Clergy Loyal to the Crown? Interview with Dr. Gregg Frazer
Jun 5, 2024
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Dr. Gregg Frazer discusses Loyalist ministers' biblical, philosophical, and legal arguments against the American Revolution, challenging Patriots' actions. The podcast explores the concept of obedience to authority, impacts on religious freedom, and the ethical complexities of historical events.
The Loyalist clergy's biblical argument for obedience to established authorities challenges the Patriots' pursuit of liberty and independence.
Navigating political complexities requires seeking ethical guidance to discern loyalty to authorities amidst potential civil unrest.
Deep dives
Authority of Government and Righteous Resistance
Submission to governing authorities is emphasized, citing biblical teachings that believers should subject themselves to governmental authority as ordained by God. The idea of resistance to tyranny being obedience to God is debated, highlighting the need to obey, accept punishment, or flee rather than rebel against established authorities.
Application of Scripture in Political Contexts
The discussion delves into how political circumstances, such as potential civil unrest or conflicting power structures, can challenge believers' adherence to governing authorities. The need to seek guidance through prayer, study of Scripture, and ethical discernment is emphasized, acknowledging the complexity of determining loyalty in such tense situations.
Ethical Dilemmas in Modern Political Scenarios
Hypothetical scenarios related to political upheaval, possible secession, conflicting government entities, and religious liberty are explored in the context of Christian ethics. The balance between exercising Christian liberty, seeking divine guidance, and making conscientious decisions in ambiguous political landscapes is discussed.
Role of Power, Authority, and Christian Ethical Choices
Differentiating power from authority, the conversation navigates challenging scenarios where emergent power structures may conflict with established governmental entities. The need for a Christian ethical stance, avoiding rebellion, and discerning obedience to recognized authorities are underscored.
We're exploring a side of the American Revolution that often gets overlooked. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gregg Frazer to discuss his book God against the Revolution: The Loyalist Clergy's Case against the American Revolution.
Romans 13:1 says, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." This biblical principle of obeying authority is at the heart of Frazer's book.
Frazer’s work offers the first comprehensive account of the political thought of the American Loyalists – the roughly one-third of the population who opposed independence. While we know much about the Patriots, what about those who loved their land but didn't support breaking away from Britain? Frazer digs into the biblical, philosophical, and legal arguments made by Loyalist ministers in their writings, pamphlets, and sermons. These clergymen were far from being mere apologists for British rule; they criticized its excesses while arguing for adherence to English law and authority.
In our interview, we'll explore how these Loyalist ministers' perspectives provide an interesting counterpoint to the Patriots' fight for liberty, equality, and representation. Frazer raises challenging questions about the rationality and legitimacy of the Patriots' actions and their impacts on freedom of religion, expression, and due process.
So how should we examine the Bible's command to submit to authority? This discussion is not only an interesting addition to our understanding of American political thought but also a timely reflection on the political dynamics of our own era.
Join us as we delve into this nuanced and often forgotten perspective on the American Revolution.
*** Gregg L. Frazer is Dean, John P. Stead School of Humanities, and Professor of History & Political Studies at The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California. He’s the author of The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders: Reason, Revelation, and Revolution (University Press of Kansas). Gregg is a deacon at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California.
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