Can we anchor down on Romans 13 in light of where we are in history? I find it objectionable but I’m also willing to consider it from different angles.
Hey Wiley, yes for sure - it's coming up in a few weeks. It was actually no less problematic when Paul wrote it (read up a bit on Caesar Nero, who was Emperor when Paul was writing, for a bit of background: he was no moral leader). Paul held together servant-hearted honour and humility, alongside standing up to the oppressive power of Empire to such an extent that led to his execution. The implications of this are massive, and I think it has something to do with extrapolating ourselves from the polarised political loyalties that we're so steeped in, in order to reclaim our original loyalty (Jesus and His Kingdom), and from there inhabit both a prophetically distinct message and methodology. Paul's concern was very much focused on building communities that were radically distinct, modelling something in the midst of the Empire that looked and felt like justice, flourishing, integrity, and life. Worth sitting with 1 Peter 2:12-17 too (Peter was also executed under Caesar Nero).
Great question. So important in this moment. We all need to deeply search His heart for wisdom.
I’ll be tuned in and praying for your answer. Such as I’ve tried to discuss 13 with others so far, it’s amounted to, “Nope. The gubmint’s good and God’s word is inerrant…so be a good little serf and run along now.’ The Lord wouldn’t continually point me back to this section if there wasn’t something to see here.
So good
Can we anchor down on Romans 13 in light of where we are in history? I find it objectionable but I’m also willing to consider it from different angles.
Hey Wiley, yes for sure - it's coming up in a few weeks. It was actually no less problematic when Paul wrote it (read up a bit on Caesar Nero, who was Emperor when Paul was writing, for a bit of background: he was no moral leader). Paul held together servant-hearted honour and humility, alongside standing up to the oppressive power of Empire to such an extent that led to his execution. The implications of this are massive, and I think it has something to do with extrapolating ourselves from the polarised political loyalties that we're so steeped in, in order to reclaim our original loyalty (Jesus and His Kingdom), and from there inhabit both a prophetically distinct message and methodology. Paul's concern was very much focused on building communities that were radically distinct, modelling something in the midst of the Empire that looked and felt like justice, flourishing, integrity, and life. Worth sitting with 1 Peter 2:12-17 too (Peter was also executed under Caesar Nero).
Great question. So important in this moment. We all need to deeply search His heart for wisdom.
I’ll be tuned in and praying for your answer. Such as I’ve tried to discuss 13 with others so far, it’s amounted to, “Nope. The gubmint’s good and God’s word is inerrant…so be a good little serf and run along now.’ The Lord wouldn’t continually point me back to this section if there wasn’t something to see here.