Monday, September 19, 2011

The rationale for the Reformation Party is based upon certain Biblical principles which were widely accepted by reformed Protestants during the Protestant Reformation, but are less widely accepted today.  In order to reclaim these principles, it is important that people understand their Biblical rationale.  Here are some of the principles and links explaining some of the scriptural rationale behind them:
One principle is that the civil government has a duty to enforce both tables of the Ten Commandments, appropriate for its God-appointed sphere.  Please see the article at http://www.puritans.net/tracts/bothtables.html relating to this principle, quoting from Augustine and Calvin.
Another principle is that Christians should not enter into unlawful political confederacies.  Please see George Gillespie’s treatment on this topic at http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/Forbiddn.htm .
Another principle is that men and not women should vote and hold office in civil government.  Please see Robert Dabney’s treatment on this topic at http://mildcolonialboy.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/robert-dabney-against-womens-suffrage-the-suffragettes/ .
Another principle is that we should not vote for “the lesser of two evils”.  Please see the article at http://www.puritans.net/news/thevote092204.htm on this topic.
Another principle relates to unlawful political oaths and their relation to voting.  Please see the article at http://www.puritans.net/news/constitution022007.htm on this topic.
Another principle relates to the Establishment Principle and the proper relation of church and state.  Please see the article at http://www.covenanter.org/Wylie/twosonsofoil.htm by Samuel Wylie on this topic.
Another principle is that the civil magistracy should be separate from the ecclesiastical ministry. For example, God punished King Uzziah with leprosy when he tried to do the functions of a priest. Also, God separated the tribe which civil rulers descended from (Judah) from the tribe which priests came from (Levi). Also, the Bible speaks of the *Two* Sons of Oil and the *Two* Olive trees (see Zechariah and Revelation), implying the two (church and state) are not to be united in ordinary humans. Jesus Christ alone is to be priest and king. This is why the Westminster Confession of Faith separates the offices. Practically speaking, it maintains checks and balances to keep the pulpit separated from the sword. Presbyterianism has historically made sure no one becomes a pope, because the pope claims to be over church and state.

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