PROMOTING RULE OF LAW
COMBATING CORRUPTION
Combating corruption and its crippling effects in the Government and Private spheres
“Seeking Godly Governance”
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”
Proverbs 14:34
BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW ON RULE OF LAW AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
The Lord is a God of Justice (Is 30:18). Justice and Righteousness are the foundation of His throne (Ps 89:14; 97:2). God created the world with order and rules for its functioning. His Creation shows obvious order, from tiny cells and flowers to the stars in the sky. In Genesis 1-3, we can see how orderly God is. He even created man in His image (Ge 1:27). Man disobeyed God by not following a rule He gave, when Adam and Eve sinned. In Exodus, God gave his people the Ten Commandments (Ex 20), and more edicts and commands derived from those, and entered into covenants with His creation. Blessings come when people obey God, and curses when they disobey Him. (Deuteronomy 28)
Corruption is the antithesis (opposite) of the Rule of Law. Corruption is also a synonym for Sin (Ps 14:1-3; Titus 1:15 ). Satan is the spirit behind the “man of lawlessness,” and is the spreader of it (2 Thes. 2:3-10). Rule by just laws in a nation creates order, peace, harmony and flourishing. Rule by corruption and sin cause disharmony, chaos, and poverty in a nation.
There are many verses in the Bible on how bribery and extortion are sins, but they carry different liabilities. And yet, many Christians today see bribery and extortion as “just a part of their culture,” failing to see how it is actually destroying their nation and themselves. Christians need to learn the difference between a bribe, extortion, and a gift (See JICF resource below).
Countries that have the highest levels of corruption are also the poorest (See Index and link to Transparency International below). Some people say “poverty causes corruption,” but more accurately, it’s “corruption that causes poverty.” Scripture points out a direct causative link from corruption to poverty (Pr 14:34). World Bank reports also show this through empirical, economic studies. (See slides below for reference.)
(Authors: © Patrick and Kathy Talbot, August 5, 2023)
Resources
Powerpoint Slides:
- World Bank Study Slides
- Bribery & Extortion – Christian Legal Society 25-June-2019 The difference between a Bribe and a Gift ( a pdf)
- Double Whammy (a Cycle) of National and Local Corruption Spreading Poverty (contrasting slides, Patrick Talbot (PT); and slides on national laws/corruption, with explanation, PT)
Video
Advocacy Groups
International Justice Mission (IJM)
Lawyers Without Borders (USA and International)
Unashamedly Ethical (Africa and Global)
World Justice Project (USA and Global)
JOIN AN INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP FOR JUSTICE
Contact Isaiah Justice Institute at info@isaiahjusticeinstitute.com
to find out about an intercessory prayer group on justice in your area.