ezrider
Member
I have no idea what your point is in the last sentence. Please explain to us the fundamental Biblical argument against shaping the institutions of our world so that they implement "charity" - having money flow from the rich to the poor.
Jesus certainly seems to have embraced this idea when he instructs the rich ruler to give to the poor. Now, as I believe I have already argued, it makes no sense whatsoever to embrace this kind of value at the individual level, but to then reject it at the corporate (societal) level.
If I might add, it has always been the responsibility of the government, whether it be the rulers, kings or judges of the nation, to execute the judgements of the law to the peoples. Romans 13 only re-enforces this notion.
Romans 13:4-6 ( KJV ) <sup>4</sup>For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. <sup>5</sup>Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. <sup>6</sup>For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Was it not commanded in the law, that the fields were not to be completely harvested, or the vineyards picked clean, but a portion was to be left to the poor? Was in not commanded in the law that the debts of the poor were to be forgiven at the end of the seventh year? Does not the law speak against usury (charging interest) and taking increase for profit?
Deuteronomy 15:10-11 ( KJV ) <sup>10</sup>Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. <sup>11</sup>For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
This is the command of the Lord, both to the people, and the rulers he has set over them; to the individual, and to the nation.
Jeremiah 5:25-31 ( KJV ) <sup>25</sup>Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. <sup>26</sup>For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. <sup>27</sup>As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. <sup>28</sup>They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. <sup>29</sup>Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? <sup>30</sup>A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; <sup>31</sup>The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?