THE CHRISTIAN AFRIKANERS - The Works of F. N. Lee

through constitutional process it has been established as such within the nation concerned.However, he goes on to say, pride and deliberate resistance against ecclesiastical authority is also tobe punished. As a State, one is to move against this -- in the Name of God. Even those who wouldmislead people privately unto apostasy from God, need to be punished. But, always only providedthat the true religion has been publicly and constitutionally acknowledged in the State -- and whenthe transgression of this true religion bears a revolutionary character.These punishments, says Du Plessis, are to apply -- not only in respect of official people andprivate people, but also in respect of whole cities and nations which make themselves guilty ofapostasy from God. They are even to be directed against partial corruption of the purity of the truereligion -- especially in connection with fortune-telling and such kinds of phenomena.Finally, the First Commandment, says Du Plessis, demands that God shall be honoured by theauthorities. Even in war, He is to be completely trusted and acknowledged -- in all public affairs.The Second Commandment demands that all images and false ceremonies shall be removed inreligion, by the State, in the public sector. Further, the death penalty is to be applied to those thatworship images -- wherever it occurs involving a member of a religious community committed tothe true religion.As the Third Commandment dealing with blasphemy, that too must not be tolerated. It needs to bepunished.The Fourth Commandment requires that the State protect and promote the public worship ofJehovah, and the maintenance of a Sabbath day of rest. The Sabbath-keepers' rest is not to bedisturbed by Sabbath-breakers.The Fifth Commandment demands the death penalty for serious breaches of parental power. It alsodemands respect toward political authorities and those who are advanced in years. It furtherrequires the institution of political offices and the induction of political officers. They are alsorequired. For God reminds us that the fallen human race cannot be preserved in any other way.The Sixth Commandment further determines that the death penalty may only be applied afteradequate testimony has been given. Security measures must be taken in building houses -- areference to the battlements or protective devices outlined in the Mosaic Law [Deuteronomy 22:8].Again, kidnapping is strictly prohibited, and punished in various ways -- even when a country is atwar. In fact, even cruelty to animals is to be strictly prohibited.The Seventh Commandment forbids -- with the sanction of the death penalty -- adultery, sodomy,and bestiality. It also forbids prostitution and fornication. This Commandment, however, alsonormates marriage positively -- in differing degrees. It posits laws against incest, and secures theright of a recently married man to be free from serving in the armed forces for one year. It regulatesdivorce -- and it does so in the manner Christ himself so outlined -- on account of the rottenness ofpeople.Again, the permitted sexual intercourse between man and wife is to some extent regulated by thislaw. Forbidden degrees of relationship against incest are to be established by the State, which arealso to be sanctioned by the death penalty.Finally, even further provisions are given -- concerning honesty and modesty in movement,decorum and dress.