We Can’t Legislate Morality or Can We

  “We can’t legislate morality.”  I remember first hearing this phrase in college.  Two college students were talking about Christians and politics.  They were using this argument as a reason why Christians should not be involved in politics.  When I consider the state that our nation is in, I am forced to look at this argument again.  As I scrutinize this statement, I see some major flaws in this argument.

First, let’s look at the home.  If we say that we cannot legislate another person’s morality; then it stands to reason that, as a parent, you can’t set “house rule” either.  The minute you set up and enforce set standards of conduct for your children, you are indeed legislating their morality.  Imagine what your home would be like if you set no standards.  It would be chaos or anarchy and a completely unpleasant place to live.  Children would stay up as long as they wanted; you could do whatever you wanted to another family member, and no one could say it was wrong.

Second, consider what will happen if I drive 75 in a school zone if there is a policeman around, or if I break into your car and “borrow“ it.   I dare you to try to tell that policeman as he handcuffs you that he can’t legislate your morality.  In case you didn’t know our Judicial system is based on Biblical principles.

Third, God himself already set standards.  They are called the Ten Commandments.  Does God expect that everyone abide by the Ten Commandments? I will say yes, yes he does.  The Ten Commandments were given by God to everyone.  It was not set aside for only a few to follow.  Part of the reason for the Ten Commandments was to show us that we could never be good enough to earn Heaven.  We could never find that out if we weren't expected to obey the Ten Commandments whether or not we are Christians.

Finally, because of the nature of our government, someone is legislating morality.  If Christians will not legislate morality, then who will; let me give you a hint, the people of this world.  Who would be better at setting moral standards than Christians who have the mind of Christ?  As Christians, we must stand up for right and legislate morality.  If we don’t no one else will.