Ep. 94: The True Meaning of Romans 13: Why We Must Stop Saying “We Are the Government”

April 16, 2025
Biblical Anarchy Podcast

The True Meaning of Romans 13: Why We Must Stop Saying “We Are the Government”

In this compelling episode of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, host Jacob Winograd delves into Murray Rothbard’s critical examination of the pervasive myth that “we are the government.” By reading and reflecting on a poignant excerpt from Rothbard’s Anatomy of the State, Jacob challenges the notion that democratic participation equates to moral complicity in government actions.

Jacob articulates that casting a vote does not grant ownership over governmental institutions like the IRS, the Pentagon, or law enforcement agencies. He emphasizes that moral truths remain constant regardless of majority opinion—highlighting that actions such as theft and murder do not become justifiable through democratic processes. Drawing from biblical principles, he underscores that rulers are meant to be ministers of justice, not deities appointed by popular vote, and reminds listeners that Christians are citizens of God’s Kingdom, not merely subjects of earthly governments.

Main Points of Discussion

Timestamp	Topics Discussed
00:00	Introduction and recap of last episode answering objections to biblical anarchy; setup for today’s topic.
01:17	Introduction to Murray Rothbard and Anatomy of the State; overview of the state’s presumed legitimacy.
03:14	The myth of self-government: unpacking the idea that “we are the government” and why it’s a dangerous mindset.
04:40	Reading excerpt directly from Murray Rothbard’s Anatomy of the State on democratic consent, taxation, and complicity.
06:28	Reflection on Rothbard’s critique; challenging the American civic myth of participatory government.
08:46	Personal example: Voting for Trump; rejecting the idea that voting means ownership or consent for state actions.
10:27	Voting is not ownership; real consent requires the ability to opt out; voting does not change the moral nature of actions like theft or murder.
13:33	Biblical response from Romans 13; authority comes from God; rulers are legitimate only when upholding justice; scriptural examples (prophets, Absalom, Jesus’ crucifixion).
17:29	Final reflections: Christians belong to the Kingdom of God; living counterculturally; allegiance is to Christ, not the state. Call to action and closing remarks.

Additional Resources

Ep. 91: Is Anarchy Chaos? Answering Objections to Biblical Anarchy Part 1
Jacob addresses common objections to biblical anarchy, discussing topics like Romans 13 and the role of government in society.
👉 http://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-91-is-anarchy-chaos-answering-objections-to-biblical-anarchy-part-1
Ep. 85: Is the State Evil, Incompetent, or Both?
A reflection on the nature of the state and its alignment (or lack thereof) with Christian principles.
👉 http://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-85-is-the-state-evil-incompetent-or-both-libertarian-christian-institute-2025-plans
Libertarians vs. Nationalists: Debate Review Part 3
An analysis of the moral and legal consistency in libertarian versus nationalist ideologies.
👉 http://libertarianchristians.com/episode/libertarians-vs-nationalists-debate-review-part-3-lessons-on-moral-and-legal-consistency
Ep. 155: Christianity and Nonviolence with Cody Cook
A discussion on the biblical basis for nonviolence and its implications for Christian libertarianism.
👉 http://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-155-christianity-and-nonviolence-with-cody-cook
Is the Phrase “Taxation is Theft” a Heresy?
An exploration of the compatibility between libertarian slogans and Christian theology.
👉 http://libertarianchristians.com/episode/is-the-phrase-taxation-is-theft-a-heresy

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The Christians for Liberty Network is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute consisting of shows and hosts offering various perspectives on the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism. Views expressed by hosts and guests do not necessarily reflect the view of the organization, its staff, board members, donors, or any other affiliates (including other hosts or guests on the network). Guest appearances or interviews of any incumbents, officials, or candidates for any political, party, or government office should not be construed as endorsements. The Libertarian Christian Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not endorse any political party or candidate for any political, government, or party office. For information about the Libertarian Christian Institute’s core values, please visit this page.