Tell them if they have a problem with government--to take it up with their god--not the government or anyone else. Just a reminder, that Paul wrote this during some of the most tyrannical government in history.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. " Romans 13:1-5
Next time you hear a Christian complain about the government...
...direct them to the passage below, as according to their "guide book to the universe", they should even consider Hitler a hero as governments around the world past and present are "authorities from god" and they are there to SUBMIT to them, and it does not matter if they are tyrants or not.
Being an atheist however, allows us to take action in this realm. Ironically, for the most part, christians do not follow these words of Paul, but they do follow those that say they are "free from the law"....lol. I know, I know, it's convoluted, hypocritical, and typical--which is why we are here. To reveal religion for what it is.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Montville D.D. on -
Yes, it also says the same thing in 1 Peter 2:13-17.
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Permalink Reply by Jon Heim on -
not only that, but the united states government is all but catering to Christians. We've never had anyone but a christian in the white house because they just simply wouldn't be voted for because of this reason alone.
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Montville D.D. on
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Well, that's not true. Jefferson, Madison, Lincoln, Adams, etc. were deists and thus not Christians. To say we haven't had any non-Christians in the White House in recent history is a far more accurate statement.
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Permalink Reply by Jon Heim on
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good point. I should rephrase the statement.
I've always said though, when it comes to a new candidate for president, religion,race,gender and sexuality will always be more important to the American people then their actual stance on the issues.
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Montville D.D. on
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Sadly that's pretty true. Hence why we get stuck with partisan hacks so often.
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Permalink Reply by Cathy Cooper on -
Sadly, that is true, and could very well be part of the reason why the world is the way it is--where the superficial overrides any real qualifications one may have.
Unfortunately, this happens not only government, but almost everywhere.
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Permalink Reply by Allen Sneed on -
Actually, it was this very passage that got me to start questioning Christianity in the first place. Good post.
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Permalink Reply by Cathy Cooper on
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Thanks. In my career, I have always found that the best weapon to use against the bible, is the bible itself....:)
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Permalink Reply by Corey Lord on -
What I think is really great about this is how so many Christians out there say that this country was founded as a Christian nation but if that were the case shouldn't we still be under English rule. Since the Colonialists rebelled, wouldn't they be going against god's wishes? Seems contradictory to me, oh wait contradictions are normal for these people.
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Montville D.D. on
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Certainly worth reflection, especially when one considers that European monarchies rule by divine right and the monarch of England acts also as the head of the Church.
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