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VirginiaHuguenot · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satz

I am not sure I understand how this response is compatible with Daniel serving the Babylonian empire faithfully over many years, or Joseph doing the same in Egypt. Joseph's job required him to give or approve of preferential governmental treatment being given to pagan priests but this did not disturb his conscience (Gen 47:22).

In the New Testament we see Erastus serving as chamberlain of the pagan, immoral city of Corinth (Rom 16:23, 27), yet Paul commends his greetings to the Romans without any rebuke or warning.

Jesus required paying taxes to the Roman empire despite its many sins and evils (Matt 22:15-22). Although that same empire later put to death the Son of God, the apostle Paul did not hesitate to proclaim himself a citizen of that empire and demand all the benefits he was entitled to as such (Acts 16:35-40; 22:24-30; 23:12-35; 25:9-12).

What is the difference between serving as a juror for a pagan government and working as an employee for a pagan master? Although most christians would agree that the latter is definitely allowed (1 Tim 6:1-2).

In the end, I do not see that rendering service to, or participating in or benefiting from a pagan government is sinful for the christian as long as he does not sin directly himself. Is there anything special about jury duty that would change that?

I agree, Mark, that "rendering service to, or participating in or benefiting from a pagan government is sinful for the christian as long as he does not sin directly himself."

An American juror, however, must swear an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, and that in the view of Reformed Presbyterians historically would be an unlawful oath because the Constitution contains within it provisions which contradict the moral law of God and fails to acknowledge the law of God as the Supreme Law of the Land. An unlawful oath to become a juror and the expectation that a juror must act in accordance with those provisions of the Constitution which violate the law of God make the prospect of serving as a juror a matter of conscience and barrier to Reformed Presbyterians who share those convictions.

This issue (the oath to the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution's moral defects) has been debated at length previously as you may recall. If you are interested, for further study of the Reformed Presbyterian position of political dissent from governments that oppose Christ as stated in the following sermons:

James R. Willson, Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over All Governments and the Disregard of His Authority by the United States, in the Federal Constitution

J.H. Boggs, Why Covenanters Do Not Vote

G.H. Milne, Political Dissent

William Roberts, The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism