The State as God: Why Christian Values Must Remain Intertwined with Government

In an increasingly secular world, the role of religion in public life is often questioned or dismissed. However, the absence of religion, particularly Christian values, in government has profound implications for society. Without the moral direction provided by a higher authority, the state risks becoming a technocratic "god"—an entity that rules without accountability and prioritizes power and efficiency over justice and the common good. This is why it is crucial that Christian values remain intertwined with our government.

The State as a "God" in a Secular Society

In an increasingly secular world, the role of religion in public life is often questioned or dismissed. However, the absence of religion, particularly Christian values, in government has profound implications for society. Without the moral direction provided by a higher authority, the state risks becoming a technocratic "god"—an entity that rules without accountability and prioritizes power 

In societies where religion is marginalized or absent, the state often fills the void left by the absence of a higher authority. The state assumes the role of the ultimate arbiter of morality, determining right and wrong based on political, economic, or technocratic considerations rather than any transcendent truth. This elevation of the state to a god-like status can lead to the deification of political leaders or ideologies, where the state's decisions are seen as infallible, and dissent is suppressed as heresy against the state’s authority.

This phenomenon is not just theoretical. Throughout history, we have seen examples of states that, in the absence of religious influence, have taken on an almost divine role in the lives of their citizens. From totalitarian regimes that demanded absolute loyalty to ideologies that replaced religious belief, the dangers of a state without moral accountability are clear. Without religion, the state can easily become an unchecked power, ruling not for the people but for its own preservation and interests.

The Role of Religion in Providing Moral Direction

Religion, particularly Christianity, offers a moral framework that transcends human authority. This framework serves as a check on the power of the state, reminding both leaders and citizens that there is a higher moral authority to which they are accountable. Christian teachings emphasize the inherent dignity of every individual, the importance of justice, and the need for compassion and humility in governance. These values act as a counterbalance to the potential excesses of state power, ensuring that the government serves the people rather than itself.

In the Christian tradition, there is a clear recognition that all human institutions, including the state, are fallible. The teachings of Jesus call for humility, service, and the protection of the vulnerable—principles that are essential for just governance. By providing a moral compass, Christianity helps prevent the state from becoming a self-serving entity that is disconnected from the needs and rights of its citizens.

The Danger of a Technocratic State

In the absence of moral guidance from religion, the state may turn to technocracy—governance by technical experts and bureaucrats—as its guiding principle. While technocracy emphasizes efficiency and expertise, it can also lead to a cold, calculating form of governance that prioritizes outcomes over ethical considerations. Without a higher moral authority, a technocratic state may justify actions that serve its own interests or the interests of the powerful, rather than the common good. This can result in policies that are dehumanizing or that sacrifice individual rights in the name of efficiency or progress.

The technocratic state, while effective in certain areas, lacks the moral foundation necessary to ensure that its policies are just and humane. Efficiency and expertise, while valuable, are not substitutes for ethical governance. Without the moral guidance provided by religion, particularly Christianity, the state risks becoming a machine that prioritizes its own preservation over the welfare of its citizens.

The Corruption of Power and the Need for Christian Values

The saying “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” attributed to Lord Acton, is particularly relevant here. A state with no higher authority is likely to become corrupt as it seeks to consolidate power and eliminate any challenges to its authority. Christian values provide an essential check on this tendency by promoting principles such as humility, accountability, and the recognition of a moral law that stands above human authority. These values help ensure that the state serves the common good rather than its own interests.

Historically, Christian values have played a crucial role in promoting justice, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that the government serves its citizens rather than oppressing them. By providing a moral framework that transcends human authority, Christianity helps prevent the state from becoming a tyrannical or technocratic entity that rules without accountability.

The Importance of Christian Values in Government

The intertwining of Christian values with government is crucial for maintaining a moral and just society. These values help guide the state in making decisions that respect human dignity, promote justice, and protect the rights of all citizens. A government rooted in Christian principles is less likely to become tyrannical or technocratic, as it acknowledges its accountability to a higher power and seeks to serve the common good rather than simply maintaining its own power.

In a world where the state is increasingly seen as the ultimate authority, it is essential to remember the importance of Christian values in guiding governance. By ensuring that the state remains accountable to a higher moral authority, we can prevent the rise of a technocratic "god" and ensure that our government continues to serve the common good.

Conclusion

The absence of religion, particularly Christian values, in government creates a dangerous vacuum that the state is all too eager to fill. Without the moral direction provided by a higher authority, the state risks becoming a technocratic "god"—an entity that rules without accountability and prioritizes power and efficiency over justice and the common good. To prevent this, it is crucial that Christian values remain intertwined with our government, providing the moral direction needed to guide the state in serving its citizens justly and compassionately.