John Steward of Jesus
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The narrow concept of government

November 19, 1980

Looking at government narrowly as the abstraction which makes legitimate among men the use of force (the right to tax, to imprison, and to execute), the critical issue becomes this: shall this force be used only to prevent evil (harm), or shall it also be used to promote good, and force good actions. Libertarians say that it should be used only to prevent harm, to prevent other individuals from losing their liberties. Many Christians say that force should also be used to promote good, such as giving to widows, tax incentives for constructive activities, etc.

In the narrow sense, government was made necessary by sin. There would be no exercise of force in a good (perfect) world. There would be planning, guidance, leadership, etc., among perfect men, but no use of force.

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