Was the American Revolution Sinful?

[calvinllyman]

Was the American Revolution acceptable in God's eyes? Romans chapter 13 and Titus chapter 2 both say that we should submit to our government. does this mean that physically revolting and setting up your own government is always sinful? I think it is, but I would like to see what everyone else thinks.

[Daniel P]

No i dont think it was sinfull at all! We did not have the freedom of religion and therefore, a correct doctrine of Christianity was not accepted. But that s definitly a great question up for debate!

[calvinllyman]

Great point Daniel. It has been awhile since I posted that last statement, and my views have greatly changed since then. I hadn't thought about the fact that religious freedom did not exist under British rule, and that was the main purpose of the American Revolution. Thanks for pointing that out Daniel.

[Daniel P]

But then again the Bible tells us to respect or Government. So you have to look at both sides. It has a lot of doctrinal support, yet at the same time there is some opposition

[D.J.]

I do not think that it was sinfull, when the Bible says to respect the government it said it in a time where the Romans were KILLING Cristians. The Americans had alot of religious freedom compared to those guys. But, they were trying to separate in as peacefull way as possible to be allowed to be founded on Christian values... But that is such a hard question

[vaporshadow]

yes the british were suppressing our religious freedoms, but it took over 100 years after the revolution for us to set up religious freedom. we were suppressed as christians at the time, but we then continued to suppress all other religions once we had control. religious freedom is everyones right, not just a christians right

[D.J.]

this is true, but the best option would probably be to have quietly resited like in Bible times, and yes we should not restrict any religion unless the require things like child sacrifce(how could people bring themselves to do that )

[calvinllyman]

As I think Daniel P. pointed out earlier, the British Government was engaging in Taxation without Representation. They were taxing us heavily, but neglecting to govern us at the same time. Thus, we drafted the Declaration of Independence which, well, declared our independence. Max, I am not going to suggest that the Americans got everything right as soon as we switched governments, but when the Founding Fathers set up the Constitution, they established a legal system that revolved around the principles that all men are created equal, and that all men have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Granted, not everyone followed their example. The slave trade is a huge and tragic example. You may be surprised to know that many of the Founding Fathers were interested in abolishing slavery, contrary to popular belief. As for the oppression of other religions during the Founding of our Republic, it was freedom of religion that the early Americans left the British in order to secure. Their wishes were enshrined in the First Amendment, which allows all to practice their religion without hindrance. As Dan pointed out, this does not provide solace for those whose religion call for acts of violence or other encroachments on natural law. With all of this being said, I do not understand what other religious oppression you are referring to, so please explain.