The state can be a force for good. The Rule of law is absolutely essential to a good life. God has instituted government and leaders throughout history and throughout the Biblical narrative. However, the state is growing precisely as the church is fading as a force for good, and this does not seem to be a good trend.

Dave Brat’s quote emphasizes the important role of the state in society, recognizing it as a potential force for good. He asserts that the Rule of law is crucial to maintaining a good life, as it provides structure, order, and justice. Brat acknowledges that throughout history, including in the Biblical narrative, God has instituted government and appointed leaders to guide and protect societies. This suggests that the concept of the state is not only a social construct but also a divinely ordained institution meant to ensure peace and stability.

However, Brat expresses concern about the growing influence of the state at the expense of the church. He notes that as the church’s influence as a moral and societal force fades, the state appears to be expanding its reach and power. This shift, in his view, might not be beneficial, as it could signify a loss of moral and spiritual guidance traditionally provided by the church. The state, although a force for good, may not be equipped to fulfill the same role in guiding people’s moral and ethical lives that the church once did.

Brat’s critique highlights the balance between the state and the church, with an underlying concern that the state’s growing power could lead to overreach. He seems to warn that when the church loses its societal influence, people might look more to the state for solutions, which could result in a loss of personal freedom and a decline in community values. The implication is that the church’s role in shaping moral and ethical standards should not be underestimated, as it has historically provided a crucial counterbalance to the power of the state.

Ultimately, Brat’s quote reflects a concern about social trends that shift the balance of power, suggesting that the growth of the state at the expense of the church could lead to undesirable consequences. He advocates for a society where both the state and the church work in tandem to foster a just, moral, and thriving community.