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rbcbob · #44 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Confessor

Okay, in terms of Biblical principles, we've got the fact that we ought to obey magistrates except when they cause us to sin. In that case, we can disobey by revolting or by simply refusing to obey those specific commands. Is there ever Biblical warrant for revolting? If so, where are the verses?

Also, there was talk about lesser magistrates and some kind of hierarchical structure. I have heard of that before but I don't know how categorically that fits into the morality of rebellion. Could someone explain this?

I am undecided but currently, as long as the Brits were not causing the colonists to sin, it seems that the colonists were not Biblically permitted to rebel.

Ben, there was an allusion in an earlier post which implied that the citizens were merely obeying their regional magistrates, who, it is supposed could lead a rebellion against a tyrant king without violating Romans 13. I think that such reasoning is specious. It is interesting that the Colonists themselves opined that they were not under the jurisdiction of the English Parliament, but were admittedly under the rightful rule of King George.

James Madison writing in 1800, and reflecting back upon the separation from Great Briton, said:
“The fundamental principle of the revolution was, that the colonies were co-ordinate members with each other, and with Great-Britain; of an Empire, united by a common Executive Sovereign, but not united by any common Legislative Sovereign. The Legislative power was maintained to be as complete in each American Parliament, as in the British Parliament.”-James Madison, Writings,p.633