Does Romans 13 Allow Tyranny? (part 2)

My wife Chelsea and I continue and conclude our discussion of Romans chapter 13 and what we believe it really means. Last week we defined the narrow role of government to enforcing the "thou shalt not's" that define the second table of the law.

In this episode we answer some questions about common assumptions of what government should do:

1. Is government allowed to regulate vices that are not crimes (e.g. gluttony)?
2. Can government mandate positive actions (e.g. mask mandates)?
3. Is conscription something Christians should support?

We also explain how Christians should all agree on a Biblical role of government against all forms of tyranny, but can respectfully disagree and handle specific situations with charity and love.

Scriptures Cited:

Romans 2:14

Proverbs 23:20-21

Ephesians 4:31-32

1 Samuel 8:10-12

Deuteronomy 17:16

Sources Cited:

Daniel Webster, speech before the floor of the House of Representatives, December 9, 1814.