Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Freedom and the Bible
"Romans 13:1-7 (NLT): Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority."
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3 comments:
good one :-)
Freedom isn't equivalent to anarchy. Paul was stating the truth that being subject to societal law is essential and righteous. When societal law is based on natural law, it is reasonable and supportive of the right to worship. Obviously, the bible also has examples of civil disobedience in cases when societal law violates natural law to an extent that religious conscience is violated.
As further reference, I would point you to the LDS article of faith 12
I do not find the world "law" in this paragraph. I do see "authority", and the claim that all (=any) authority comes from god. Sorry for being a biblical literalist :-).
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