Assignment 3 “A Christian Manifesto”

I. Read Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17
II. Read the Chapters 7-9 in “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer.
III. Listen (or re-listen) to “Beyond Authority & Submission” (Douglas Wilson “The Plogcast” – 17 mins)
IV. Answer the questions below. Use the comments section to share if you like.

1. Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 are written by two different apostles (Paul and Peter) at two difference locations at two different times. However, they convey the same message regarding the Christian’s understanding of government authority.

In Chapter 7 of “A Christian Manifesto”, Schaeffer says, “God has ordained the state as a delegated authority; it is not autonomous. The state is to be an agent of justice, to restrain evil by punishing the wrongdoer, and to protect the good in society. When it does the reverse, it has no proper authority. It is then a usurped authority and as such it becomes lawless and is tyranny.”

Question: In light of Paul and Peter’s admonition regarding biblical government authority and Schaeffer’s description of government operating outside God’s mandates; in what ways have you observed local, state and federal government upholding biblical authority and/or usurping biblical authority?

2. Last week I suggested we listen to Doug Wilson’s podcast, “Beyond Authority & Submission”. We are beginning to see a migration of people in the United States from states and cities operating under one type of authority to cities and states operating under a different type of authority.

Question: Looking at these ‘migration’ events through a worldview lens, what is the fundamental difference between the two views of ‘total reality’ (worldview) in regard to government authority? (Feel free to think of localized and national examples).

3. In chapters 8 and 9, Schaeffer discuses the concepts of “Civil Disobedience” and “Use of Force”. Doug Wilson discusses these topics in a different way, yet in the same vein (both from a Christian worldview).

Question: From your understanding, point of view, and engaging your conscience, at what point is it appropriate to engage in civil disobedience and use of force? 

Assignments 1-4 “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer

1. Assignment 1
2. Assignment 2
3. Assignment 3
4. Assignment 4