Groups of people were killed in Europe during World War II and few rose to defend or rescue them. Doing so would have been dangerous, because that would mean disobeying evil laws established by an evil government. After the war, some defended their lack of Christian love by claiming the Bible teaches people to support their government.
The Bible does teach that people are to support their government. But would it surprise you to know the Bible also directs people to participate in civil disobedience at times? When Peter and John were imprisoned, God sent an angel to open to the prison doors and lead them outside. Then the angel said, Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people the words of this life. (Acts 5:18-20 NKJV)
The disciples obeyed the angel. The enraged authorities asked, Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name [of Jesus] And look you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. . . .
Peter and the other apostles answered with a truth we cannot forget: We ought to obey God rather than men. God’s Word instructs us to obey leadership when it provides protection and order. When that is lost, our duty is to obey God—and to change the law if possible.
Originally published August 30, 1991.
Moving Time
14 years ago
2 comments:
Ironically, after WW2, groups of innocent people were also killed in retaliation, sport, slave labor, or rape. Millions of Germans, Poles, Ukranians, Romanians, Hungarians, etc. perished by all these methods. We didn't object b/c we didn't even know it was going on. I have prayed that God not hold this against us as a nation, the church, or any of us individually. Sadly, these post WW2 mass killings are not even discussed in U.S. textbooks. It's like if we don't discuss it then it didn't really happen. God have mercy.
Yes, reality is difficult. Almost everything aboaut WW2 is hard to accept, but it happened. I suspect another war would be equally bad, and that it is equally bad in some parts of the world right now. We are accountable and I, too, pray that God has mercy. Thanks for responding.
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