THREAD

I’m probably going to write a blog post about this in the days ahead. But it strikes me that a lot of the theological arguments certain Christians are making in support of civil disobedience are needlessly convoluted and ignore the vital role of the conscience.

1/n

Some Ontario churches have gone out of their way to justify civil disobedience by claiming that the recently-imposed lockdown is a “blasphemous” assault on the Church which all Christians must oppose, etc. It won’t surprise most of you to hear that I don’t agree with this.

2/n

I truly do not believe that the Church is being targeted by the government. This is not a theologically-driven conquest against the Gospel. Until recently, religious services were one of the largest legally permissible gatherings in Ontario. Many seem to have forgotten this.

3/n

Although I think there’s a compelling legal case to be made that the latest lockdown unjustifiably restricts sections 2(a) and 2(c) of the Charter - given the low number of outbreaks at places of worship - it’s clear that the impact on churches is incidental to this policy.

4/n

This is, by definition, a wisdom issue. Scripture doesn’t provide clear instructions for how churches are to respond to facially neutral restrictions on our ability to gather for worship during a pandemic. As such, we need to leave ample room for differences of consciences.

5/n

An appeal to conscience is the simplest way that churches can justify staying open contrary to lockdown orders. They need not say more than this:

“We respect the authorities, but at this time believe that we must honour God’s command to not give up on meeting together.”

6/n

That’s it. Nothing else needs to be added. You don’t need to talk about BLM, etc. Other Christians will come to the opposite conclusion: namely, that it’s right for us to submit to government-mandated lockdown orders at this time. I’d fall into this latter camp.

7/n

But it’s quite ironic that many of the Christians engaging in civil disobedience are also those who have left little room for the conscience. The only justification they need is staring them right in the face, but they continue to twist themselves into theological pretzels.

8/n

I bear no ill will to those whose consciences are bound differently than mine. We must each be “fully convinced in [our] own mind[s]” on these matters (Romans 14:5). We will give an account before God for our consciences. Let’s have a little bit of grace for each other.

9/n

So this is my plea:

Christian, do not bind the consciences of other believers where scripture doesn’t allow you to do so.

Do not take God’s name in vain by making his Word say something which it does not.

(This cuts both ways, in case anyone was wondering.)

10/n

If you believe that you must continue to meet with your church contrary to lockdown orders, then do so with a clear conscience before God.

But make sure that you do so peaceably and with respect to your governing authorities, giving honour where it is owed (Romans 13:7).

11/n

Let your conscience ensure that no one is able to put you to shame (1 Peter 3:16).

Above all, have grace for those with whom you strongly - even profoundly - disagree.

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).

12/12

#SDG

For some more thoughts on the biblical imperative to submit to governing authorities (which encapsulate my own views quite well) see this excellent article by @pastrpaulcarter: https://twitter.com/pastrpaulcarter/status/1345919895045869570