Romans 13: Obey Citizen! Really? GodArchy Podcast #6

So, what about Romans 13?

If you’re a Christian and have been a libertarian for more than about 30 seconds, somebody has thrown Romans 13 at you to prove your political philosophy is incompatible with the Christian faith.

The statist interpretation of these verses goes something like this assertion from a pastor.

“If I’m not mistaken the King of kings instructs His people to submit to civil authority for His sake!” He went on to say that Christians must not exercise disobedience, civil or otherwise, against government as a reflection of Christ’s life in us.

Needless to say, I think he’s mistaken.

In this episode of the GodArcy podcast, I take on Romans 13. I explain why it can’t mean what so many people say it means and explain what I think Paul was getting at in these verses.

Show Notes

• Romans 13 for Dummies
• Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service
• Early Christian Martyr Stories
• Romans 13: Person, Office or Both? (A Reformed perspective)