Navigating Civil Duties

In chapter 24 of To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2, Renihan discusses the role and responsibilities of civil magistrates along with the Christian duty to obey and pray for such authorities. The discussion of the confession is based on two key passages: Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. These letters were likely written during the 1st century in a culture that was morally depraved and deeply hostile towards the Christian faith. I find it remarkable that in an era characterized by its anti-Christian sentiment, polytheism, hedonism, and worldly philosophies, both Paul and Peter urged the early Christian church to fulfill their civic duties of paying taxes and paying respects to the governing authorities ordained by God.

First, consider the moral dilemma faced by early Christians regarding their tax contributions. It’s certain that their taxes supported activities deeply at odds with the faith: the construction of pagan temples dedicated to a pantheon of Roman deities, where daily sacrifices were commonplace; the financing of brutal gladiatorial games, where slaves and prisoners of war met gruesome deaths for sadistic entertainment; the organization of debaucherous and decadent feasts celebrating pagan festivals; and the sustenance of an economy heavily reliant on slave labor.

Second, consider the societal context of outright hostility and disrespect towards Christians, including intellectual scorn from the philosophers of the day (Acts 17:16-34 and 1 Corinthians 1:22-25) and persecution that flowed down from the highest political positions. For example, the emperor Nero is infamously known for his cruel treatment of Christians, a reality starkly captured by the ancient, secular historian Tacitus: “Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired” (Tacitus, The Annals 15.44).

A Cool, Christlike Spirit

This historical perspective led me to think about the Christian’s attitude towards the government of the 21st century. Even when I know that some of my tax dollars might support objectionable entities and initiatives like abortion clinics, transgender reassignment clinics, and racially-divisive movements, I am nonetheless called to fulfill my tax obligations with integrity. Even when leaders of the nation misuse God’s name and distort the faith for their personal agenda, I am called to honor them and pray for them and call for their repentance, not slander or ridicule them. Unless that authority commands us to do something that God forbids, or forbids us from doing something that God commands, I must subject myself under that authority, even if they themselves are being unreasonable or disobedient to the Word. This was convicting as I often struggle with my heart and in my words to genuinely honor those in government who mock Christ.

Reading through this chapter reminded me of an open letter that Pastor John MacArthur from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California sent to Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 when Newsom sponsored abortion billboards across America with references to Mark 12:31. With respect, biblical conviction, and loving admonition, MacArthur urged Newsom to repent of the ways in which he has twisted God’s word and failed to punish evildoers and reward the righteous through his public policies. Instead of yielding to moral outrage and violently reacting, retaliating, mocking, and slandering, MacArthur’s approach was Christlike: dignified, measured, direct, and bold. As society undoubtedly veers towards greater polarization and moral perversion, I pray that God gives Christians more wisdom, courage, and discernment to navigate the complexities of civil obedience and civil disobedience.

Works Cited

  • MacArthur, John. An Open Letter to Governor Newsom. Grace to You, 28 Sept. 2022. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.

  • Renihan, James. To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2. Founders Press, 2022. Print.

  • Tacitus. Annals. Translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb. Perseus Digital Library, edited by Gregory Crane, Tufts University. Link to Text. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.