Politics

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RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION


“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34). No less today than in antiquity. Given the sage saying, “The more some things change, the more that other matters appear constant.”
In greater detail, sociologist Melvin Tumin and anthropologist John Bennet highlighted prerequisites for survival in a provocative online article. “When strong states within a society fail, the impact on society as a whole is great,” the text observes. “The population of these states drops and density decreases dramatically. Society as a whole tends to become less politically centralized, and state sponsored support of elements such as architecture, art, and literature declines. Trade and other economic activities are greatly diminished, and the flow of information among people slows.”
In brief, order gives way to chaos. As if a reversal of stages in creation, when at first “the earth was formless and empty” (Gen. 1:2). After which, God made provision for it to be habitable. At each juncture, it was declared good; that is, functional and aesthetically pleasing, and in the end very good.
How may a society resist the incursion of chaos? “Each society must be able to answer the basic biological needs of its members: food, drink, shelter, and medical care.” In Jewish tradition, this requires coupling industry with generosity. As for the former, “Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise” (Prov. 6:6). Such as seem not only tireless in their efforts, but cooperative in their endeavor.
As for the latter, Jesus observed persons contributing to the temple treasury. “Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny” (Matt, 12:41-42). Summoning his disciples, Jesus said to them: “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all of the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Thus we would conclude that one’s generosity is better measured not be how much one gives, but by how much remains.
Moreover, “Every society must provide for the production and distribution of goods and services (perhaps through a division of labor, rules concerning property and trade, or ideas about the role of work).” Taxation per se is legitimate, insofar as it provides for necessary services, but not to further bureaucratic extravagance. If the latter, it qualifies as corporate theft.
This brings to mind former president John Kennedy’s admonition: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” In this regard, do not expect others to do for us what we can do for ourselves.
In addition, “Every society must provide for the reproduction of new members and consider laws and issues related to reproduction (regulation, marriageable age, number of children, and so on).” Accordingly, another former president (Bill Clinton) concluded that most Americans want abortion to be legal, safe, and seldom. While our current practice has focused on the former two ingredients, with little regard for the last.
“The family often suffers from what seems at the time some more pressing concern,” I observed on an earlier occasion. “Consequently, it is not uncommonly the evil we do but the lesser good that adversely effects the family structure. So while some assaults on the family are flagrant, others prove to be more subtle” (Thumbs Up For the Family, p. vii).
Likewise, “Every society must provide for the training (education, apprenticeship, passing on of values) of an individual so that he or she can become a functioning adult in the society.” This requires a concerted effort to be objective, while allowing for differences of opinion. So that education does not fall prey to political correctness.
Nor should freedom of religion be treated as freedom from religion. Since all life is sacred from a religious perspective, and worthy of due consideration. While bearing in mind that what serves in place of religion, as a matter of ultimate concern, is for all practical purposes an alternative religion.
Then, too, “Every society must provide for the maintenance of internal and external order (laws, courts, police, wars, diplomacy).” “Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps,” the Almighty protests. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:23-24).
The just war theory is exceedingly difficult to implement. For instance, it entails a credible means to withdraw after conflict. Whereas, all too often a military presence is extended over an indefinite period of time.
Finally, “Every society must provide meaning and motivation to its members.” “This last prerequisite is more important than it may seem. No societal activity is possible unless people are motivated to participate. Why do we get up in the morning? How do we see ourselves in relation to other members of society.” And so on.
“Without a sense of meaning and motivation, people will become apathetic. If this happens, a society may be threatened with decline.” So that it bears repeating, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

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