Israel’s new government is its most religious ever. Parties identifying with one stream or another of Jewish orthodoxy make up half of its members. And many lawmakers from the Likud party are likewise pious, God-fearing Jews.
In other words, Bible-believers now have the reins of the Jewish state. The question being asked is whether or not that’s a good thing.
The more progressive-minded among Israel’s secular population lament that this is pulling their country in the opposite direction of its allies in the liberal West. But recent voting trends suggest that secular Israelis who think this way are no longer a majority, that the Jewish state is in this regard diverging from the once-Christian nations of Western Europe and North America.
The United States is perhaps the last of these Western nations where devout Christian faith can be considered a political asset, though it is at the same time a political liability. In Israel, even...
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4 responses to “Next Stop Theocracy? Census Report on Where Israel is Headed”
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Very clear, well put. Those of us who are aware of the similar clash of cultures here in the US can at least minimally appreciate the turmoil you’re having in Israel today. Our fervent prayers are with you, even as we hold our breath.
I am personally delighted of Bibi and his right-wing government, and pray that it holds. I am all for theocracy and monarchy and can’t wait till the return of The King!
Part 1
God has been ruling through man since the beginning. Man was given dominion over creation but instead of stewarding creation he began worshipping it. His paganism produced gods made in all created images from the Sun to some soccer team.
God introduced Judaism to educate mankind about their fallen nature and to set limits on how far they could go away from Him. Judicial, social and moral parameters were set not just for Israel but for all nations. Pagans either reformed or were destroyed. As the world liberalises itself democratically it chooses a collision course with God who said things like, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Messiah Yeshua and his disciples have shown mankind that God’s rules are not hard to keep, 1 John 5:3, however one cannot keep them and simultaneously indulge a fleshly nature.
Part 2
Nations have to choose whether to be godly. Therefore nations should study the best practices of godly nations. Britain abolished slavery, developed schools and exported godliness through mission activity. Germany reformed the church and printed the scriptures. Israel definitely has a lot to give but she must learn how to govern so that the law can do its own work in people’s lives and the State can allow the leeway for people to have productive lives without punishing the godly with the ungodly. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,… as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” 1 Peter 2:13
Religious overlords from all religions like to do God’s work for Him but they never do it as well as Him. Jesus is Lord because He rules the here and now, many churches haven’t learned that yet.