WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question: What would Jesus say about slanderous attacks
on national leaders with whom we may disagree?
Most Americans are thankful for our democracy and
the freedoms we enjoy, including freedom of speech. However, we need to understand that those
freedoms can only be maintained when there is respect among our citizens for
the authority of those who have been chosen to govern. By saying this, I assure you that my intention
is neither to defend nor endorse any political agenda or position. Instead, I only want to encourage reflection
upon the manner in which we express disagreement with anyone, especially with
those in positions of authority in our world.
Although the Bible does not endorse any one
political system or form of government over another, it does teach Christians to submit to “the
governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has
established” (Romans 13:1; cf. Colossians 1:16). The
apostle Peter stated: “Submit yourselves for
the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king,
as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those
who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant
talk of foolish men” (1 Peter
2:13-15). Two verses later he added, “Show
proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor
the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
From these verses we see that disrespect for those
in positions of authority is never justified, even when we do not agree with
the policies and practices of those officials.
For Christians living in the first century, this included respect for
the role being played by immoral, tyrannical, dictatorial men like the Roman
emperors Nero and Domitian who had thousands of Christians put to death. The only time the early Christians refused to
obey the lawful authorities was when called upon to do something contrary to
what God had taught them (Acts 5:29).
When the apostle Paul was on trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the high
priest Ananias ordered someone to strike Paul in the mouth. Paul defended himself against this unlawful
action with strong, although truthful words.
When he was accused of insulting God’s high priest, he responded: “Brothers,
I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak
evil about the ruler of your people'” (Acts
23:5 quoting Exodus 22:28).
Of course, our democratic government depends on our right
to exercise freedom of speech. We are
not surprised when someone expresses disagreement with or disapproval of our
government officials or their actions.
To criticize those in authority is not wrong, but the manner in which we
express disagreement can be wrong. When our
criticism becomes slanderous accusations and malicious, disrespectful attacks
upon the character of anyone, it crosses over the line.
Upon consideration of what the Bible says, I do not
believe that Jesus would approve of anyone who demonstrates with hate signs,
who circulates unproven slanderous accusations and who publishes disrespectful
things against any of our nation’s leaders—no matter what political party
involved. I also believe that Jesus is
deeply disappointed when this comes from those who claim to be his followers,
even though they claim to do it in his name and for the righteousness of God. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ said: “Remind
the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready
to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and
to show true humility toward all men” (Titus
3:1-2).
[Send questions or comments to
University Church of Christ, 801 N. 12th,