesh, meaning they essentially become one person through sex, and through becoming one in actions, thoughts...etc. In addition to the point that Genesis makes that marriage is between a man and a woman, Leviticus 18:22 says “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."' This flat out states that it is detestable for men to be with men, and women to be with women.
To conclude, I would like to say that while the Bible is not sexist, and does preach against homosexuality, we must love everyone. While there are some people who may be sexist or homophobic, they must realize that we are all image-bearers, and that God loves us all, even when we are sinful beings. As Christians, we are called to love one another, John 13:34 says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." We must realize that we are all sinful, and that all sins are equal in God's eyes. As a good brother and sister in Christ, if we see a fellow brother sinning, we must go to them and let them know that they are sinning because we love them and care about them.
In the first book of the Bible, we see three main points on humans and their relationships with each other. First off, we see that both male and female equally bear the image of God, however it is demonstrated differently and uniquely. In addition to equally bearing God's image, male and female are generally called to accomplish the same tasks, which are to: rule, fill, subdue, and multiply. Genesis 1:28: "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Also, on top of these general tasks in which male and female are called to follow, God calls for each gender to follow more specific roles. Males, for example, are called to the little king role, which is that men are accountable and held more responsible than women. Men are poets, in which they are called to use words well or powerfully. Thirdly, men are called to zakar, or remember what God has said and has done, and to remember God's faithfulness and tell everyone around them like their wife and kids...etc. Women on the other hand are called to be a rescuer, completer, and a life giver. This clearly doesn't sound sexist in any way shape or form. We are both created equally in the image of God, and are called to the same general rules, we are only called to different specific roles. This demonstrates equality between men and women and doesn't favor one side.
The church is also claimed to be hompohobic. The Bible clearly teaches against homosexuality. First off, we see in Genesis too that Adam is lonely, and that God decides to create a woman for Adam. Genesis 2:24 says: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This clearly indicates that man unites with his wife, who is a woman, and they become one flesh, meaning they essentially become one person through sex, and through becoming one in actions, thoughts...etc. In addition to the point that Genesis makes that marriage is between a man and a woman, Leviticus 18:22 says “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."' This flat out states that it is detestable for men to be with men, and women to be with women.
To conclude, I would like to say that while the Bible is not sexist, and does preach against homosexuality, we must love everyone. While there are some people who may be sexist or homophobic, they must realize that we are all image-bearers, and that God loves us all, even when we are sinful beings. As Christians, we are called to love one another, John 13:34 says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." We must realize that we are all sinful, and that all sins are equal in God's eyes. As a good brother and sister in Christ, if we see a fellow brother sinning, we must go to them and let them know that they are sinning because we love them and care about them.
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