Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Rabyd Theologian Looks at the Constitution -- Part 5 -- 'Insure Domestic Tranquility'

One of the problems the country was having under the articles of Confederation was domestic tranquility. One the one hand you had a lawlessness that was allowed in part to no common law enforcement body. Criminals in one state could flee to another and find refuge. On the other hand, there was no common law in the states. In one state something might be illegal but in the other it was not.

The constitution was written in part to give domestic tranquility. The idea was peace through law and order. It was designed to restore the commonality of the rule of law along with enforcement and punishment standards throughout the states. It also provided for a central court to handle matters where disputes between states arose. The idea was peace and quiet.

The Bible has a lot to say about this idea of peace and tranquility and it usually involves obedience to the commands of God. In short, the nation that follows his commands will have peace inside.

Maybe this connection between domestic tranquility and the obedience to God's command is why the Christian right fights so much for their ends. If so it is a noble objective but I think misguided in its methods. We keep trying to legislate it instead of transforming people to want to have it. For me it is simple a statement that we are going to have common law and order policy for all the states.

Next: Provide for the Common Defense

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