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In God We Don't Trust  /  Chapter 13: An Unjust Government  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
Romans 13:1–8 is presented as “black and white” with “no room to wiggle around it”; what specific phrases in that passage make it so absolute in David Bercot’s argument, and where do you feel the strongest impulse to add exceptions?
Another way to ask: Romans 13:1–8 is called “black and white” with no exceptions. What exact words in the passage make it sound that absolute, and where do you most want to make an exception?

Direct Answer Based on David Bercot’s teaching, Romans 13 feels “absolute” because it uses universal language (“every soul,” “whoever”) and ties resistance directly to resisting God. The strongest impulse to add exceptions is when government feels oppressive or unjust—exactly the kind of scenario he says textbooks use to justify disobedience.

Support from Transcript:

  • He quotes: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities,” stressing it applies to all Christians.
  • He highlights the absolute claim: “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
  • He quotes the warning: “whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God… will bring judgment on themselves.”
  • He emphasizes motive: “you must be subject, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.”
  • He includes practical obedience: “For because of this you also pay taxes… Render therefore… taxes… customs… fear… honor.”
Discussion Follow-ups Bercot implies that looking for “unfairness” exceptions is often a way to quiet conscience. What kinds of injustice feel weighty enough to you to start re-reading “every soul” as “almost every soul”?

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