“Regardless of who our governing authorities are, we are supposed to be respectful and subject to the authority of the government and those in positions of authority.”
So we could live in a totalitarian communist state where millions are being persecuted and killed and we should be respectful? What is the scriptural basis for that?
I have often wondered if the configuration of diffused power within the US changes the math on these NT verses. When they were written, the governing authorities were all totalitarian.
In our system, power was vested by the people, and distributed among three co-equal branches of government, plus the individual states. This was an attempt to bring mutual consideration and respect among the governors and the governed at multiple levels.
It's not perfect. But does this change in systems also change the NT expectation by creating a healthier dynamic? One in which those with political power are also expected to show respect for those who have lent it to them for a brief time and can also take it away in the next election? They were, after all, intended to be citizen legislators and public servants who had their term and then went back to normal life.
I'll admit it hasn't worked out that way, because we like our kings. But I do wonder if that wasn't part of the dream of, "We the people".
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond - I was out of town last week.
But your point is an important one, and part of what makes God's commands on these matters so challenging to practice. As Patrick mentioned, Daniel is one example. Another example is that the passages written in the New Testament were written under the Roman Empire's rule - and right around the time Nero reigned. Nero was a pretty evil guy.
I would also like to point out that being "respectful" and "subject" does not mean we must agree with wicked and sinful policies. Ultimately, if the government tells us to do something that violates God's will, then "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Amen!
Thank you. You took ideas that were on my mind but not well formed and you articulated them well
Man, great sanity check to put our true purpose back into perspective. Thank you
“Regardless of who our governing authorities are, we are supposed to be respectful and subject to the authority of the government and those in positions of authority.”
So we could live in a totalitarian communist state where millions are being persecuted and killed and we should be respectful? What is the scriptural basis for that?
I have often wondered if the configuration of diffused power within the US changes the math on these NT verses. When they were written, the governing authorities were all totalitarian.
In our system, power was vested by the people, and distributed among three co-equal branches of government, plus the individual states. This was an attempt to bring mutual consideration and respect among the governors and the governed at multiple levels.
It's not perfect. But does this change in systems also change the NT expectation by creating a healthier dynamic? One in which those with political power are also expected to show respect for those who have lent it to them for a brief time and can also take it away in the next election? They were, after all, intended to be citizen legislators and public servants who had their term and then went back to normal life.
I'll admit it hasn't worked out that way, because we like our kings. But I do wonder if that wasn't part of the dream of, "We the people".
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond - I was out of town last week.
But your point is an important one, and part of what makes God's commands on these matters so challenging to practice. As Patrick mentioned, Daniel is one example. Another example is that the passages written in the New Testament were written under the Roman Empire's rule - and right around the time Nero reigned. Nero was a pretty evil guy.
I would also like to point out that being "respectful" and "subject" does not mean we must agree with wicked and sinful policies. Ultimately, if the government tells us to do something that violates God's will, then "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
The Book of Daniel, for one
Thanks 🙏🏻