I have seen some websites that state that we should not be involved with the government or submit to its laws. What is their reasoning for this? I just read Romans 13:1-7 and it said:
1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?
Am I misinturpreting this?
2007-12-16 04:53:28 · 15 answers · asked by Murphy's_Law 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What these website are saying is that we should not be involved with the government at all, no passports, no drivers licenses, or anything like that.
2007-12-16 05:01:58 · update #1
I think the verse means that it is okay to submit to the government. Am I wrong?
2007-12-16 05:11:21 · update #2
What did the "christ" in that Christian say about it?
2007-12-16 04:55:34 · answer #1 · answered by American Spirit 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It depends on what you mean by involved. Should Christians vote. Absolutely, it is their right as citizens. Should the laws of the country be based on the Bible? No, we have no established religion in the U.S. per the wishes of those founding fathers who wanted this to be a nation of liberty for all people even if they had different religious beliefs or no religious beliefs. They came from a situation where they were a minority and didn't appreciate being told how to live and think. They didn't want that to happen here. Hence, the first amendment they made was to say we would not be a Christian nation. We are a nation of Christians, Pagans, atheists, agnostics, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Native American spiritualists, Hindus, etc... No laws that are restrictive of others rights to live differently should be allowed unless there is a reason for them that involves our joint security or peace.
I think those sites might be taking their interpretation a bit far when they say don't get passports, etc....Its all about how certain people interpret some parts of the Bible. I think you are right to think that is going to far but I'm not in your religion. You should check with someone who is in your faith group.
2007-12-16 05:06:51 · answer #2 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some religions don't believe in mixing in with government because they don't believe in it. That is sufficent.
We are ALL trained to distinguish between legal and illegal laws and orders.
Hitler ordrered the arbitrary extermination of all Jews.
If your country ordered the killing and death of all blue eye people that would be wrong on an ultimate level, just as ordering the killing of all Jews, Muslims, Christians would be wrong on a general basis.
Ordering the killing of those who kill other people becomes a different issue.
This one has a real issue.
It is one not all agree with, but it has more morality and legality than arbitrarily saying ALL blue eyed people must be exterminated.
2007-12-16 05:05:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would be because of the command by both Jesus and his Father.
For one thing, the world's governments are controlled by Satan. (1John 3:8) I should not have to site verses showing we should not follow him.
Jesus reasoned with people this way in John 18:36: If his Kingdom were part of this world, then his attendants would have fought for him, but it was not.
Another time in John 15:19 Jesus pointed out the world is fond of it's own or those like themselves, but Jesus and his followers were to be hated just as he was hated. Why? In John 17:16 he again repeats we are to be no part of the world.
This world is in "darkness and ignorance" (Eph. 5:16) and they prefer it that way. (John 3:19-21) this is befitting a world ruled by Satan. James 4:4 clearly shows that "friendship with the world is enmity with God."
As humans though, we have to live here. So as Jesus said, we must render Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God's. (Mark 12:17) Jesus was specifically referring to taxes, something we all benefit from even with the corruption.
In a larger sense, Romans 13:1-7 is also correct. Even with someone as detestable as Hitler, the trains had to run on time. So is the need for Police and Fire Departments as well as Sanitation and staff to do these jobs. They are allowed their relative positions of authority by God in order to carry on a somewhat civilized life. It is fitting for us to obey them in all things except where they violate God's Higher Laws.
As a Christian, is it OK to go 85mph in a 55mph zone if you don't get caught? Or to cheat on your taxes if you are not audited? Ask your children who see you or your God who watches all.
2007-12-16 05:25:10 · answer #4 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, one way to interpret Romans 13:1 would be that earthly matters are trivial. Therefore it would be better to spend ones time in spiritual development and everyday labour rather than political activism. Obviously that's the way a non-voting sect like the Mennonites see it.
2007-12-16 05:00:10 · answer #5 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Government is actually the root of all evil. We must submit, or die. But we need not be involved in the destruction of freedom and morality by the whore.
2007-12-16 05:51:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many Christians see the corrupting influence of power, and feel we should steer away from it. I feel just the reverse. I think that Christians, ( EXP: Mike Huckabee ), being involves in the process can bring some morality to government.
~OM~
2007-12-16 05:02:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
What part of the First Amendment do you not understand?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof
What part of this do you not understand?
2007-12-16 04:58:49 · answer #8 · answered by Imagine No Religion 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
For once i have no idea.
However, it does explain a rather potent point.
If christians didn't vote, then the actions of the political establishment could be seen as purely for their own gain rather than out of any religious ideals.
It would essentially be like saying to the terrorists "We're Christians, and we don't agree with what's happening in your country".
2007-12-16 04:57:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
You are correct.
In fact, most of the Founding Fathers of America were Bible believing Christians. And a large percentage of them were Christian Pastors.
Pastor Art
2007-12-16 04:59:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Every individual has their own understanding of god and to give a nihilist that kind of fascist power will eventually lead to death for the nation's citizens.
2007-12-16 04:57:47 · answer #11 · answered by officer uggh 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋