What way would Jesus vote?
15/02/11 13:38 Filed in: Current Events
In the midst of the constant election news bulletins and political analysis, there is one key issue that has largely been overlooked. How committed are the parties to upholding our constitution?
You probably weren’t expecting that question, given the title! Yet it is an important question. The introduction to the constitution is interesting. It begins: “In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from whom is all authority and to whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and states must be referred, We, the people of Éire, humbly acknowledging all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ...”
This introduction sets the framework in which our Constitution sits. It is a foundational acknowledgment as to how our nation is to be run and it recognises that neither the Taoiseach nor the government have ultimate authority. Jesus Christ has. This is entirely consistent with the Bible, which describes Jesus as king over all the earth. He is the creator, and it is the duty of men and women everywhere to obey his wise instructions.
But sadly this key section of the constitution is ignored, to the detriment of our country. We ought to value the decrees that Jesus has given us. They're for our good. They protect the vulnerable in society – the unborn, the poor, the widowed and the sick. They legislate against behaviour that blights Ireland today – greed, exploitation and drunkenness. And they uphold one of the key building blocks of a functioning society – the family.
As individuals, we have a key responsibility next Friday. The ordinary person has an opportunity to shape the future of this country. We need to vote wisely. The key issue facing this country is not the economy, nor the state of our hospitals or schools. The most important issue is how our potential leaders respond to the authority of Jesus Christ.
We should elect those who take their constitutional obligation seriously – who recognise that God’s word is important for governments. We should compare candidates and their policies to the Bible's teaching. Are they in favour of liberalising abortion, or do they want to protect the most vulnerable? Do they favour the wealthy and influential, or do they defend the weak? Do they uphold marriage as between one man and one woman for life? Do they show themselves to be people of integrity in their private lives?
Our constitution has the finest foundation of any modern country, because it understands who is in charge. Let us do our best to cling to this rich heritage.
You probably weren’t expecting that question, given the title! Yet it is an important question. The introduction to the constitution is interesting. It begins: “In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from whom is all authority and to whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and states must be referred, We, the people of Éire, humbly acknowledging all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ...”
This introduction sets the framework in which our Constitution sits. It is a foundational acknowledgment as to how our nation is to be run and it recognises that neither the Taoiseach nor the government have ultimate authority. Jesus Christ has. This is entirely consistent with the Bible, which describes Jesus as king over all the earth. He is the creator, and it is the duty of men and women everywhere to obey his wise instructions.
But sadly this key section of the constitution is ignored, to the detriment of our country. We ought to value the decrees that Jesus has given us. They're for our good. They protect the vulnerable in society – the unborn, the poor, the widowed and the sick. They legislate against behaviour that blights Ireland today – greed, exploitation and drunkenness. And they uphold one of the key building blocks of a functioning society – the family.
As individuals, we have a key responsibility next Friday. The ordinary person has an opportunity to shape the future of this country. We need to vote wisely. The key issue facing this country is not the economy, nor the state of our hospitals or schools. The most important issue is how our potential leaders respond to the authority of Jesus Christ.
We should elect those who take their constitutional obligation seriously – who recognise that God’s word is important for governments. We should compare candidates and their policies to the Bible's teaching. Are they in favour of liberalising abortion, or do they want to protect the most vulnerable? Do they favour the wealthy and influential, or do they defend the weak? Do they uphold marriage as between one man and one woman for life? Do they show themselves to be people of integrity in their private lives?
Our constitution has the finest foundation of any modern country, because it understands who is in charge. Let us do our best to cling to this rich heritage.