Why Evangelicals and Orthodox Christianity Reject Government Mercy

German culture, like many others, finds itself in a struggle to understand why Evangelicals and particularly Orthodox Christians seem less inclined to advocate for the American government to take on the virtue of mercy. This question is not limited to Evangelicals; it touches upon long-standing theological and philosophical underpinnings within Orthodox Christianity as well, which has a rich tradition and historical context to draw from.

Historical Context in Orthodox Christianity

Since the days of Constantine, Orthodox Christianity has had to navigate the delicate balance between mercy and order in governance. The Roman Empire, later to become the Romanovs, faced a similar challenge in managing a vast and diverse empire. Mercy in an Orthodox context was not merely a display of compassion but a balancing act that could be swift, severe, and steeped in theological purpose.

When viewed through this lens, the mercy envisioned by modern democratic governments appears more as a form of cowardice—if such an administration weakens the means of justice and order, it is an abdication of the responsibilities that come with rule. In a republic, 'tolerance' is celebrated as the cardinal virtue, but tolerance in this sense often equates to a lack of real authority. The will and whims of millions of voters become the paramount focus, eroding any sense of traditional authority.

The Evolution of Western Republics

Western republics were once stern and somewhat distant 'fathers,' characterized by their distant and authoritative governance. However, over time, these governments have evolved into 'overweening mothers,' constantly seeking to mitigate all risks and discomfort for the populace. This modern approach to governance often sees mercy as a form of delegated authority, watering down laws and providing services that individuals and churches are meant to perform.

For a Christian to view the government's practice of mercy as divorced from its original context is to fundamentally misunderstand the historical and theological roots of mercy. Just as modern society has replaced the need for paternal figures with scientific advancements, grace is similarly misunderstood when divorced from its theological context. Mercy, in its truest form, is not simply an act of kindness but a reflection of the divine justice that must be balanced with attributes of God, such as judgment and governance.

The Role of Government in Salvation

“God is love,” but true love, particularly in salvation, is not just about feeling good or being kind. It is about the balanced implementation of divine justice, which includes mercy. Without such balance, the virtue of mercy becomes commodified or trivialized. In the case of Western democracies, where “a government of the people” often means individuals and institutions taking on roles that were traditionally held by God or the church, mercy risks becoming nothing more than a feel-good sentiment.

Implications of Government Mercy

A true government, reflecting God's attributes, should be just and merciful in a way that recognizes inherent authority and divine justice. Any government that is overly man-centered is, at its core, Satanic. This does not imply that such governments are inherently evil or that they cannot do good deeds; it means that such deeds, when not grounded in a larger spiritual context, are insufficient. A society where mercy is divorced from divine justice is one where people enjoy the comfort of a mother's embrace without ever feeling the prudent correction needed for moral development.

To Evangelicals and Orthodox Christians, a government that practices mercy without the balance of justice and order is not fulfilling its true purpose. True mercy cannot exist without its accompanying facets, nor can justice be meaningful without an acknowledgment of divine mercy. Both are integral to a government that truly reflects the character of God.