Posted by Dave on 08/08/06 at 04:40:35 pm
Categories: Theological Ravings

Many often refer to Romans 13 as the guide to how Christians should act in accordance with the government. Romans 13 states that all authority have been established by God, and we should therefore submit to such authority::

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

This passage is used to justify a great many things - wars, unjust laws, violence as a punishment, etc. Yet do the same people that use this passage in such a way really take this passage seriously?

If one believes that all goverments are established by God, why do these same people believe that it is okay to overthrow goverments outside of the United States?

Why do these people this principle is only true in the United States? Why does this not hold true in Iran? Iraq? Afghanistan? Palestine? North Korea?

How is it possible to support the overthrowing of a government if one holds to the belief that all goverment authority is established by God?

[cross posted at Theology for the Masses]

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