If the United States was truly exceptional, what has happened to it?

How did the U.S. fall from its place as the world’s beacon of freedom and individual rights? How did the nation of achievers and owners become the “entitlement state” of looters and moochers?

The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity. -Psalm 99:4a

Americans place a high value on equality, and rightly so. But what is equality? Is it the same as egalitarianism? Social justice? As we see in Psalm 99:4, a righteous judge favors neither the poor nor the rich, but deals equitably with all. People have the right to equal treatment under the law, not equal lifestyle. That is what the concept “equity” means: impartiality.

Some suppose that “fairness” involves taking from the rich and giving to the poor. With this as a supposition, it is understandable that they would misconstrue Scripture through a socialist lens. But Scripture speaks of equity.

Here I’m going to summarize theologian John Frame’s views on Christianity and government.

It’s helpful to recognize that a respected theologian shares the basics of the view I’m advocating and to see how he derives his view from Scripture. His discussion makes a good starting point to orient us to what Scripture says on the issue.

I recently interviewed Jarrod Manning, the Associate Pastor of Ministry at Grace Bible Church of Brazosport.

Jarrod studied at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and I found common ground in our understanding of Christianity and government.

(In response to Houston’s sermon subpoenas in mid October 2014)

When the mayor of a large American city so violates religious liberty, all moral men must speak out. They must speak in the broadest realm possible to them.