Thought Journal Entry — Lesallan | October 25, 2025
Civil disobedience — the act of intentionally breaking a law to protest injustice — presents a challenging ethical dilemma for Christians. Throughout this week, I have explored the intersection of faith and social responsibility, focusing on how Christians might respond when faced with laws or government actions that conflict with their conscience or biblical principles.
The Bible provides guidance on both obedience to authorities and the pursuit of justice. Romans 13:1 (KJV) instructs, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” This passage has often been cited to affirm the importance of respecting governmental authority. However, Scripture also acknowledges that human law can conflict with God’s commands. In Acts 5:29 (KJV), Peter and the apostles boldly declared, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” This indicates that when earthly laws contradict God’s law, Christians have a duty to prioritize divine authority.
Civil disobedience in a Christian context is not merely about personal preference or political conviction; it is rooted in a commitment to God’s justice and righteousness. For example, Daniel’s refusal to worship the king’s statue (Daniel 3) and the Hebrew midwives’ defiance of Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:17) both demonstrate that faithfulness to God sometimes requires resistance to unjust commands. These acts were motivated by faith and a desire to uphold God’s moral standards, not by rebellion for its own sake.
As I reflect on these biblical examples, I realize that Christian civil disobedience should be characterized by humility, nonviolence, and a willingness to accept consequences. Jesus himself modeled this in his life and teaching, urging his followers to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39 KJV) and to love their enemies. The goal is not to sow discord but to bear witness to the truth and promote justice, trusting that God ultimately holds authority over all.
This week’s study has deepened my understanding of civil disobedience as an ethical concept. I now see that a Christian approach involves careful discernment, prayer, and a commitment to both respect for authority and unwavering faithfulness to God’s commands. When faced with injustice, Christians are called to act with courage, compassion, and integrity—seeking to transform society while honoring Christ in all things.
Blessings,
Lesallan
