In making the prudential judgments necessary in contemporary political life, however, Christians can learn much from secular philosophies. None are Christian per se. Nevertheless, believers should search for a political framework that is consistent with Christian doctrine and accurately describes the way the world works. The dominant message of Scripture is man's relationship to God and his neighbors. The Bible gives much more guidance on how we should treat people than when we should coerce them, which is the defining characteristic of government.
Scripture does set boundaries for the proper political debate.
The state's most fundamental role is to protect citizens from the sinful conduct of their neighbors. Justice and righteousness are also recurring biblical themes. Believers and civil rulers alike must exercise justice and righteousness as individuals. However, personal responsibility differs from corporate duty. The contrast is personal virtue versus public impartiality, concern over results versus over processes.