Quoting Romans 13: When the Bible Is Misused to Silence Christians (Paul and Politics Special Episode)

Jun 15, 2018

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How misinterpreting Romans 13 distorts Christian witness and enables injustice. In a special midweek commentary episode, Mike Erre breaks down Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ and Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ use of Romans 13 to justify controversial immigration policies—specifically, the separation of families at the border. Mike dives deep into scripture, unpacking why proof-texting Romans 13 is both theologically inaccurate and spiritually dangerous. This episode is part of our ongoing Paul and Politics series.

Key Takeaways: • Quoting Scripture Out of Context — Mike critiques how Romans 13 has been misused historically to justify slavery, apartheid, and now immigration policies. • Biblical Foundation for Immigrant Care — The Bible overwhelmingly supports the care of the foreigner, stranger, and refugee, from Leviticus to the teachings of Jesus. • The Context of Romans 13 — Mike explains how Romans 12 and 13 are a single thought, revealing Paul’s deeper message about vengeance, government, and Christian witness. • Civil Disobedience in Scripture — From Daniel and Rahab to the disciples in Acts, the Bible includes many examples of resisting unjust laws for the sake of God’s justice. • Christian Responsibility in a Polarized Culture — Why Christians should resist policies and ideologies that conflict with Jesus’ call to love strangers and pursue justice.

Resources Mentioned: • Preston Sprinkle – Website • “Welcoming the Stranger” by Matthew Soerens – Amazon • “The Myth of a Christian Nation” by Gregory Boyd – Amazon • Ben Witherington’s commentary on Romans • N.T. Wright on Romans • Tim Gombis – “Faith Improvised” podcast

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As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy