When should a Christian disobey civil government?

Question

Thomas Jefferson believed that when a government began to be transformed into a tyranny, the citizens not only had the right, but also the responsibility to rebel against it. However, the Christian is called to bear his government as much as possible. Jesus didn't call for a revolution against Rome, although it was a cruel conquerer that oppressed Israel. On the other hand, the apostles refused to obey an order to stop preaching and teaching in Jesus' name.

Answer 1

Only when a law or order goes directly against Gods word.

The apostles were correct. God told them to go spread his word. When the government told them they could not do this, they had Gods approval to continue to do it.

One of the biggest problems is deciding when to go against our governments laws. Take the abortion laws for example. The laws state that abortion is allowed under american law. The law does not state that we must have abortions. There fore, as Christians we do not like the abortion laws that are in place in our country, but the law does not force us to go against Gods word.

Only if and when the law states that we must do something that is directly against Gods word, can we disobey that law.

Answer 2

the governments are supposed to abide by the law of the bible and thus we in turn hav to obey them. but in the case where the governments are against the laws of God, christians should rebel in that case and continue following the ways of God at all cost.

for eg, in the end times, the governmets will order every citizen to receive the mark of the Devil (666) in order to carry out their normal lives or be executed if they don't hav that mark. will you receive that mark when the governments give that order? no! if u take that mark, then there's no turning back. prepare for that time and follow God. he is our real government.

Answer 3

The Bible says render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and it also says we are to obey every ordinance (law) of man. This is provided that it does not disobey God's law. Speeding, seat belts, taxes, etc.....yeah, we should obey those. If our government ever specified that were to stop attending church, for example---it would be okay to disobey because Hebrews 10:25 says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.

Answer 4

When the government hinders a Christian's ability to be a Christian, then the Christian is supposed to disobey only the laws that prevent them from being Christians.

Answer 5

when the government has infringed upon your rights then it's usually time to take action. Faith without works is dead, so you can pray all you want, but if the government threatens me for doing God's will, then I have the right to obey God and accept the concequences if I must.

however, violence isn't the answer. "we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of the kingdom of darkness". you break the spirits' stronghold, not the people's jaws.

Answer 6

NEVER

If your religion conflicts with your government you should find a new country. This does not mean that you should enter that country illegally.

Mixing religion and government is a dangerous idea and has been behind wars for thousands of years.

Answer 7

1) when it conflicts with Gods laws. Such as requiring him to go to war or follow a state religion.

2) when it calls for a pledge of allegience to it, when our allegience is only owed to God.

As Christ said, "render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar, but to God what is Gods." He also said to "be no part of this world, but to wait for his incoming Kingdom."

Answer 8

Ask Joan of Arc

Answer 9

If it goes against the Word of God don't do it.

Answer 10

Good post.