The Downside of Republicanism

We often refer to the U.S. as possessing a democratic form of government.  A better descriptor of our government might be republican.  By republican I mean that we elect the officials who rule over us and in the end they answer to us, not us to them.  

This form of government has served us well for the last two and a half centuries.  We have had our struggles, but we have survived.  We have survived partly due to the resiliency of the republican way.  No one man or even group of men rules over us.  We are ruled by a conglomeration of rulers in various positions with various responsibilities elected by various people with varying motivations and ideologies.  Yes, we are often plagued by corruption, but that corruption is often countered by conflicting corruption or hopefully genuine character in leadership that balances it.

One of the evils that republicanism fosters though is a competitiveness of ideologies.  Those running for office often campaign not so much on what they bring to the table but instead against what their opponents bring.  They often abandon the issues altogether and begin conjuring up attacks on one another's character and personal life.  We call this "mud slinging" and rightfully so.  What is supposed to be a campaign often has more resemblance to a free for all mud wrestling match.

As our candidates take potshots at each other, we the public tend to chose sides and rally behind the candidate or party that best represents our ideology.  Sadly, we often join in the mud slinging and outright slander as well.  We abandon the issues and are lured into a battle of accusations and character assassinations. 

As if this isn't bad enough this attack on the candidates continues as one eventually wins the election and takes office.  Unless our chosen candidate takes office, we determined to oppose and criticize the incumbent upon every opportunity. We disrespect them, slander them, and oppose them in every issue.  This is not only counterproductive, it goes against scriptural admonition.

We should support those placed in authority over us, even if we disagree with them.  I applaud republicanism and honestly believe it to be the best form of government available.  I oppose though the disrespect and slander it so often fosters.

Let us support our leaders.  We may not agree with their policies nor their ideology, but let us support the ideology that placed them in office.  After all, the scriptures teach us we only think they are there because of our vote. In reality they are there because God placed them there.  He has ordained those who rule over us and anointed them as our leaders.  We may oppose their ideology and policies, but let us respect and support their leadership.  Let us "not raise our hand against the anointed."

"8Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t strike him twice.”

9But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? 10As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”

______1 Samuel 26:8-11