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Pioneer and Bell Church of Christ

ATTITUDES ON GOVERNMENT

As we observe the application of Shariah law in the Muslim world, most moderns are horrified.  We hear, and sometimes see, stoning for adultery, the cutting off of a hand for theft, or some other bizarre punishment for a crime.  
What we have in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is three separate judicial systems.  In Old Testament Judaism we have the Law of Moses (or the Law and the Prophets if you prefer).  In New Testament Christianity we have the Gospel or the law of liberty (James 1:25; 2:12).  In Islam we have Shariah Law which includes the Koran and the teachings of Mohammed.
       The Law of Moses was designed for the nation of Israel.  It was given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20).  It reveals a great many things that are considered abominations in the sight of God. Examples are human sacrifice and witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).  Capital punishment was the consequence of cursing one’s parents, adultery, sex with animals, homosexualism, and incest (Leviticus 20:7-24).  In many ways the Law of Moses was a perfect justice system, that is a life for a life, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Lev 24:17-20).
The Shariah law of Islam is more like the Law of Moses than the Law of Christ.  It also uses stoning as a punishment and therefore committing the entire community to participating in the punishment.  This is generally considered harsh by Western standards but is effective.  Muslims are committed to making Shariah law the land here in America as it is in Muslim nations.  Most American women are completely ignorant of how Islamic law would change their lives.  An example would be that they could not divorce their husband and that their husbands are limited to only four wives at a time.  
The Gospel or the Law of Christ is completely different from the Law of Moses and also Shariah Law.  Christ recognized that the gospel would govern the lives of Christians living under diverse national laws from every country under heaven (Col 1:23).  Governments or powers, as Paul expressed it, "are ordained of God” (Rom 13:1-7) and therefore "ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
When there is a conflict between the laws of man and the laws of God, such as prohibiting the teaching of the word of God, Peter gives us the answer, "We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29 ASV ).  In our neighbor to the north, Canada, it is unlawful to criticize or condemn homosexuality.  However, faithful preachers of the Gospel will continue to condemn this sin which is an abomination in the sight of God and contrary to the law of nature!

Dale I. Royal,
Elk City OK