Revolution and Reformation: How Should Christians Arm Themselves Today?

The American Revolutionary War was, in more ways than one, like the Reformation in the 16th century. There was a long fuse, a desperation, a bloody fight, and an ultimate separation. Martin Luther listed grievances with the papacy regarding the unbiblical exercises taking place, the intention was to mend the issues; however, through the stubbornness and exasperation from the Pope and King, these protestors found themselves with no other choice but to resist. The same can be said regarding the United Colonies and their civil war with the Mother Country. The American legislators offered regular pleas for the Crown to remedy the tensions caused by a lack of representation in Parliament, a heavy presence of British military on American soil despite it being a time of peace, and a higher taxation on the colonists to recoup the English treasury (the famous slogan “taxation without representation” was introduced by Pastor Patrick Henry). King George III, however, did not respond favorably, which further tested the patience of the people, whose parentage came to establish a New World, or as John Winthrop (Pastor and Massachusetts Bay Governor) described, “A City Upon A Hill.” Desperation and frustration grew in the hearts of these zealous young Americans, while fear and irritation grew in the hearts of the loyal royal guard.

After reading a number of primary sources from both perspectives, my opinion was solidified and amplified. I found myself frustrated at Great Britain and empathetic to the Continental Army. Ultimately, I believe that the American Revolutionary War was an unfortunate conclusion to a long plea for reconciliation that was ignored by King George III. Just like the Reformation. It was civil disobedience that erupted from attempted civil discourse. Within the founding documents and pre-revolutionary literature, there is a consistent and broad preface. The language treads lightly and seems to honor the King and Country until it doesn’t. Often explaining how the American representatives attempted to resolve the conflict in its infancy yet found themselves at a place where they must no longer endure injustice. These men were thinking of their first responsibility to God, then to family, then to country. A trickle down responsibility. And when the country impedes on their duty to protect and provide for their family or to praise their God, then they have no choice but to resist through civil discourse and, if necessary, civil disobedience.

The Declaration Of Independence begins with that exact sentiment. Thomas Jefferson writes, “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

So now, we Christians find ourselves in a similar state of affairs. We can no longer live under the civil detachment, whereby Christians allow ourselves to be governed in an ungodly and unholy manner, yet continue in ongoing worship. We are turning a blind eye to disorder and injustice.

Nor are we allowed to live in civil departure. Our Lord instructed that we are in the world. We are to be salt and light to the world. We are incapable of loving a world that we are not in. We cannot share the gospel with a world that we do not know. We cannot escape to a utopian community from the modern Sodom. Rather, we are to plead like Abraham to save the city.

Nor should we jump to civil disobedience. There are times when that is appropriate, but I do not think that a civil war is the most effective way to our Christian goal. So, where does that leave us?

We are called to engage in civil discourse. Christians should arm themselves with words. Take up books and read. Know the Scriptures, know the laws of the land, know philosophy and psychology, know reason and logic, know morality and ethics. Be able to quote the greatest thinkers, dismantle petty arguments, and walk humbly before God. Christians are instructed to be prepared to defend the gospel. Christians are to be the most reasonable, most rigorous, most passionate, most humble, most just people of all. Engage in civil discourse. We are to provide a compelling alternative to the world. That means form a firm opinion that is grounded in the word of God.

“And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”” (Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭20‬-‭21‬)

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭5‬)