Pagans should be statists
if they want to.
I’ve ranted and raved on how the free market works, and the state ruins things, but the fact is most people like having the government around. They like the safety net it provides, the security. And, in many ways, the government does provide services which create net positive social welfare. I’d usually argue that the benefits are visible ,but the costs are often unaccounted for, and rarely even identified… but not right now.
Right now I want to say that I think it can make sense for someone to want there to be a government, especially if they are not a Christian.
If something bad happens to a Christian, they ask God why.
If something bad happens to a statist, they ask their god - the state -why.
That makes sense to me.
What does not seem rational is for an atheist to ask God why, or for a Christian to ask the government why. Agnostics get a pass on this one. They ask: is there a god, and does she know why?
So, my message really is limited to admonishing Christians to get out of statism. Beyond this I have little to recommend to anyone, just dance to your DNA, if you like, otherwise, don’t.
Comments
One Response to “Pagans should be statists”
Normally, I like this distinction and accept this reasoning. But lately, since Acton, I’ve been thinking this may be a false dichotomy. I’m just not as sure anymore.
And considering the difference between both positive and normative science AND faith and reason AND their respective creative tensions, I really think its important to disclaim that’s this are opinions. Not hypotheses.
I’m beginning to think that neither of us can accurately speak for any group we represent, with the possible exception of being male. But we don’t speak for all economists, political scientists, and most assuredly not for all Christians.
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