A Few Principles on Civil Disobedience

Civil disobedience isn’t always right and it isn’t always wrong. One of the most helpful passages in the Bible with respect to this issue is found in today’s RMM reading from Acts 5[1]. In Acts 5:20 the Apostles are given a direct charge from God via an Angel of the Lord: “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” (Acts 5:20 ESV) This contradicted a direct command from their civil authorities, as recorded in Acts 5:27-28: “And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in...

Paul Carter

Should Churches Submit to Orders That Close Public Worship Due to Public Health Concerns?

Steven Wedgeworth

Does a Bad Government Deserve to Be Disobeyed?

Paul Martin

Christian Citizenship and the Rule of Law

Bradford Littlejohn

Resisting the Powers That Be

Bradford Littlejohn

Seven Ways Churches Can Engage (Unfair) Governing Authorities

Chad Graham

How should Christians and their churches engage when they believe that governing authorities are treating them unfairly? For Christians ordered to suspend worship services under public health orders, there are two seemingly competing divine mandates: The church must assemble (see Hebrews 10:25); and The governing authorities must be obeyed (Romans 13:1). In a free and democratic society like Canada, these principles rarely come into true conflict. We are unused to being in this position. Jesus advised his disciples that in the world they must be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Here are some suggested steps to...

Seven Ways Churches Can Engage (Unfair) Governing Authorities

Chad Graham

My Threshold for Civil Disobedience in a COVID19 World

Paul Carter

Most Bible-reading Christians will admit that as a general rule, believers should be subject to the civil magistrate. Romans 13:1–2 states the principle and supports it with an associated warning: “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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1–2 ESV) The Apostle Peter says something similar in his epistle, likely written during the reign of Nero Caesar: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake...

My Threshold for Civil Disobedience in a COVID19 World

Paul Carter

Obeying Rulers with the Reformed Tradition

Ian Clary

The Covid-19 pandemic has been disastrous for many people, especially those who have lost their lives, loved ones, or their jobs. Added to these tangible losses, friends, neighbours, families, and even churches have been divided over the measures various governments have taken to deal with the virus’ spread. Masks are certainly an annoyance. For those who have health problems or those who are required to work for long hours with one on their face, they are worse. Social distancing measures can also be difficult and are especially hard during holidays. This will be the first Christmas in my entire life...

Obeying Rulers with the Reformed Tradition

Ian Clary

Discussing Civil Disobedience

Clint Humfrey

If you are in TGC or reformed-type circles you have likely heard about the decision by Grace Community Church in California to defy the state’s orders prohibiting their indoor worship gatherings. This position marks a change from GCC’s earlier stand of compliance with the state. In response to the GCC statement, Jonathan Leeman of 9Marks warned that although GCC may think civil disobedience is warranted, other churches should be careful not to rush to do the same. If you’ve followed this, you know that such disagreements between friends are amplified through the digital echo chamber of social media. Support for...