Biblical Principles of Government
A Primer on Christian Citizenship
Thursday Evenings * 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm * SEP 1 to NOV 3
Introduction / Christian Involvement
We will discuss how government fits with the other God-ordained institutions. A case will be made for how important it is for the Christian to understand and be involved with or in government at some level.
What We Need To Know About Government
- What is government?
- The central question of political science
- What is the purpose of government?
- Where does the government get its authority?
- Understanding the Declaration of Independence
- The Presidential campaign: sideshow or main event?
- Why Conservatives and Christians lose elections.
Economics / What About the Needy?
- Economic foundations
- Equality & Liberty: friend or foe?
- Socialism: What is it?
- In defense of speculation
- Negative interest rates and the impoverishing of America
- A household understanding of the economic crisis
- Competition & Freedom: two sides of the same coin
- Charity vs. Theft
- The humbling of Davey Crockett
Conclusion / Further Study
- What will you do?
- Hope vs. Discouragement
- Strategy for change
- The power of duplication
- A request for support
- Recommended reading
Biblical Foundations
- Are there absolutes?
- The difference between individual action and collective action
- Are there biblical standards for good government?
- The difference between authority and power
- What are “rights”?
- Where do rights come from?
- What are natural rights and where do they originate?
- The key to preserving liberty
- How does relativism influence culture?
How Do We Limit Government?
- America: Is it a Democracy or a Republic?
- What is the hierarchy of law?
- Render Unto Ceasar: An exposition of Matthew 22:15-22
- Government and ethics: how less is more
- The Constitution of the United States of America
- Horizontal separation of powers chart
How Do We Make Decisions?
- Principle vs. Practicality
- Which is more important?
- The rocket’s red glare
- Situation ethics
- Ends vs. Means
- Acquisition vs. Disposition
- Decision Making Tools
Course Manual
There is a course manual available that contains supplemental readings and a study guide.
- A wire-bound copy is available for $30
- A PDF file is available for free
Email me at gjohnson@ccmodesto.com if you would like me to reserve a printed copy for you or if you would like the PDF emailed to you.
Course Calendar
Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
March 10th through May 26th
We will meet on the second floor of the Children’s Wing in room 202, facing the Courtyard.
Childcare is available upon request.
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) credits are available as well.