Gavin Howe
Christians are generally expected to follow the law, but there are some circumstances in which they may feel that breaking the law is justified. For example, if a law contradicts the Bible and would cause a believer to sin, some Christians believe that they should follow God's law instead. This was the case in the book of Acts, when the apostles were told by governing authorities not to share their faith with others, but they refused, saying they could not disobey God. In another instance, British Evangelical Christian leader John Stevens made headlines in 2020 for encouraging his followers to consider when their faith might lead them to break the law, specifically in reference to restrictions on gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he emphasised that simply disliking a law was not a valid reason to break it, and that disobedience should only occur when there is a higher duty to obey Christ. Christians who do break the law should also be prepared to accept the consequences, including prosecution and public abuse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When a Christian can break the law | When the law contradicts the Bible and would cause a believer to sin |
| When there is a higher duty to obey Christ and obeying the law would prevent this | |
| When a Christian should not break the law | When they simply dislike the law or the government |
| What happens when a Christian breaks the law | They should be ready to accept the consequences, including prosecution and abuse from the public |
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What You'll Learn
- Christians should only break the law when it contradicts the law of God and the Bible
- Christians should be ready to accept the consequences of law-breaking
- Christians should only break the law when they have a higher duty to obey Christ
- Christians should not break the law simply because they dislike a law or the government
- Christians should not break the law unless it is to seek reform
Christians should only break the law when it contradicts the law of God and the Bible
In September 2020, British Evangelical Christian leader John Stevens made headlines for encouraging his followers to consider when their faith might lead them to break the law of the state. Stevens argued that such a decision should be guided by biblical principles, but that it was ultimately a matter of individual conscience. He stated that disobedience is permissible only where there is "a higher duty to obey Christ, and obeying Christ would be prevented by obedience to legislation".
Christians who break the law should be ready to accept the consequences, including prosecution and abuse from the public. This was demonstrated by a Christian in 1785 whose faith dramatically informed his drive for reform. He sought change through policy and not by breaking laws, which eventually led to the abolitionist movement in the US and emancipation.
Therefore, while Christians may feel that their faith gives them a valid reason to break the law, it is important to consider the potential consequences and whether there are alternative ways to achieve their desired outcome.
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Christians should be ready to accept the consequences of law-breaking
However, this view is not universally accepted, and some Christians believe that breaking the law is only acceptable if it is guided by biblical principles and is a matter of individual conscience. For instance, British Evangelical Christian leader John Stevens made headlines in 2020 for encouraging his followers to consider when their faith might lead them to break the law. He argued that disobedience to the state is only permissible when there is a "higher duty to obey Christ", and that simply disliking a law or the government is not a valid reason to break the law.
Ultimately, Christians who choose to break the law should be aware of the potential consequences, including prosecution and abuse from the public. While some may view law-breaking as a way to uphold their religious beliefs, others may see it as a violation of the social contract and a threat to public order. It is important for Christians to carefully consider the potential impact of their actions and to be prepared to accept the consequences of their decisions.
An example of a Christian who sought change through policy rather than law-breaking is the reformer who became a Christian in 1785 and whose work led to the Slave Trade Act of 1803 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. This reformer's drive for change was informed by his Christian beliefs, but he chose to work within the legal system to bring about change rather than breaking the law.
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Christians should only break the law when they have a higher duty to obey Christ
However, Christians should be ready to accept the consequences of any law-breaking, including prosecution and abuse from the public. In September 2020, the British Evangelical Christian leader, John Stevens, made headlines for encouraging his followers to consider when their faith might lead them to break the law of the state. He argued that such a decision should be guided by biblical principles, but that it was ultimately a matter of individual conscience. Simply disliking a law or the government was not a good enough reason; disobedience is permissible only where there is a higher duty to obey Christ.
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Christians should not break the law simply because they dislike a law or the government
This does not mean that Christians should not seek to change laws that they disagree with. In fact, many Christians throughout history have been at the forefront of social and political reform, working to change laws through policy and legislation rather than by breaking them. For instance, the British Evangelical Christian leader, John Stevens, made headlines in 2020 for encouraging his followers to consider when their faith might lead them to break the law. He argued that such decisions should be guided by biblical principles and individual conscience, but that simply disliking a law or the government was not a valid reason to break it.
Christians who do choose to break the law should be ready to accept the consequences, including prosecution and abuse from the public. While some Christians may argue that 'God made me do it', this is not a valid defence in the eyes of the law. Ultimately, Christians should strive to obey both the laws of God and the laws of the land, and only break the latter when it is absolutely necessary to avoid sinning.
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Christians should not break the law unless it is to seek reform
However, Christians should be mindful that breaking the law can have consequences, including prosecution and abuse from the public. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider when and why one might break the law. British Evangelical Christian leader John Stevens made headlines in 2020 for encouraging his followers to consider when their faith might lead them to break the law. He argued that such decisions should be guided by biblical principles and individual conscience. Simply disliking a law or the government is not a good enough reason to break it.
Instead of breaking the law, Christians can seek reform through policy change. An example of this is the work of a Christian reformer who sought change through policy, leading to the Slave Trade Act of 1803 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. This, in turn, sparked the abolitionist movement in the US and eventually emancipation.
Ultimately, while Christians may break the law in certain circumstances, it is important to do so only when guided by a higher duty to obey Christ and with an understanding of the potential consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Some Christians believe that it is right to break the law when it contradicts the law of God and would cause a believer to sin.
Christians should be ready to accept the consequences of any law-breaking, including prosecution and abuse from the public.
The book of Acts mentions a specific instance when the apostles were told by the governing authorities of the day not to share their faith with others. The apostles told the authorities they could not disobey God on account of them.
Some Christians think so, but it is ultimately a matter of individual conscience.
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