The Christian world is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Even non-Christians recognize Jesus as a moral philosopher whose teachings and example provide guidance on how humanity should live.

But it is also interesting to apply the teachings of Jesus to the public policy problems that beset communities, states and nations today. Jesus stayed far away from politics and government during his ministry. But the simple, basic principles he taught were revolutionary. If honored universally in our day, many public policy problems would be solved — or not exist. The suffering endured by many, the rude dialogue, the size of government and the taxes we pay could all be dramatically reduced.

Of course, other religions offer equally important ethical precepts. They deserve recognition for their rich wisdom, as well. Thus, the “Yuletide season” provides an opportunity to emphasize basic spiritual ethics that are shared in some form by many faiths.

We are not suggesting that religion and government should be mixed, and we certainly do not support government-dictated religious principles. But the reality is that how we voluntarily live our moral lives is vitally important in the realm of public policy. John Adams, one of the nation’s great founders and constitutional theorists, offered an important insight: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”