It is not irrational, then, to form associations in opposition to existing laws, if done for the sake of the truth. For as those persons would do well who should enter into a secret association in order to put to death a tyrant who had seized upon the liberties of a state, so Christians also, when tyrannized over by him who is called the devil, and by falsehood, form leagues contrary to the laws of the devil, against his power, and for the safety of those others whom they may succeed in persuading to revolt from a government which is, as it were, “Scythian,” and despotic.
Origen, 185-254 AD, Against Celsus, Book I, Chapter 1 (translated by Rev. Fredrick Crombie; Fathers of the Third Century: Tertullian, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen; Philip Schaff; Christian Classics Ethereal Library; 2006; p. 587)
Is it proper for Christians to stand against the government? Under what circumstances? What kind of approaches are appropriate?
MLK Jr gave us a great example.
ReplyDeleteI would agree. What do you see as positive in how MLK Jr approached this problem?
DeleteHere is something I posted a few years ago that speaks to your question: An Extremist for Love, Truth, Justice and Goodness
ReplyDeleteExtremist for love rather then hate. I can buy into that.
DeleteI sometimes wonder if Martin was a prophet of sorts to the USA.
ReplyDelete"Prophet" is one of those slippery terms that means different things to different people, but certainly he had a message fro us.
DeleteI agree Mike. It is interesting the looks that I get when I ask folks if they think that MLK Jr was a prophet.
ReplyDelete