

The Bible on Government: How a Nation Should be Ruled and Redeemed
11 snips Oct 20, 2024
Joshua Berman, a Professor of Bible at Bar-Ilan University and author of 'Created Equal', delves into the intersection of biblical teachings and governance. He discusses how the Bible uniquely merges religious and political life, promoting a strong national identity while respecting individual significance. Contrasting ancient Near Eastern politics with biblical principles, he emphasizes community welfare over tribalism. The conversation also touches on economic policies in ancient Israel and the evolution of gender equality, offering insights into contemporary governance.
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No Separation Between Religion and Politics
- The Torah combines political and religious life as one, unlike modern distinctions.
- Ancient cultures had no separate concepts of religion and politics; the Bible addresses the whole person and society.
Biblical Politics Reflects Ancient Norms
- The Bible integrates society's major institutions like army, palace, and temple.
- This mirrors political structures of other ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Bible Challenges Ancient Hierarchies
- The Torah was the first to challenge rigid ancient social hierarchies and stratification.
- Ancient societies had no social mobility; the Bible began to reimagine the individual’s significance.