his is not a new sentiment, but one worth repeating. Perhaps, also, it is the beginnings of a principled difference between the way the Bible speaks to the politician (as an individual) and the politician (as a legislator).
Christians who happen to be political liberals are fond of citing scriptural verses exhorting believers to perform charitable deeds. Indeed, there are many such verses, and they mean what they say. But what the liberals invariably fail to see is that the Bible never indicates that it is the Christian’s duty to compel others to do charitable works; rather, Christians themselves are expected to do those works. There is no charity by proxy in the Bible. True charity comes from an inner, spiritual impulsion, not from outward political compulsion. That is the essential difference between Caesar and Christ.
– Hendrickson, The Liberal Temptation
HT: Culture 11
October 11th, 2008 at 6.17 pm
An excellent quotation — brings to mind Henry Hazlitt’s scathing critique of politicians who force taxpayers to finance their vicarious generosity.
Paul urged the Corinthian church to give “not reluctantly or under compulsion.” The broader passage seems to suggest that giving should be left between the giver and God, not mediated by the decrees of the Christian politician.