Bible and politics

Bible and politics concerns the controversial issue of what the Bible says about politics. The word "politics" itself is not mentioned in anywhere in most English translations of the Bible.

Much of the Old Testament is about politics, and the most important prophecy in the Book of Isaiah about the birth of Jesus arises from a political prediction at Isaiah 7:1-14 . Without the political prediction, the prophecy of Jesus may not have been there.

Isaiah 9:16 (KJV) further states:

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

Ancient Israel was a theocracy without any separation of powers. The King was anointed by the Prophet. The references to "leaders" means to religious leaders (later referred to as "Pharisees" in the New Testament).

Paul's Letter to the Romans, which is one of the most conservative books ever written, is often cited for the Christian view towards government:

“  |  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ....[1] |  ”

|
|

## Criticism and Disobedience of Civil Authorities[edit]

Criticism and disobedience of pagan civil authorities is praised throughout the New Testament. For example, the Wise Men from the East directly and appropriately defied the order by Herod to return to him with information of where Jesus was born.

John the Baptist was so highly and publicly critical of the ruler Herod Antipas's marriage that the wife had John the Baptist beheaded without even a trial.

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Romans 13:1-7