In defending his decision to no longer allow spousal abuse as a reason to apply for asylum, Sessions said this:
When asked about his comments, Sanders said she was unaware of what he said exactly, but did opine that "It's biblical to enforce the law."
Sessions and Sanders miss the mark by a mile, and you can actually see it right there in Sessions' comments. Sessions starts by mentioning that Paul told Christians to obey the government. This is true. But he then twists it into the idea that orderly enforcement of the law is inherently moral. That idea cannot be found in Paul's writings at all. Or in any part of the New Testament.
In Romans 13, Paul did plead for Christians to obey the civil authorities. But he never endorsed those authorities (as Sessions does), and he certainly never suggested it is Christian to take part in the enforcement of such laws (as Sanders does). Instead, following Jesus, who told his followers to "give unto Caesar what is Caesars," but also noted that his followers "are not of this world," Paul simply commands Christians not to cause problems. At the time, there were tensions, including tax revolts, that were bringing scrutiny and pressure on the Jewish and Christian populations, so it is likely that Paul was exhorting Christians not to take part in those revolts, for fear that the authorities would crack down. But whatever his motivations, his command was only that Christians display obedience, even in the face of oppression. Sessions and Sanders have turned this command into a charge to actually take part in and endorse said oppression.
It's not the first time authorities have made this mistake. Romans 13 has been called Paul's "notorious" theology of the state, because it has been used in the past to justify slavery, among other things. But defenders of slavery were making the same mistake our current leaders do - they were confusing obedience with active participation in the enforcement of oppression. Purported men and women of God can and should do better.
I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained the government for his purposes. Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves. Consistent and fair application of the law is in itself a good and moral thing, and that protects the weak and protects the lawful.
When asked about his comments, Sanders said she was unaware of what he said exactly, but did opine that "It's biblical to enforce the law."
Sessions and Sanders miss the mark by a mile, and you can actually see it right there in Sessions' comments. Sessions starts by mentioning that Paul told Christians to obey the government. This is true. But he then twists it into the idea that orderly enforcement of the law is inherently moral. That idea cannot be found in Paul's writings at all. Or in any part of the New Testament.
In Romans 13, Paul did plead for Christians to obey the civil authorities. But he never endorsed those authorities (as Sessions does), and he certainly never suggested it is Christian to take part in the enforcement of such laws (as Sanders does). Instead, following Jesus, who told his followers to "give unto Caesar what is Caesars," but also noted that his followers "are not of this world," Paul simply commands Christians not to cause problems. At the time, there were tensions, including tax revolts, that were bringing scrutiny and pressure on the Jewish and Christian populations, so it is likely that Paul was exhorting Christians not to take part in those revolts, for fear that the authorities would crack down. But whatever his motivations, his command was only that Christians display obedience, even in the face of oppression. Sessions and Sanders have turned this command into a charge to actually take part in and endorse said oppression.
It's not the first time authorities have made this mistake. Romans 13 has been called Paul's "notorious" theology of the state, because it has been used in the past to justify slavery, among other things. But defenders of slavery were making the same mistake our current leaders do - they were confusing obedience with active participation in the enforcement of oppression. Purported men and women of God can and should do better.
