Random thought of the day: was the American Revolution contrary to the teachings of Christianity? What prompted me to ask such a question? Here’s what Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-7:
Submission to the Authorities
Everyone 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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For 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. For 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. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Link to Romans 13
The section of the Bible pretty much outlines the divine right of kings and other rulers. Further, if God instituted the British authority over the American colonies, then not only was the American Revolution contrary to the teachings of the New Testament, but raises yet another problem for activists who want to convince us that the American government was founded on Christianity.
Of course, the whole thing is self-contradictory nonsense anyway. Afterall, according to this passage, Americans were supposed to submit to the British while they were in power and not start a revolution because the British were “established by God”. But, the moment the revolution was successful (despite the Biblical teaching against revolution), then suddenly the new American government is supposedly “established by God”.
The king is dead. Long live the king!
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