December 24, 2014
Low scripture IQ & unbelief: stumbling blocks to civil society and spiritual vitality
By A.J. Castellitto
"Yet civil government has as its appointed end, so long as we live among men, to cherish and protect the outward worship of God, to defend sound doctrine of piety and the position of the church, to adjust our life to the society of men, to form our social behavior to civil righteousness, to reconcile us with one another, and to promote general peace and tranquility."
- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.puritandownloads.com/church-and-state-the-biblical-view-free-reformation-resources/
There's nothing that offends as much as the promotion of a defined moral standard (and Godly obedience). To even suggest that society's health is dependent upon the upholding of these basic foundations is to subject ourselves to disdain and ridicule. But I am here to say that I too fall short in so many ways. I'm aware of what should be and what needs be but also of the reality of what is. I am a selfish, vile sinner outside of God's mercy and grace (and the active exercise of faith and communion with Jesus). Dependent believers are sanctified via maturing faith and religious experience. We all need moral boundaries and spiritual life. We forgo these things at our own peril.
Secular and Religious Institutions have reaped much pain and misery. An unscriptural, man-centered application of civil order and governance will always produce abuse, deceit and corruption. A godless, boundless society breeds two highly undesirable outcomes: Bondage and Implosion.
Let Hollywood be our Example: A moral cesspool ripe with drugs, exploitation, excess, godlessness, intolerance, degradation, and even reports of pedophilia. Most of our mind numbing entertainment is bought and paid for at a steep moral and spiritual price (and our politics and big corporations are not too far behind).
And these are the people that want to run the show???
No Thanks!
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine"
- 1 Timothy 1:8-11
© A.J. Castellitto
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