Introduction
David Burton’s interview, which is the basis for this essay, is devoted to the problem of the Christian worldview in the context of rapidly developing American history. Barton argues that the United States is currently in a profound moral crisis due to the separation of the concept of the state from the idea of the Christian God. Burton’s statement must be considered because many commandments may contradict today’s secular morality.
Constitution and God
The problem with the 1787 constitutional convention outlined by Burton was the inability of the heads of state to find common ground. Each of the founding fathers had his point of view on how a political institution should be built in a new country. Therefore, they could not conjure a management plan that would suit everyone (“The Constitutional Christian,” 2017). Crucial to the heated debate is Ben Franklin, the oldest of the founding fathers, who proposed a consensus based on Christian doctrine. His assertion that nothing in the world happens without God’s will seems to be particularly important in motivating the creation of the American Constitution.
Franklin argued that if a sparrow cannot fall without God’s will, one cannot expect that the state would be able to establish itself without the help of providence (“The Constitutional Christian,” 2017). Franklin pointed out the need for prayer and faith in forming the state (“The Constitutional Christian,” 2017). Therefore, the democratic stability approved by the Constitution is considered the system of governing the country approved by God himself.
Constitution and the Bible
The desire for peace and a life of tranquility and prosperity is a vital parameter of the American Constitution. Still, it also resonates with a verse from the Bible. It states: “We may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2), echoing the American Constitution with its desire for a decent life for everyone. The principles of punishment for an evil ruler are described in the book of Isaiah: “Woe to you, destroyer, who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, betrayer, you who have not been betrayed” (33). The foundations of family values can also be positioned as approved by God in the book of Genesis: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper for him.” (Gen. 2:16). The Constitution refers to Scripture in many ways, but this is especially important in its interpretation of the commandments.
The Problem of the Sixth Commandment
The problem of murder as a sacramental sin deserves consideration within the framework of the Constitution. On the one hand, killing is a mortal sin, but on the other hand, killing the murderer of another person can be considered a good deed in accordance with Scripture. This is explained by the principle of an eye for an eye, according to which a person who has shed blood must shed his own. The Bible says: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image” (Gen. 9:6). This phrase explains that killing in self-defense and killing as a deserved punishment are not deeds that outrage God.
Abortion in the context of commandment number six is an even more controversial issue since it poses its problem of what can be considered real human life and from what moment. However, if one strictly follows the commandment principle, abortion indeed turns out to be a violation of the Lord’s commandment. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has overturned previous precedent guaranteeing the constitutional right to abortion (Palacio, 2023). As a result, some states are more in line with the principles of Christian precepts.
Treatment of the Poor
When considering the state system from the point of view of Christian Scripture, the attitude towards the poor deserves special attention. Burton points out that the state does not have to care for people experiencing poverty, and this is not its prerogative. Despite this, several Bible verses about compassion for the poor have been written. The paradox is overcome by the fact that the Bible implies the existence of a civil society that should show kindness and mercy to the poor. It is the philanthropic institutions, the people themselves, who should take care of helping the lower members of society. This seems to be logically connected to Christian doctrine through the concept of humanism and mutual aid.
There is not a single line in the Bible implying that the state should worry about the problem of the poor, and this is no coincidence because it encourages people to take care of each other. As the New Testament states, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Luke 12:33-34). Applying the phrase from personal experience, it is logical to say that humanitarian initiatives to help people experiencing poverty can be pretty effective. The church may provide food, clothing, and even jobs to the poor but cannot offer help at a more significant systemic level. Government measures such as Affordable Care are essential as they provide professional assistance on a scale that secular organizations cannot handle.
Conclusion
Thus, many constitutional principles confirm their rootedness in biblical commandments and are largely taken from Christian writings. Principles such as the commandment prohibiting murder conflict with the modern Constitution in the context of abortion, which, however, is also undergoing transformation. The attitude of the state towards the poor in the context of the Bible, which affirms the need for the growth of humanitarian and civil organizations, deserves special attention from the public.
References
Palacio, H. (2023). Implications of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. American Journal of Public Health 113, 388-389. Web.
King James Bible. (2019). Christian Art Publishers.
New American Standard Bible. (2020). The Lockman Foundation.
YourWordIsTruth (2017). The Constitutional Christian DVD w/ David Barton & Mike Huckabee. [Video]. YouTube. Web.