The Word for This Week Is ‘Cooperation’, and the People of the US Want More of it From Washington

Congress and the President Had Better Learn to Work Together, or They Will Face the Wrath of the People

(Romans 13, verses 1–4; Luke 6, verses 24–26)

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

There is a well-known quote from the Book of Romans in the New Testament that says, “Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing…..” (Romans 13, verses 1–4). These four verses of scripture are still just as valid today, 20 centuries later, as they were back then. Unfortunately, these verses can be and have been used grossly out of context in the past, with Adolf Hitler being the most infamous example (Hitler was a Catholic).

Divisive Christians

I have known a few politicized evangelical pastors and far more “Christian conservatives” in my 60+ years on this great planet Earth (or at least what’s left of it) who have similarly misused these verses. They were all sure they were right and that every other person not of their faith, or who dared to disagree, was going to burn in hell forever. For decades these politically right wing Christians have taught their racist, homophobic, divisive and hate-based message that has driven away so many millions of souls that they should have been winning over to Christ. As Jesus once said, “Give to Caesar (the government) what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”.

Some Preachers Should Find Another Vocation

Consequently, I have come to the conclusion that some of the “religious” people that I’m writing about need to find something else to do with their lives. Instead, maybe they could try selling cars, especially since some TV evangelists have about the same level of credibility. Or better yet, they could become truck drivers —…