Source/Author: Dr Michael Dalseno

Is there then a case for “civil disobedience,” at least in light of the scriptures (Ro.13.1-7, 1Pet.2.17-19, 1Tim.2.1-2, Tit.3.1-2, Matt.22.21) that would seem to cull the idea completely. In balance, however, though such scriptures clearly outline what should be the “normal” Christian response, there appear to be exceptions in the Bible.

The Believer and Governing Authorities          Dr  D

Paul no sooner concludes his treatise on amicably relating to one another (Romans Ch 12) than he moves up a notch on amicably relating to higher authorities (Romans Ch 13). “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Ro.13.1). The theme of “submission” endures for the first seven verses, without any softening of the directive to obey those who have the rule over us. This section has proven to be something of a challenge over the centuries, particularly in situations where believers face indeterminably corrupt authorities.

Is there then a case for “civil disobedience,” at least in light of the scriptures (Ro.13.1-7, 1Pet.2.17-19, 1Tim.2.1-2, Tit.3.1-2, Matt.22.21) that would seem to cull the idea completely. In balance, however, though such scriptures clearly outline what should be the “normal” Christian response, there appear to be exceptions. The Bible itself lists clear examples of godly people who, for very valid reasons, had to refuse to submit to governing authorities. Probably the earliest example of “civil disobedience” was when the Hebrew midwives refused to follow Pharaoh’s order to kill the baby boys (Ex.1.15-17). Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow to the State-ordered religion of their time (Dn.3.1-7). Daniel similarly refused to bow to idols on command of the king (Dn.6.6-11). And there is a fine New Testament example of Peter and John rejecting the order of the religious authorities not to preach the Gospel (Acts 4.17-21). There are others, including Jeremiah (Jer.38.1-6), Obadiah (1Ki.Ch18), and Jonathan’s soldiers (1Sam.14.24-30). And then there are the many well-documented contemporary cases like Corrie Ten Boom who disobeyed authorities in order to protect Jews from the death camps, Dietrich Bonhoeffer who stood against State and Religious- sponsored racism, etc.

So, is there a way out of this potential minefield? Here is a list of “criteria” that may help in deciding “if” an act of “civil disobedience” may be warranted. [Davis, “Evangelical Ethics” P&R Publishing, 2004]

1. The law or authority being resisted must be unjust and immoral, and clearly contrary to God’s will and word;
2. Proper channels and legal means of changing the unjust/immoral situation have been exhausted;
3. The act of disobedience must be public and open rather than clandestine and secret;
4. There should at least be some thread of hope or likelihood of success, i.e., balanced in light of possible social disruption, public irresponsibility, and promotion of lawlessness;
5. The actor(s) of civil disobedience must be willing to accept the due penalties for breaking the law.