Judicial Laws of Moses (1) - Searching for Wisdom

Many years ago, when I got really serious about studying political and economic issues from a Christian perspective, I started in the New Testament. I found some good stuff, but there was just not enough material there to do the job. The criteria and principles from which a political or economic theory could be developed were missing. Jesus made lots of comments with political implications and his comments about paying taxes are interesting.

He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Luke 20:25).

This response was very clever, because it silenced his critics at the time, but it less clear what it means in terms of political theory.
Paul and Peter made some interesting comments about submission to political authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). However, they did not say which authorities are legitimate and which are not. It is uncertain whether they were giving universal principles or just acknowledging the reality of their current situation. These passages do not provide the basis for a political theory without the support of deeper analysis and reinforcing principles. The New Testament simply does not provide sufficient guidance for those attempting to develop a Christian approach to economics and political theory.

I then went back to the Old Testament Prophets. They were great at pointing out what was wrong with their own societies. However when it came to understanding what should be, there was just not enough there. None of the prophets describe an ideal political and economic system.

I actually had to go back to Exodus and Deuteronomy to find a complete political and economic system. Even in these books it is hidden, but a complete system is there. It just takes some digging out.

This full series is here.