The Ten Principles for a Free, Just and Prosperous Society

As we work with Christian leaders in Haiti, Africa, India and other developing parts of the world, I know that we have to help them be influencers to shape their societies in the directions that we in the U.S. take for granted. They have to have and share a solid, integrated and biblically consistent view of how to create a good society. Christian leaders must have a strong and clear vision to present to these developing societies. Christian leaders can't leave a vacuum of thought in this area to secularists or other religious leaders. Christianity has historically been the best defender of these values that create great societies and we must continue that great heritage of blessing the world through a clear vision that serves everyone.

Toward that end, I have written a list of Ten Principles for a Free, Just and Prosperous Society to use as a template to train emerging Christian leaders around the world. They are also important for Christian leaders here in the West where our freedom, justice and prosperity is eroding.

Here they are. I hope you will pass it on.

The Ten Principles for a Free,

Just and Prosperous Society

1. Religious Freedom.

Each person is free to seek and worship God according to the dictates of his or her conscience.

2. Character.

Each person serves his or her neighbor by not abusing the extremes of power & control, money & possessions, and comfort & pleasure.

3. Creation.

Each person creates lasting prosperity by making wealth with his or her creative work instead of by taking wealth through aid, taxes, government programs, coercive groups or theft.

4. Ownership.

Each person is free to purchase and legally own land, houses, businesses, possessions and creative ideas without them being taken by government, excessive taxes and regulations, criminals or enemies.

5. Democracy.

Each person is free to have an equal voice in choosing the members of a government that is accountable and which has a balance of power.  

6. Free Speech.

Each person is free to say or publish what they think without falsely accusing or causing unjust harm to others.  

7. Free Association.

Each person is free to join and assemble in any civil, social, business, or religious association and each person is free from coercion to join any association.

8. Rule of Law.

Each person is held to the standard of obeying just laws and no person is above the law.

9. Just Courts.

Each person has access to a free and fair process of personal defense and grievance in the legal system.

10. Courage.

Each person is willing to die in a just cause to secure and keep freedom for themselves, their children and their succeeding generations.