Is it ok to rebel against government?

Question

IS it ok to rebel against government from a Christian and Biblical point of view? Are there any exceptions to "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's?"

Please give a Biblical reference because without that your reason can't be truly affirmed.

I would ask that you be a Christian to answer this question so as not to have all the "no absolute truth" jargon, and so I can get a straight answer without the additional opposite worldviews.

Answer 1

Rom 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

This states clearly we are to obey the government regardless of whether it is good. This is part of a theme of Christians being peacefully submissive to government/masters/parents/husbands, so that Christianity will not be used as an excuse for rebellion.

In cases when the government contradicts the commandments of God though, we must obey God. See below.

Act 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. "

Answer 2

I guess you can rebel against anyone who is unjust and, whether you like it or not, that does happen. Only thing is that Governments have the power to lock you up and throw the key away, if not hang you. I think it's more contextual than anything else. What you view as oppressive might not be the popular opinion and vice versa. EDIT Man, this guy who has no name sure seems to be having mental issues! I saw him, just now, when I came in posting a lot of pseudo Questions about Mike, whom I see here, and I just said that I wanted to who this Mike was that this guy or girl is so fixated about and -wham, he,she or it blocked me!?!? I'm sure the jerk blocked Mike, too; and is bad mouthing him behind his back. Typical Muslim behavior. Just goes to show how sane and brave they really are.

Answer 3

Romans tell us that all leaders are appointed by God- but we also see that God used revolts from Gods people to overthrow government because God wanted to change that government- e.g. Gideon and the Midianites. The way you go about rebelling is the difference. Going back to Gideon- yes there was a war- but God fought the battle- that's how God likes to work. Obviously, the Israelites did fight in wars to answer God's regime change. Romans also says to keep the peace whenever possible- so we need to see that in "rebellion" we disturb the peace as a LAST option. Being that we live in a government that we can petition, vote, and elect changes- that disturbance isn't really called for. The Bible speaks of rebelling when there are leaders who are forcing ungodly things upon the people- that's good criteria to look for.

Answer 4

Well.... I was going to answer this seriously, but since I found out this is a religious question... I'm going to be a pain in the neck about this...

What do you plan on doing? Is your plan take over the Government for religious purposes, so you can force the Bible onto everyone through law? Are you upset at the 1st Amendment and Freedom of Religion? What reason do you feel you should wage a holy war against the Government? Even if you could succede at this, your reign wouldn't last long. Every gun-toting non-Christian would rise up and see to your failure.

Blessed Yule

Answer 5

Religion certainly should NOT be the reason to Rebel. My feeling is that you first try to enact change through the channels in place, and by gaining public support for your thoughts and ideas. If you are rebuffed by the government in attempts to go through channels, then you need to make your case to the public at large and get them to 'vote' for your changes.

Rebeling against a Constitutional Republic like the USA can be best achieved at the Ballot Box.

Clearly, a single dictator or solcialist/communist Oligarchy government where your ideas are not even acknowledged may require more drastic measures.

Ultimately, the question is best answered by another question:

Are you willing to die for what you believe?

Answer 6

Of course not. Many religions were develloped as a tool used by the rich & powerfull to make sure that the poor and weak would not rebel and accept their condition all their life. That is the trick behind the ideas like : It does not matter that your life down here is bad, you will have such a good time in afterlife so obey your masters, be good , do not think to much, to not ask questions an just believe and obey whatever the church/lord/master tells you.

Answer 7

it depends--- especially if it's a government controlled by corruption.

Look at the 3rd World--- in the Philippines, God allowed a president to be ousted out of his office for corruption.

In America, it is founded by God's laws; not until our government drastically change to be secular, Godless country. God will use people to humble the inhabitants of the land. There's a chance that America is headed for that, maybe not the very near future-- but it will happen, not unless we keep God and revere Him in this country.

Answer 8

Sorry that I can't help you with the Bible but China had a unique way of justifying rebellion with religion.

The emperor was given a heavenly mandate and rebellion was a sign form the heavens that the emperor was losing his mandate and if the rebellion was successful the gods/heaven had removed the mandate and given it to the rebels.

Weird rationalization in my opinion.

Answer 9

Civil Disobedience, there is nothing wrong with pointing out when a government is not serving the people.

But obey the law, Church and State should remain separate, that does not mean that you should not work to change unjust, laws/ leaders.

Peace!

Answer 10

If you live in America yes if you live in a communist country no the bible says obey your mother and father i don't think that includes the government if you as a Christan believe it is wrong then by gods law you are required to disobey it with in godly reason.