The last few months has brought the word revolution to the world stage. Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Iran are just a few of the places that are dealing with this issue. But it hits much closer to home. There have been many acts of civil disobedience and protest in the state of Wisconsin over the past several weeks and in other states as well. This global forecast should make Christians stop and consider what the Bible has to say about civil disobedience and whether or not revolution is ever justified.

First, let’s recall that God has ordained government and that it was created to serve God’s purposes. (Politics, Revolution and War Par 1). Theologically speaking, this is very important because it gives inherent purpose to government and helps Christians understand their relationship to government. Further it is important to understand that a government can accomplish the purposes of God without being Christian.

With this understanding let’s look at the ways in which members of society have historically confronted their government with grievances.

1. Influence of Public Opinion and Public Legislation.

At any given time in any society there is a segment of the populace that is estranged from government. They see differently on the issues and seek to make changes in public opinion and law. In a normal functioning society this should be sought and is healthy. It ensures there is public debate and that the will of the people is taken in by those who are leading in government. For Christians who see government beginning to stand in conflict with its God ordained purpose influence should be immediately asserted. In his book Choosing the Good author Dennis Hollinger offers 9 forms of Christian influence that can be utilized by the follower of Christ. Some of these include: lobbying, Christian embodiment and Christian relief. Let me be frank, if a Christian has not exhausted every means to influence the public opinion and legislation, they have no business moving toward more extreme ways to change the action of government. Influencing our society is an important part of being salt and light within the world.

2. Civil Disobedience

Disobedience to the laws of government happens regularly and for a variety of reasons.  The key to Civil Disobedience is both the reason and the motive. John Davis defines civil disobedience as: ” “a public, nonviolent, and conscientious act contrary to law, usually done with the intent to bring about a change in the policies or laws of the government.” Let this be a guide for many of us who are trying to understand the recent acts of civil disobedience around our very own country. The question to whether civil disobedience is called for is two fold. First, is government acting to such an extent that the it is neglecting it’s God given purposes. Second, is government neglecting it’s God given purposes to such an extent that lawful forms of influence to public opinion and legislation will prolong suffering or allow for more wickedness. There are several examples of God approved civil disobedience. The best example is that of the Jewish Mid-Wives in Egypt who refused to kill male Jewish babies (Exodus 1:15-22). Something all Christians should consider is the results of civil disobedience. What is one trying to effect. Furthermore examples from Scripture should challenge us to consider what issues are of most concern before God’s eyes. Put differently, are we willing to die for issues with which God is only slightly concerned. Put even more bluntly, do we cry for justice in the same areas God does even when those areas don’t impact our personal everyday living?

3. Revolution

Again we turn to Davis for a working definition. Revolution can be defined as “an attempt to make a radical change in the system of government via the infringement of prevailing constitutional arrangements and the use of force.” What makes this different from war is that there is not outside “aggressor” but rather government itself that is seen as the enemy of the people. Fully discussing this particular topic is beyond the scope of a single blog post but let’s hit a few big ideas. Strong arguments can be made against revolution on the part of Christians from scripture. (Romans 13:2, 1 Peter 2:13). That being said there is debate on the issue as some see a support for “justifiable revolution” within scripture (Daniel 6:22, Judges 2:15, Luke 1:52). This is an issue that one should wrestle with but hopefully never have to act upon. In my opinion the Christian must significantly wrestle with not only his relationship toward God and government but also with what God calls the Christian to in regard to the 6th command (Thou shall not kill) as well as  war. Revolution is never a pretty thing and should never be entered into lightly. As a Christian how does the Word of God help you understand the revolutions that are going on around the world right now? Furthermore in our day and age of Globalization are their ways you can rightly fight for the oppressed through legitimate means such as the exerting of influence. You may well be able to head off revolution if you would only spend the right amount of time influencing for the good of others. Something to consider.

This has been a very long post, but I hope you’ve stuck with me for this issue is important. We must constantly submit the issues of our day to the Word of God and only then ask: how then should I live.

Community Questions:

Here are a few suggested sources if you are interested in digging deeper on this or any of the other subjects discussed in this series:

Davis, John. Evangelical Ethics. 3rd Edition. Philipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2004.

Hollinger, Dennis. Choosing the Good; Christian Ethics in a Complex World. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002.

This is certainly a complex issues and would love to hear your thoughts and questions: Feel free to respond.