Single Idea 7572

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 10. Theocracy]

Full Idea

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained by God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Gist of Idea

Power is ordained by God, so anyone who resists power resists God, and will be damned

Source

St Paul (06: Epistle to the Romans [c.55], 13:1-2)

Book Reference

'The Bible', ed/tr. the Church [Collins 1950], p.546


A Reaction

This notorious passage was used to justify the Divine Right of Kings in England in the seventeenth century. It strikes me as being utterly preposterous, though you might say that violent resistance to an evil dictator only brings worse evil.