Freethought & Rationalism Archive

rubbercok3000 · 04-02-2003, 09:38 AM

In Romans we see the possibility of politics influencing "the word of God". Does this mean that a true Christian should submit to whatever it is the government decides is "best". No matter how authoritarian or unjust?

Romans 13

Submission to the Authorities

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

MortalWombat · 04-02-2003, 01:02 PM

you forgot to post verse 8:
"But if the ruler is a Democrat, ignore verses 1-7."

aikido7 · 04-02-2003, 03:40 PM

How in the holy hell did this God-blessed country get out from underneath Britian's boot without ignoring the book that supposedly made it all possible?

04-02-2003, 09:38 AM	#1
rubbercok3000 Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 119	Submit to the authorities In Romans we see the possibility of politics influencing "the word of God". Does this mean that a true Christian should submit to whatever it is the government decides is "best". No matter how authoritarian or unjust? Romans 13 Submission to the Authorities 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

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04-02-2003, 01:02 PM	#2
MortalWombat Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: St Louis area Posts: 3,458	you forgot to post verse 8: "But if the ruler is a Democrat, ignore verses 1-7."

04-02-2003, 03:40 PM	#3
aikido7 Regular Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Here Posts: 234	How in the holy hell did this God-blessed country get out from underneath Britian's boot without ignoring the book that supposedly made it all possible?

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