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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (7 of 14): Causes of the American Revolution  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 3
Bercot emphasizes that Paul’s command in Romans 13 was given under Rome—an occupying power with heavy taxes and questionable legitimacy; what does that setting suggest about God’s purposes in commanding submission and tax-paying even under oppressive rule, and what picture of God’s sovereignty is being assumed?
Another way to ask: Since Romans 13 was written when Rome ruled and taxed people unfairly, what might God be doing by still commanding submission and tax-paying? What does that say about how big God’s control is, even under bad rulers?

Direct Answer Bercot presents Romans 13 as God teaching Christians how to respond “in even the worst situation,” meaning God still expects submission and tax-paying even under oppressive, foreign rule. The assumed picture is that governing authorities, even those established “through the sword,” are still “appointed by God” and function as “His ministers.”

Support from Transcript:

  • Paul’s words are applied to “the Roman authorities,” described as a “foreign power who had conquered their country.”
  • Bercot stresses “There was nothing fair about the system at all,” and taxes/tariffs were a “heavy burden.”
  • Yet Romans 13 says authorities “exist are appointed by God,” and resisting them resists “the ordinance of God.”
  • He highlights that rulers are called “God’s minister,” and Christians must pay “taxes” and “customs.”
  • He says this shows “God is telling us how He wants us to respond in even the worst situation.”
  • He adds Rome’s legitimacy often came “only through the sword,” yet Christians were still commanded to honor them.
Discussion Follow-ups What changes in our attitude if we truly believe God remains sovereign even when rulers are unfair—and that our obedience is “for conscience’s sake”?

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