Tyranny

"Because man is a sinner. utopian schemes must always be dystopian in their outcomes." - Joe Boot

Why a section on Tyranny? Because human nature is prone to corruption, and unchecked power always leads to tyranny (Jeremiah 17:9). History proves that when governments are not restrained, they inevitably infringe on individual liberties. It’s important to warn people about these dangers and advocate for the necessary checks on power that protect freedom—especially since we are blessed to live under a system that allows us to make a difference. The Bible repeatedly warns against tyranny by highlighting the dangers of unchecked power, corrupt rulers, and oppressive governments (1 Samuel 8:10-18; Genesis 11:1-9; Revelation 13:16-17; Daniel 3, 4) It teaches that governments must be restrained, rulers held accountable, and people must resist absolute control that seeks to replace God with the state.

If we are to be concerned for the poor, the oppressed, and the vulnerable, there can be few topics more important than this. History shows that much of their suffering comes not just from individual greed, but from oppressive governments that abuse their power. Many of the worst injustices—famine, persecution, economic destruction, and the suppression of God-given liberty—have come from authoritarian regimes that trample the rights of the weak. That’s why the Bible repeatedly warns against unchecked rulers, from Pharaoh in Egypt to the Beast in Revelation.

Caring for the poor means not only offering direct help but also ensuring they are not oppressed by corrupt systems. My concern about government overreach isn’t separate from biblical justice—it’s part of it. Scripture calls us to be discerning about the dangers of power without accountability. We shouldn’t view caring for the poor and addressing the dangers of unchecked government power as separate concerns—these issues are deeply connected.

When the world urges us to replace God with the state, it becomes a form of idolatry that leads to bondage. But we are called to proclaim liberty to the captives and set free those who are oppressed. And this true liberty can only come when, by grace, people cast off their idols and turn to Christ alone as their blessed hope.