While references to the Bible are used to justify laws on abortion, expanded welfare programs, and progressive income tax rates, there's one biblical principle that we could stand to hear about more often: keep your hands to yourself.

Forest Thigpen, president of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, offers a short radio commentary (mp3 file) on the problem of eminent domain abuse.

The Supreme Court ruled in the Kelo case that local governments could seize private property from one person and give it to another, and justify it on the grounds that the new owner will pay more in taxes. Speaking of this decision, Thigpen says "Our founders wrote into the Constitution words that should have prevented this type of ruling. The ruling also went against the biblical principle that government is to protect the rights of the poor and not show favoritism to the wealthy."

In Kelo, the Supreme Court invited states to enact their own restrictions on the use of eminent domain. Fortunately, a number of states have done so. See the Castle Coalition for more information.