A Contextual and Theological Examination of Biblical Texts Addressing Government and Civic Duties for Christian Citizens
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Mewborn, Michael P.
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2019
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
194
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ph.D.
Body granting the degree
Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Text preceding or following the note
2019
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
The twenty-first-century American government is becoming more hostile toward Christianity. The governing authorities are demanding believers to submit to ordinances and laws that violate clear commands of Scripture. Christians are being defined as bigots, homophobic, intolerant, hateful, and discriminating as they uphold timeless biblical principles on marriage, sex, morality, the value of human life, and sin. As a result, Christians are struggling with a proper biblical response to laws and ordinances that place restrictions on the expression of religious beliefs. The Christian is left with two options, obey or disobey. Through the examination of select passages of Scripture, this study shows biblical examples of public acts of civil disobedience. Explicit examples presented include a direct correlation to contemporary issues warranting civil disobedience. Other examples provide an ethical primer for formulating principles of civil disobedience. This research examines the historical context of eleven narratives of Scripture that highlight civil disobedience. The study also includes a biblical analysis of government, civic responsibility, and principles on civil obedience and disobedience. The importance of this research is to provide a baseline of biblical principles on civil disobedience to encourage an informed discussion within the Christian community. The research shows specific details in which civil disobedience is allowable. Some of the specific narratives featured in this dissertation include the Hebrew midwives, Rahab, Obadiah, Daniel, Esther, Peter, Paul, and others. Additionally, Romans 13:1-7 is examined within its larger context. This work also highlights early church writings during Christian persecution as well as current contemporary evangelical thought on the topic.