Is it scriptural to hold Libertarian political views?

Sincerely,
To The Polls

Dear To The Polls,

It depends on the political views.  Every political group has beliefs that agree with Scriptures and beliefs that contradict Scriptures.  A Christian needs to assess everything they believe off of the Scriptures and never be so beholden to any given political party that they ignore Scripture in order to hold to the party line.  Christianity transcends politics and earthly national views.  Christians are a part of a holy nation that upholds the will of God above all else (1 Pet 2:9).

      A lot of people I know believe some people should be killed for their crimes, even crimes such as stealing but especially killing.  But I was wondering, would God punish us for killing someone else that did wrong?  I believe so, but what does the Bible say on it?

Sincerely,
Do No Harm

Dear Do No Harm,

God authorizes governments to punish its citizens as it deems fit.  God has given governments the ‘sword of terror’ to bring wrath down upon evildoers (Rom 13:3-4).  God allowed the government of Israel to stone criminals (Lev 20:27) for various acts of wickedness against man and God. Stoning definitely would count as capital punishment!

Government authority and individual authority are different things, though.  God tells us that we aren’t to take vengeance upon ourselves (Rom 12:18-19), but instead, we are to do good to our enemies (Rom 12:20). We are to turn the other cheek (Matt 5:39) and go the extra mile with people (Matt 5:41).  The government has the right to punish ‘an eye for an eye’, but we as individuals do not (Matt 5:38-39).

     Let’s say there’s a king, a good one, in Israel.  He makes sure the nation is well and obedient.  He would make sure that the Mosaic Law and God’s commandments were followed.  But let’s say there’s something he’s not sure about, like say, something political about how the laws should be enforced.  He would want inquire of a prophet or seer because they’re gifted to divinely talk to God.  Since a prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God, would he provide the king with political advice as well as spiritual?

Sincerely,
Reviewing Roles

Dear Reviewing Roles,

The kings of Israel would inquire of God all the time for all sorts of things.  The first king of Israel, Saul, was upset because God would no longer answer his inquiries when Saul started behaving wickedly (1 Sam 28:6).  King David asked for God’s advice even when it came to battle tactics (2 Sam 5:23).  It was commonplace for the righteous kings to ask God for advice in all sorts of spheres.

     Do prophets make good advisors for kings of Israel?

Sincerely,
Seeking Counsel

Dear Seeking Counsel,

Prophets did make good advisors, but today there are no prophets (read “The Lost Art Of Prophecy” for details).  The kings of Israel would inquire of God all the time for all sorts of things.  The first king of Israel, Saul, was upset because God would no longer answer his inquiries when Saul started behaving wickedly (1 Sam 28:6).  King David asked for God’s advice even when it came to battle tactics (2 Sam 5:23).  It was commonplace for the righteous kings to ask God for advice in all sorts of spheres.

     If a couple gets married by a christian pastor but does not record it with the local government, how does God view it?  I would assume He deems it legal and binding.  But, of course, the government does not view it as legal and binding.  Thank you for answering my question!

Sincerely,
Veiled Vows

Dear Veiled Vows,

Whether or not the marriage is legitimate could very much be debated, but there is really no Biblical precedent for being “married before God” and not married before the law.  Christians are supposed to obey the laws of the land (Rom 13:1-3).  In fact, you can’t even find a verse that says marriages need to be performed by religious figures.  If a religious figure could perform a marriage ceremony without legal documentation… why couldn’t a Justice of the Peace perform the same ceremony without legal documentation?  The religious leader doesn’t have any more biblical authority to skip the paperwork than the civil leader would.

The Scriptures say that people should get married rather than live together in a sinful relationship (1 Cor 6:18), AND they say that we should obey the laws of the land (1 Pet 2:13-15).  In your scenario, the couple would be obeying one command… but not the other (if they are “not legally married”, that – by definition – means they would be doing something they believe/know is illegal).  We can’t simply obey some of God’s laws and forsake the others.  The sum of God’s Word is truth (Ps 119:160).

Is it wrong to seek money from the government if you’re disabled and you’re a christian?

Sincerely,
Financial Aid

Dear Financial Aid,

Jesus addressed this issue by simply saying, “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and render unto God the things that are God’s” (Mk 12:17).  When it comes to paying taxes, receiving tax aid, etc., the Bible says that there is nothing wrong with a christian paying their dues (or receiving them).

An atheist friend of mine asked me if I supported the death penalty.  Thinking back to the Old Testament, I know they stoned people for certain offenses, so I answered, “Yes.”  I have been thinking about it a lot in a New Testament context, and I haven’t been able to come up with any passages that address this.  One big problem I have thought of is that if I condone the death penalty, then I am in a sense taking away that person’s chance to repent and be baptized later in life.  I believe in some of the lists of sinners in several New Testament books, murderers are included (idolaters, sexually immoral, murderers, etc.) in the phrase “such were some of you”.  Are there any passages in the New Testament that address the death penalty under the New Covenant?  And if not, are there any principles that can be applied to figure out what God’s will is on this subject?

Sincerely,
Looking For Laws

Dear Looking For Laws,

The death penalty is a function of the government, and, as you said, when God designed Israel’s government, He believed certain deeds were worthy of the death penalty (such as blasphemy – Lev 24:16).  God’s attitude hasn’t changed about the death penalty (Heb 13:8, Mal 3:6).  What has changed is that God’s people are no longer a physical nation with national laws.  Christ’s church exists within all the nations of the world, and we must abide by our respective government’s laws (Rom 13:1-2).

So, is it okay for a government to put people to death for certain crimes?  The answer is ‘yes’.  God specifically says that He has given governments the authority to punish evildoers, and that governments are used by God to sustain order and be His avengers of wrath upon those that do evil (Rom 13:3-4).  Obviously, not all government decisions are good ones, and God never condones immorality, but in the case of the death penalty, governments are on solid ground when they execute justice.

In the Bible, does it state that at least two witnesses had to agree to the charges before the trial could be declared valid?  If so, where and what section?

Sincerely,
Legal Advice

Dear Legal Advice,

The verse that you are looking for is Deut 19:15.  In the Old Testament, God made the laws for the courts.  The nation of Israel, like all other societies, had people that broke the law.  God designed the law, so someone couldn’t be accused of a crime unless there were multiple witnesses.  Incidentally, America’s court system was originally modeled after Israel’s court system.  Why?  Because God’s ways work.

I saw your post about “Temporary Leave”.  About the guy in the Army, I thought it was a sin for someone to join the Army; they kill people for no reason; the Bible says, “Thou shall not kill.”

Sincerely,
Peaceful

Dear Peaceful,

There is nothing wrong with being a soldier; some of the most faithful men in the Bible were soldiers and had to kill people in the defense of their country.  David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14), and yet, David killed many people as a soldier.  Jesus marveled at the faith of a centurion soldier (Matt 8:8-10).  The first Gentile convert was Cornelius, a well-known Roman soldier (Acts 10:22).  When a group of soldiers asked John the Baptist what they needed to do to live a faithful life, he told them to be honest and faithful… but he never told them to stop serving in the military (Lk 3:14).

Lord willing, most christian soldiers will never have to kill anyone, but if they did, it won’t be murder (read “Kill Or Be Killed” for more on that topic).  Being a soldier is an honorable profession.

My fiancé just joined the army and is going to basic training.  He is a member of the church of Christ, but there is only Catholic and Baptist services offered on Sundays, so he can’t go to church during training.  Is this a sin?  He will miss about ten weeks of worship services.

Sincerely,
Concerned Fiancé

Dear Concerned Fiancé,

His situation is difficult, but not unique.  There have been many soldiers that have served Christ and country.  Cornelius the centurion was the first Gentile convert (Acts 10:1), soldiers asked John the Baptist how to be faithful (Lk 3:14), and another centurion humbly sought Christ’s help (Matt 8:9).  So take courage, you and your fiancé are not alone in your dilemma.

We consider his situation to be a 2 Cor 8:11 case.  He is accountable for what he is able to do.  If he is out in the middle of the deserts of Iraq, he is physically unable to make it to worship services.  Therefore, he is not condemned for that which he cannot do.  An analogous situation would be a mute Christian; he is commanded to confess Christ with his lips (Rom 10:9), but nobody expects a mute man to do this because he physically unable.  If your fiancé is able to make it to services – DO IT.  If he can’t attend, he should do what he can – pray (1 Thess 5:17) and study (2 Tim 2:15) on his own.  We recommend that he ask some christians that are veterans of the military for tips and advice on what they did to make it through those times where they were unable to make it to services.

Is Jesus a Republican?  When I got saved, I was told I had to change my party affiliation.  If I did not, I was probably not saved.  But truly, I asked God into my heart.  I’m not really into politics; do I have to be a Republican to go to heaven?

Sincerely,
Independent

Dear Independent,

Jesus is not a Republican, and you do not need to be a Republican to be saved.  Politics have always intermingled with religion because many political issues (such as abortion, homosexuality, etc.) have moral implications, but religion is not the same as politics.  Jesus’ attitude toward the government was that we should pay our taxes (Lk 20:25), obey the laws (Rom 13:1), pray for the rulers, and hope for a quiet life (1 Tim 2:1-2).  Politics are a big deal in this country (especially during such volatile political times), but Christianity transcends such earthly disputes and battles.  Stand by God’s Word in all issues, and you will always be fine.

Now, let’s talk for a second about how you are saved.  Asking for God to come into your heart is a wonderful thing, and we commend your zeal, but that isn’t how you are saved.  There are specific things the Bible tells us we must do in order to be saved, and until you do them, you have not obeyed God fully.  Please read the post “Five Steps To Salvation” and make sure that you have become a christian.

Is using deadly force ever justifiable in defense of self or family?  If there were ever a situation where there was complete societal breakdown (no government or police), food and water became scarce, and armed looters and gangs searching for food became a real threat to your family, would you be morally responsible to defend your family by any means necessary?  Would God expect you to turn the other cheek or fight for survival?

Sincerely,
Getting Prepared

Dear Getting Prepared,

When the Bible commands us to not kill, the word used for ‘kill’ is the word that we would use for ‘murder.  Some of the most faithful men in the Bible were soldiers and had to kill people in the defense of their country.  David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14), and yet David killed many people as a soldier.  Jesus marveled at the faith of a centurion soldier (Matt 8:8-10).  The first Gentile convert was Cornelius, a well-known Roman soldier (Acts 10:22).  When a group of soldiers asked John the Baptist what they needed to do to live a faithful life, he told them to be honest and faithful… but he never told them to stop serving in the military (Lk 3:14).  These are all examples of the difference between murder and self-defense (or war-time killing).

In the Old Testament, God made specific rules that allowed an individual to kill if they were defending their home or family (Ex 22:2).  In Lk 22:35-39, Jesus tells His disciples that persecution will begin after He leaves and that they ought to “buy a sword” – this is certainly an endorsement of self-defense.  All of these point to the fact that God distinguishes between defensive force and vigilante murder.

If a member of a church of Christ goes to a military branch, ends up fighting in a war, and kills men, will he still be a member of the church? And will he still be okay spiritually?

Sincerely,
Sgt. Unknown

Dear Sgt. Unknown,

There is nothing wrong with being a soldier; some of the most faithful men in the Bible were soldiers and had to kill people in the defense of their country.  David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14), and yet David killed many people as a soldier.  Jesus marveled at the faith of a centurion soldier (Matt 8:8-10).  The first Gentile convert was Cornelius, a well-known Roman soldier (Acts 10:22).  When a group of soldiers asked John the Baptist what they needed to do to live a faithful life, he told them to be honest and faithful… but he never told them to stop serving in the military (Lk 3:14).

Lord willing, most christian soldiers will never have to kill anyone, but if they did, it won’t be murder (read “Kill Or Be Killed” for more on that topic).  Being a soldier is an honorable profession.

Is the death penalty wrong? The Ten Commandments say “thou shalt not kill”.

Sincerely,
Life Preserver

Dear Life Preserver,

Let’s address the death penalty case first, and then we will look at the “thou shalt not kill” argument.  God has given the government the authority to issue capital punishment upon criminals.  God told Israel to stone wicked people in certain circumstances (Lev 20:27).  Paul says that God gives governments “the sword”; they are a minister of God and an avenger of wrath to those that do evil (Rom 13:4).

The Hebrew word used for ‘kill’ in the Ten Commandments literally means ‘murder’.  There is a difference between killing someone in self-defense and the intentional murder of another human being.  The Bible has plenty of examples of faithful people going to war (David killed Goliath in battle – 1 Sam 17:49-50).  The Bible is also full of examples of capital punishment for certain crimes (Num 15:35).  Num 35:15-16 makes a distinction between accidentally killing someone and murder.  A police officer may have to kill someone while serving the community, but that isn’t murder.  A government may have to execute a criminal to protect society and perform justice, but that isn’t murder.  “Thou shalt not kill” is a command for individuals (not governments) that prohibits the reckless and purposeful destruction of human life.

Can my boyfriend and I go before God and ask God to marry us without going to a church and receiving a piece of paper stating we are married? We don’t want to fornicate but want God to marry us.  We want the real thing.  I’ve been married two times before with a Justice of the Peace… but what could be better than going to God Himself to make our promise to keep regarding one another.  Will God bless us and consider us one?

Sincerely,
Without A Paper Trail

Dear Without A Paper Trail,

The problem with that kind of arrangement is that:

1. There is really no biblical precedent for being “married before God” and not married before the law and family.  Christians are supposed to obey the laws of the land (Rom 13:1-3).
2. You are putting yourselves in a position to look like you are living together without being married.  This means that you are sending the wrong message to mankind.  Christians are supposed to shine as lights in the world (Matt 5:16) and live a “good manner of life in Christ” that they may put to shame those who revile the name of Christ (1 Pet 3:16).
3. You are setting yourselves up to be deceptive.  When you file for taxes, are you going to say you aren’t married?

No matter how you slice it – it is better and biblical to be up front and legal before God and man.

Why does God command the people of Israel not to kill, but then He orders them to kill enemies of Israel… even the women, children, and livestock?  Then Jesus tells His disciples to “turn the other cheek.”  I haven’t been a christian for very long, but I’ve always been confused about this.

Sincerely,
Double Standard

Dear Double Standard,

The Hebrew word used for ‘kill’ in the Ten Commandments literally means ‘murder’.  There is a difference between killing someone in self-defense and pre-meditated, intentional murder of another human being.  The Bible has plenty of examples of faithful people going to war (David killed Goliath in battle – 1 Sam 17:49-50).  The Bible is also full of examples of capital punishment for certain crimes (Num 15:35).  Num 35:15-16 makes a distinction between accidentally killing someone and premeditated murder.  A police officer may have to kill someone while serving the community, but that isn’t murder.  There is a difference.

It is wrong for an individual to purposefully seek to harm another unless they are acting as an agent of the government (God has given national governments the authority to use ‘the sword’ of punishment – Rom 13:4) or reacting in self-defense.  God commanded the nation of Israel to kill in times of war, but He condemns vigilante murder.  The teaching of “turn the other cheek” (Matt 5:39) is an individual command that applies to everyday living.  The context has nothing to do with war-time actions.

My question is: are there limitations on telling a lie?  My wife and I have been separated for nineteen months.  My wife is in a relationship presently and seems to be happy even though we are not divorced.  I pay child support for our daughter.  She has asked me to refinance my home and lower the house payment in order for her to make the house payments.  In order to do this, the mortgage company requires that I live there… which will not happen.  If I refinance and answer the question correctly, I will be lying and committing fraud.  Yet, if I don’t, they will lose the house because they are not able to make the mortgage payment.  I want to do the right thing according to God’s Word.

Sincerely,
From The Outside Looking In

Dear From The Outside Looking In,

Lying is never right.  God tells us to be plain and honest people – let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’ (Matt 5:37).  Doing the right thing is hardest when it costs us something… but that is part of taking up our cross and following Christ (Matt 16:24).  Be honest with your wife (who should not be in a relationship with another man… but that is a separate issue), and make it clear that you cannot refinance a home you aren’t living in – that is the law.  Who knows, it may make room for you to have a conversation about reconciliation (1 Cor 7:10-11).

Yes, I was arrested years ago for something stupid; is being arrested a sin… even if it’s nothing?  Because cops where I lived will arrest you for anything.

Sincerely,
Convicted

Dear Convicted,

Being arrested isn’t a sin as long as you didn’t do anything wrong.  Paul was arrested for preaching the gospel (Acts 16:25) – so were the rest of the apostles (Acts 5:17-18).  If you are innocent, then there isn’t an issue.  We are told to obey the government’s regulations insomuch as they don’t contradict the Scriptures (1 Pet 2:13-14).  If you suffer as an innocent person, you will be rewarded by God (1 Pet 3:14) – but if you were arrested for a law you actually broke, it is a sin.

My wife of thirty-five years has been battling cancer since 1998.  In 2007, she was told that she was terminal.  She has recently lost over 120 pounds, has no desire to eat, then loses what she does eat.  Doctors have tried everything; two doctors have recommended that she smoke marijuana.  Besides it being illegal in Florida, spiritually, she feels uncomfortable.  We have searched through the Scriptures with no avail. Please help.

Sincerely,
Struggling Spouse

Dear Struggling Spouse,

We are so very sorry for your suffering; we here at AYP cannot imagine how difficult this trial is for you and your wife.  We will do our very best to give you the Bible answer to such a sensitive question.  There are two things to consider:

1. The Bible says that we should obey the laws of the land (Rom 13:1-4).  If something is illegal – it is illegal.  The Lord would have us abide by the laws of the government, even when those laws are difficult to follow.
2. There is nothing inherently wrong with trying to reduce your wife’s discomfort.  Pr 31:6 specifically said that it is appropriate for a dying person to receive ease from their pain.  You can feel completely comfortable giving legal painkillers to your wife as she endures these difficult final stages of suffering.

We know that these two principles do not necessarily make your choices easier, but hopefully, that clarifies the doctrinal struggle you have been having.

Hello, my question is: what does the Bible say about marriages by the court and not in a church?  Does God see them the same?  IF a guy was once lost and got married in the court and is now pursuing a relationship with God and a relationship with me but hasn’t actually filed for divorce but has been separated for three years now… what do I do?  I’m lost….

Sincerely,
Off The Market?

Dear Off The Market,

This man is married – you shouldn’t be pursuing a relationship with him.  It is a common myth that a couple must be married in a church building in order for the marriage to be valid.  In reality, the Bible never gives a single example of someone getting married in a church building… church buildings as we know them didn’t really even exist in the days of the early church.  What matters is the marriage vow.  Marriage is a commitment between a man and a woman (Matt 5:33)… a solemn agreement recognized by God (Matt 19:4-6).  As you readily admit, this man is separated from his wife but still bound to her.  He is trying to have an adulterous relationship with you.  Honor his marriage and make it clear that you want nothing to do with defiling it (Heb 13:4).

Does God condone war?  I am a veteran of the U.S. Army and am thinking of returning to service, but I feel a bit conflicted as to whether God would approve of me returning to service.  I am proud to have served my country, but my faith runs deeper than my pride.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Military Man

Dear Military Man,

God gives governments the authority to fight wars and has even commanded nations to fight battles in certain circumstances.  The entire Old Testament is full of examples of God directing Israel to attack other nations because of their ungodliness.  God holds the power of nations within His hands (Pr 21:1), and many of the most faithful of God’s servants have been soldiers (read “Holding Down The Fort” for further details).  There is no contradiction between serving as a soldier and being a servant of Christ.

I am at a crossroad of whether or not to obey the secular law.  I see more emphasis being placed upon the secular law that is being pushed down our throats than God’s moral law.  Where in the Bible does God or Jesus say to obey man’s secular law?

Sincerely,
Not Above The Law

Dear Not Above The Law,

In multiple places, we are told to obey the government.  Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Lk 20:22-25) when asked about paying taxes.  The apostle Paul said that we should obey the government, and he devoted Rom 13:1-7 to the subject.  The apostle Peter taught that we should obey kings, governors, etc. because they are sent by God to praise those that do well and bring vengeance upon those that do evil (1 Pet 2:13-15).  Peter made it clear that we should honor those that rule over us (1 Pet 2:17).  The only time that it is okay to break the law is if the government commands you to do something sinful (Acts 5:27-29).

How did people get married in Bible times?  Was it a large ceremony like the ones we have now?  I know the Bible tells us that unmarried sex is wrong, but I was just wondering how people went through marriage then; like, were they married by a preacher/pharisee?  What qualified them as being married in the eyes of God?

Sincerely,
Going To The Chapel?

Dear Going To The Chapel,

The Bible doesn’t say much about marriage ceremonies because they vary so much from culture to culture.  The only detail about marriage that the Bible mentions is the importance and the sanctity of the vows (1 Cor 7:39).  Marriage is meant for a lifetime, and the marriage vows carry the weight of lifetime promises (Mk 10:7-9).  The legal requirements for marriage will vary from one country to another.  God does tell us that we must obey the laws of the government (Rom 13:1-2, 1 Pet 2:13-14).  Make sure to not only make your vows before God, but also do what is right in the eyes of all men (Rom 12:17) by making sure the marriage is legally recognized.

The Bible says, “Touch not My anointed, and do him no harm”.  My question is: when is it a legal issue?  If the anointed is a child molester and a murderer, should his behavior be reported to the leaders of the church?

Sincerely,
Pressing Charges

Dear Pressing Charges,

The verse you are referring to (1 Chr 16:22) has nothing to do with reporting a murderer or other heinous criminals.  1 Chr 16:22 (it is also mentioned in Ps 105:15) is specifically talking about how God took care of the nation of Israel.  The preceding verse (1 Chr 16:21) mentions how God forbid other kings and nations from attacking Israel.

If someone has committed a serious felony, you should do more than report them to the leadership of the church – you should report them to the authorities.  God specifically sets the government in place to bring to justice people who having chosen to destroy others’ lives (Rom 13:3-4).

What are your thoughts on a christian taking a non-christian to court and suing them?  Is there ever an appropriate time?

Sincerely,
Plaintiff

Dear Plaintiff,

The Bible doesn’t forbid christians from taking non-christians to court.  The only prohibition is against christians suing other christians (1 Cor 6:5-8).  However, Jesus cautioned christians against being litigious people that try and take vengeance themselves (Matt 5:40, Rom 12:19-21).  In short, if at all possible, try and reconcile with people outside of court, and avoid the judicial system as much as you can (Matt 5:25-26).

Hi, preacher.  I have a question: I’m thinking about joining the army to help people in Iraq, and I know that the Bible says to love thy neighbor and not kill, but if I’m doing it for the greater good, would it be a sin if I were to be killed?

Sincerely,
In The Crosshairs

Dear In The Crosshairs,

There is nothing wrong with being a soldier.  The Bible is full of soldiers that were also very faithful people.  King David battled Goliath (1 Sam 17:48-50).  The first Gentile convert to Christianity was a Roman soldier (Acts 10:22).  Being a soldier and killing someone in battle is not the same as murdering someone in cold blood.  People don’t go to hell for being soldiers, but they do go to hell for being murderers (Rev 21:8).  If you died on the battlefield (hopefully that won’t happen), that would not destine you to eternity away from God.

We do recommend that you gravely consider the state of your soul and relationship with God before enlisting.  Being a soldier is a hazardous job, and it accentuates the need to be prepared to meet your Maker.  Please read “What I Must Do To Be Saved?” for more information on what God says we must do to receive salvation.

My husband is in the army.  He has recently been deployed to Afghanistan.  I don’t exactly know how to ask this question, but I’m having a hard time dealing with what he might have to do while there.  Does it make me a bad person to love someone who could possibly kill someone else in a time of war?  I just don’t know what to think or how to deal with this.  Can he still go to heaven?  I know that God will forgive him if asks for forgiveness, but can He forgive him if he joined, knowing that war was inevitable?

Sincerely,
Soldier’s Bride

Dear Soldier’s Bride,

There is nothing wrong with your husband being a soldier; some of the most faithful men in the Bible were soldiers and had to kill people in the defense of their country.  David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14), and yet David killed many people as a soldier.  Jesus marveled at the faith of a centurion soldier (Matt 8:8-10).  The first Gentile convert was Cornelius, a well-known Roman soldier (Acts 10:22).  When a group of soldiers asked John the Baptist what they needed to do to live a faithful life, he told them to be honest and faithful… but he never told them to stop serving in the military (Lk 3:14).

Lord willing, your husband will never have to kill anyone, but if he does, it won’t be murder (read “Kill Or Be Killed” for more on that topic).  Support your husband with a clear conscience.  Being a soldier is an honorable profession.

Is it right to divorce my second spouse (and just live with him), so I can receive Social Security benefits from my first husband (who is deceased)?  I can only draw $320.00 on my own benefits.

Sincerely,
Penny Pincher

Dear Penny Pincher,

Divorce is only permissible when adultery has occurred (Matt 19:9).  Divorcing your spouse for Social Security benefits isn’t right.  You may disagree with the Social Security laws, but God tells us to live peacefully under the laws of whatever nation in which we dwell (Rom 13:1-4).  You married your current spouse, and in so doing, accepted the implications of those marriage vows.  Many Americans are suffering in these difficult economic times, and many marriages are freshly remembering that they vowed to stay married “for richer and for poorer”.  May God sustain you and your husband in your trying financial circumstances.

Hello, my name is (omitted); I’m a christian seventeen-year-old.  My question is: would it be unchristian of me to join the National Guard as part of the military police to help go to college?  Also, the reason I want to be a MP is to help and protect people.  After college, I want to write and become a US Marshal.

Sincerely,
Signing Up

Dear Signing Up,

There is nothing wrong with joining the military.  John the Baptist had the opportunity to speak to soldiers, and instead of rebuking them for their occupation, he simply told them to be honest and godly soldiers (Lk 3:14).  May God bless you in your service to your country.

What are Christ’s teachings and Biblical views on capital punishment?  I was always taught the viewpoint of an eye for an eye.

Sincerely,
Ready To Strike

Dear Ready To Strike,

God authorizes governments to punish its citizens as it deems fit.  God has given governments the ‘sword of terror’ to bring wrath down upon evildoers (Rom 13:3-4).  God allowed the government of Israel to stone criminals (Lev 20:27) for various acts of wickedness against man and God. Stoning definitely would count as capital punishment!

Government authority and individual authority are different things, though.  God tells us that we aren’t to take vengeance upon ourselves (Rom 12:18-19), but instead, we are to do good to our enemies (Rom 12:20). We are to turn the other cheek (Matt 5:39) and go the extra mile with people (Matt 5:41).  The government has the right to punish ‘an eye for an eye’, but we as individuals do not (Matt 5:38-39).

What I’m concerned about is the direction of our nation of Christians. My wife and I have studied Esther and Daniel recently and read about how Mordecai resisted Haman.  Also, in Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; they resisted their king also.  In both Scriptures, these men stood up to the wicked leader and king because of their steadfast belief in God.

Do you think today that our church leaders should be teaching more about the end times, persecution of christians, and how to deal with the wicked government?

Sincerely,
Viva La Resistance

Dear Viva La Resistance,

The Bible is clear on what christians should do under all governments: pray for the leaders (1 Tim 2:1-2), honor rulers (1 Pet 2:17), pay taxes (Matt 22:21), and obey the laws (Rom 13:1-5).  All the examples you gave of rebellion against government were when the government asked righteous people to do something sinful.  Mordecai was asked to worship Haman (Est 3:2).  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were told to worship Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3:12).  If the government ever asks christians to do something that is wrong – we must resist it.  When that happens, christians will be persecuted for their morals.  Preachers need to preach on those things, but it is important to know that wicked governments have always existed.  Corruption in a government is not a sign that the end of the world is coming.

My question is: some people say that when you get married, your vow before God is what matters most.  I know of a husband and wife that exchanged vows before God with no pastor or witnesses.  They said that in about a year, they are going to have a public and legal wedding.  They believe that since they vowed it before God, He sees them as married now, and the ceremony is only something they want for legal, family, and tradition’s sake.  Is it true that God sees them as married?  I know they both believe that vows are holy before God.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Wedding Wonderer

Dear Wedding Wonderer,

The problem with that kind of arrangement is that:

1. There is really no Biblical precedent for being “married before God” and not married before the law and family.  Christians are supposed to obey the laws of the land (Rom 13:1-3).
2. The couple is putting themselves in a position where they look like they are living together without being married.  This means that they are sending the wrong message to mankind.  Christians are supposed to shine as lights in the world (Matt 5:16) and live a “good manner of life in Christ” that they may put to shame those who revile the name of Christ (1 Pet 3:16)
3. They are setting themselves up to be deceptive.  When they file for taxes, are they going to say they weren’t married?  If great aunt Elma asks when they were married… what will they say?  There are lots of problems with this arrangement.

No matter how you slice it – it is better and Biblical to be up front and legal before God and man.