Should Government Enforce God's Law? [Eschatology Matters]

Should the government enforce God's law? And where should civil authority end?

In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird examine one of the most consequential questions in Christian political thought: What does the Bible actually require of civil government?

Drawing on historic Protestant political theology, James presents a practical framework for determining when government should prohibit, discourage, permit, encourage, or require certain behaviors.

Following the 2026 midterm elections, Josh and James explore Christian nationalism, religious liberty, constitutional government, abortion abolitionism, and the biblical responsibility of civil magistrates.

Should government punish every sin? Can a nation promote Christianity without compelling religious belief? And how do Christians distinguish between God's moral law and the legitimate authority of the state? 

This discussion moves beyond political slogans to examine how Scripture, wisdom, and prudence should shape Christian thinking about government.