What does it mean to follow Romans 13, to submit to governing authorities, when those authorities have not submitted themselves to God? RC Sproul would like you to go right on submitting, up until those authorities come up against the law of God in what they require of you.
That’s not a very popular opinion today, as many Christians want to express their “freedom of speech” and ostensibly use it to ignore God’s requirement of submission. However, this is not how it should be.
What Is the Relationship Between Church and State?
The Good
Sproul’s tiny little book is packed with a extensive and detailed argument that walks the reader through Romans 13, and incredibly, through the ideas of “civil obedience” and the more controversial “civil disobedience.” Many Christians speak fairly flippantly about civil disobedience, but they ought to be more cautious. Sproul writes:
The principle is very simple. If any ruler—a governing official or body, school teacher, boss, or military commander—commands you to do something God forbids or forbids you from doing something God commands, not only may you disobey, but you must disobey. If it comes down to a choice like this, you must obey God. You can memorize this principle in a few moments, but the application can be exceedingly complex. As sinful people, we must realize that we are very prone to twist and distort things in our favor in order to benefit ourselves. Before we disobey the authorities over us, we should be sure to be painfully self-reflective and have a clear understanding as to why we plan to disobey. (Author’s emphasis)
Do these Christians seek to disobey the government so as to make things more advantageous to them economically or to return to a more comfortable cultural ethic? That’s not ok. That’s not the biblical principle present in Scripture not the one brilliantly outlined here by the author.
The Bad
The book is generally conversational, albeit with the written side of the conversation being a good deal older than myself. To this end, the author sometimes gives way to dense paragraphs in which he refuses to use simple synonyms for biblical words, which is more annoying that truly “bad.” All in all, it is a good and readable book, if occasionally a bit thick.
Wrapping Up
Do you disagree with how our political leaders have been governing? Do you ever toy around with the idea of committing civil disobedience? Then you need to read this book. We’re quickly approaching an era when Christians will be faced with making tough moral choices, and the best way have a good response in the moment is to prepare to respond.
– Readability (4.5)
– Breadth/Depth of Content (4.5)
– Helpfulness/Inspirational (5.0)
Recommended? – Yes, if you truly care about knowing how to submit and when to disobey the government.
What Is the Relationship between Church and State? is by RC Sproul
You can get a free digital copy from Ligonier Ministries, which is how I got my copy.
Adam Short says
A great sermon about this topic by David Barton. I definitely recommend a listen…
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/one-nation-under-god
Phil Schneider says
Thanks for sharing! I’ll look into it.
Ana Avila says
I love this book series. I hope to read this one very soon, thank you for the review!
Phil Schneider says
You’re very welcome! I’m a big fan of Sproul’s writings.