Plutocracy's Real Risk

Pundits and partisans studiously avoid discussing the real risk that having a plutocrat as President brings. The political establishment seems unnerved by the election of a non-career politician to lead the United States. Is this a fundamental shift in governance? Career politicians have for decades, maybe centuries, sold access and influence to raise campaign funds. Whether the wealthy (e.g. George Washington) hold office, or they manipulate the political process as did the so-called robber barons of the 19th century, plutocracy is not a novelty. But there are intensified risks, particularly for a well-managed and flourishing economy.

Digressing a bit on politics, the impetus to govern has its roots in God's mandate to Adam before the fall, to rule over the animals, fish, birds, etc. (Genesis 1:26 & 28), and to tend the garden (Genesis 2:15). This mandate extends to making things right in the affairs of humankind implicitly in Genesis 1:28. When Adam and Eve were fruitful, filled the earth, and subdued it, this implied some form of group cooperation. The response to this universal command manifests itself in almost uncountable ways, as people care for animals, tend gardens, and try to rescue people and right wrongs. Zookeepers and veterinarians, gardeners and farmers, first responders, missionaries, and those who operate soup kitchens manifest this divine charge. This drive seems universal even among unbelievers, who take up the same practices, without a spiritual connection to God. It was written into our human psyche at the very beginning. Political leadership does well to keep this priority in perspective.

Paul described the proper role of government in Romans 13:1-7, referring to the Roman Empire.  Government bears the sword to enforce the universal mandate that individuals do what is right and abstain from what is wrong. Not surprisingly, attempts by government to reach beyond its divine mandate lead to disaster for both the ruler and the ruled. Governmental overreach will ultimately consummate in the kingdom of the antichrist at the end times (Revelation 13), but human history has already given us many examples, which I am sure immediately leap into the reader's mind.

We can be strongly tempted, when obeying God and carrying out His mandate, to play His role and perhaps receive the credit due only to Him. Playing God tempts both believers and unbelievers, and relates closely to the risks associated with wealth in our individual lives. Although the wealthy have devoted a significant part of their lives to finding ways to acquire riches, God commands them to join His earthly enterprise. The Bible warns

•      even when a man has abundance, life does not consist of possessions (Luke 12:15);

•      the riches and cares of life will choke the seed of the word of God (Luke 8:14);

•      the wealthy will be tempted to trust in riches instead of God (Deuteronomy 8:11-18); and

•      seeking wealth will open the door to temptation (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Instead, Jesus encourages us to use earthly wealth to purchase eternal approval and heavenly dwellings. (Luke 16:1-9)

Aristotle wrote that the ideal ruler would be a philosopher-king a few centuries after Solomon had demonstrated both the merits and limitations of a wise king. Aristotle missed the spiritual dimension. Solomon's success and failure provides an excellent example of the risks associated with wealth. He started off well (2 Chronicles 6-7), but forty years of worldly success and the recognition that came thereby, and the multiplicity of his wives, turned his heart towards idolatry. (1 Kings 11:1-13) The kingdom flourished in his reign, but divided and nearly erupted in civil war shortly after his death, along the lines of his spiritual waywardness. (1 Kings 11:11 ff) Unfortunately the people of Israel suffered for Solomon's idolatry and disobedience, but that is the nature of governance.

God challenges us to overcome the risks associated with wealth to serve Him. Not that there is virtue in poverty, because wealth can be greatly used for God's kingdom purposes, but many temptations of the rich do not tempt the poor; they have no choice but to rely on God. Blessed are we if, at any level of worldly provision, we rely as much on God. While economic success may tempt political leaders to play God or the people to worship mammon, we individually risk succumbing to this temptation daily. Plutocratic national leadership – a rich President – cannot mitigate this risk.