However, in consideration of the times in which we live, the question of the role of the "lesser magistrate" seems a necessary discussion, especially for us here at FR.
The Magdeburg Confession was an attempt to resolve the very question we are now facing: What should Christians do in the face of tyrannical government actions against godly morality. The answer it provides is worthy of our consideration. Put in short form, Kim Davis is a lesser magistrate. Under God's ordination, she has been granted a scope of authority in our system. Those who are attempting to coerce her to disobey her duties to God and the people of Kentucky, according to Magdeburg, have invalidated their authority, and have become the true criminals in this circumstance.
Furthermore, according to Magdeburg, it is not just a good idea, but a duty among all who would remain faithful to God, that we do as Kim Davis has done, stand our ground, such as God gives us, and cooperate with each other to resist this tyranny.
To those who say she should either quit or comply, Magdeburg would respond that this would be dereliction of her duty. As a magistrate, she stands under the aegis of the principles of Roman 13. The magistrate is not there to be a thoughtless cog in a machine of laws, but to bring reward to those who do good, and terror to those who do evil. The "comply or quit" strategy is for the self-seeking. The "stand at any cost" strategy is the truest act of love. It seeks the well-being of those under her authority, not just her own survival.
In every great story, there comes a moment when the hero must decide whether to save their own skin or put it all on the line for the ones they love. Kim Davis has chosen the latter. May we all be so blessed when that choice comes, as it will, to each and every one of us.
Peace,
SR
“Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God” - Thomas Jefferson
Thanks for posting that. I vaguely recollected something about the lessor magistrate from college and was wishing that I could remember enough to make a coherent argument. I definitely agree that Kim Davis is the lessor magistrate and that she is doing a noble thing.
All he did was dispute the divine right of kings, and base his arguments on Scripture.
Historians have called his book the textbook of the American Revolution, for our revolt and constitution were consistent with the word of God.
Central to his arguments is that legitimate human law cannot be inconsistent with God's Laws.
"If the Christian defines the magistrate to be the Minister of God doing justice, and from thence draws the reasons he gives for rendering obedience to him, we are to inquire whose Minister he is who overthrows it, and look for some other reason for rendering obedience to him than the words of the Apostles."
SR,
Thanks for the heads up. I purchased a paperback version to read.
AMPU
And she was ELECTED to her duties.
Did she SWEAR on a Bible and say, "...so help me GOD.", when taking the OATH of office?