I've Made a Decision

Micah has been kind enough to engage me on how well the American Revolution fares in light of the Biblical teaching to submit to governing authorities.

From the outlook, this has been troublesome for me. Why so troublesome? I believe there are two reasons. First, I am overtly patriotic. Second, I have been raised in a post-Enlightenment era in a nation greatly influenced by the Enlightenment which provides a great many liberties won as a byproduct of the Enlightenment (how many times can you use “Enlightenment” in one sentence? =)). What it comes down to is a desire to uphold the American Revolution in a positive light. I have agonized over the possibility that our forefathers might have been hasty in their actions – even wrong. So it has been difficult.

I dismiss outright that the colonists were justified in rebelling because of Britain’s cruelty. After all, Paul penned the words of Romans 13 at a time when Christians were heavily persecuted by the government. People are to submit to all authority because it is God who places leaders over us.

The only argument that even stands a chance for the sake of the revolutionists is that England only had the appearance of governing the colonies, and not any meaningful governing authority.

Colonial America was founded by Europe; primarily Great Britain. Over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, the colonies grew more and more distant from the “mother country.” England seemed a far off place which had little relevance to them – except to provide egregious taxation. In fact, leading up to the Revolutionary War, most colonists did not consider themselves “Englishmen.” The point is: England wasn’t around. I think a good case can be made to support that the colonists had been self-governed for quite a while.

But then one must consider that it was colonials who committed the first acts of terror against the British. It was the colonials who would not accept the British claim of authority. It was the colonists who declared independence from Britain. I asked myself this question: why would the colonists declare independence if they were already independent? Was it a formality? Or was it a response to the new-found desire of the British Crown to retain the neglected colonies?

I think both are excellent points. Therefore it seems to be a grey area.

Don’t get me wrong, I say this as one who has a deep love for my country. I truly believe that the United States of America is the greatest nation the world has ever seen (other than the nation of Israel under the blessing of the Lord). Our land provides for more freedoms and liberties than any people on earth. America has experienced many mercies from our Lord. I am glad for the way things have turned out.

Even so, I cannot offer my full support for the American Revolution. At best, it is a debatable issue. If you know me well, you know that I tend to side on the conservative side of things – which means that were I alive during the late 18th century, my support for American independence would be iffy.

There you have it. Don’t hate me. I love America. Now that we are independent, I am grateful for such a blessed nation.

Lemme know your thoughts.

Rusty