RE: Can a Christian be an Anarchist Without Rejecting Paul? (Christian Anarchy - Part 5)
Nice work Seth.
It's almost impossible to do a complete study on this, because there's so much involved. A couple of thoughts...
In both Romans and 1 Peter, the responsibility of the government is laid out. Since this is clear, how much must we obey beyond that? Where does disobedience become okay? Sometimes it's not black and white.
An example - if we know that our tax extortion... er contribution, is being used for abortion, wars, etc., are we justified in withholding our "donations"? What about surveillance? Must we comply? Paul could never have foreseen these things, and Jesus doesn't really make any statements clear enough to directly apply.
I agree that we should not be revolutionaries. But when does the rebellion become the government? If both sides are compelling you to fight, how do you know what to do? Which is ordained?
I'm not trying to buttonhole you. These are legitimate thoughts that I wrestle with just about every day. But we're also told to be free if we're able, so perhaps leaving is the right answer.
I agree that there isn't really a simple answer. That's part of the reason why I categorize obedience to the state under the whole "not being a stumbling block to others" thing. That means that the laws of men aren't black and white rules that we must follow... it's more about keeping up appearances so that our witness isn't ruined.
Your question, "when does the rebellion become the government?" Is a great and difficult question. It will be very difficult to determine when exactly we've reached that moment. But I think that when the government is seen as the enemy by the culture at large, we will be right to defend ourselves against them.
But then again, I may be wrong. Like you said, the Bible doesn't give clear instruction on these things.