Murray Rothbard famously argued that the libertarian ought to “hate the state,” that he should have “a deep and pervasive hatred of the State and all of its works.” For Christians, this presents interesting questions: should we ever “hate” and if so, should that hate be directed toward the State?
First, let’s address the question of whether Christians ought to ever “hate.” The basic definition for hate is an “intense and extreme dislike.” Scripture clearly conveys to us that God does, in fact, “hate.” Proverbs 6:16 lists “things the Lord hates” and finds “detestable.” Not only does the Bible tell us that God hates sin, but also that “those who love the Lord” ought to “hate evil” (Psalm 97:10). Thus, we are instructed by Scripture to hate evil and wickedness. Why? “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate…wrongdoing” (Isaiah 61:8). Our Lord is a God of justice and therefore, One who hates injustice…..Read More