Render Unto Caesar Assignment Instructions

This essay requires you to demonstrate an understanding of jurisdiction that is consistent with a biblical worldview. The civil government does not have authority to govern over all the affairs of man. It is critical that we understand that the government does not have jurisdiction to punish everything that is “wrong.” In other words, all sins are not crimes. For example, James Madison believed that religious liberty exists because the government does not have the authority to punish citizens for their beliefs. This principle of limited jurisdiction is consistent with a biblical worldview because it recognizes that God has instituted government, and He has given it authority to accomplish a particular, and limited mission on the earth, which is to punish those who do evil and reward those who do good (See Romans 13:1-4).

Instructions

In response to a rise in violence, the state of Wisconsin passes a law that enhances the penalty for any offense committed against a victim where the crime is committed “because of hatred for the victim’s race, sex, or religion.” Taking into consideration that hating your brother is prohibited in both the Old and New Testaments, explain whether this “hate crimes” enhancement is a proper exercise of the civil government’s jurisdiction according to the biblical worldview discussed in the course materials. Fully explain your position.

You will write a 3–5-page (double spaced) research-based paper in current Bluebook format that fully analyzes the essay prompt. In your essay, you must include citations to at least 3 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbook and the Bible. Your citations should be placed in footnotes and you do not need a reference or bibliography page. You also do not need a cover page.