An Unfavorable Government: Lessons from Daniel

Aug 12, 2020 | By Serena Puang DC ‘22

Recently, the word “unprecedented” has lost all meaning due to chronic overuse. This moment in history, the coronavirus, political division, the closing/reopening of schools, social distancing, and our next election are just a few of the many things we have labeled “unprecedented”.

In these times, it is important to look back at the things we once considered “unprecedented” until they became our new normal. It helps us gain perspective and remember that God is still in control now, just as he was then. Digging through the archives, I found this piece by Josh Jeon of Cornell Claritas that we republished just before the 2016 election. In it, he reflects on the Christian response to living under an “unfavorable government.” This feels particularly relevant given our current moment—a reminder that ultimately, we are under God’s authority, not just the authority of people.

““Given these concerns about the fate of American civic life in the aftermath of election day, the appropriate question is “How should one behave under an unfavorable government?” How should one conduct himself under a government that he did not choose and may even hate? I believe that the Bible provides insight into this question. Specifically, the biblical figure Daniel demonstrates that Christians should be good citizens despite “bad” government because trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God.

Daniel provides perhaps the best example on how to live under unfavorable government. Daniel lived during the Babylonian Captivity, a period of Jewish exile following the conquering of Jerusalem in 597 BC by the Babylonians. As a member of the nobility, Daniel was deported to Babylon, taught the language and literature of the Babylonians and trained to serve the King. In many ways the situation is an imperfect comparison because the Babylonian government is much worse than anything that can result from this election. Yet even so, Daniel’s attitude and behavior merits our attention.””

— Josh Jeon

Read the rest of his post here!


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