The recent election in Australia and our society’s general sentiment have uncovered an interesting (if not concerning) trend. As our culture abandons “conservative tradition” in favour of “progressive innovation”, a new moralism is emerging. It’s a moralism characterised mainly by “victim virtues”, but it’s one where the burden of responsibility is increasingly placed on the government.

The electorate’s current infatuation for independents—”teal appeal“—is being lauded as a clear statement of dissatisfaction towards our two major parties. But what exactly are we dissatisfied with? If the theme of the independents’ campaign success is anything to go by, then our dissatisfaction distils down to one issue: climate. I fear that the vote for virtue has loaded these candidates with a burden they won’t be able to bear.

The Bible’s theme of righteousness is concerned with balancing all of life’s personal and social complexities in perfect harmony. It is not satisfied with a government built on one-dimensional policy. It insists on respecting the system of life as a whole. As such, it requires the supreme wisdom that God alone possesses as the architect of life.

Psalm 7 delights in the righteousness of God. It contrasts his balanced justice with the single-minded arrogance of his enemies. And it assures those aligned with him and his ways that they will be safe. He offers us respite in the knowledge of his perfection. Under his righteousness, through faith and obedience, we find refuge from the wild foolishness of a godless world.