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8 Lutheran Life Conflicting Ideas in Remind them [Christians] to be submis- sive to rulers and authorities, to be obe- dient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courte- sy toward all people. (Titus 3:1–2) Whew! I had to double check that these verses were written in AD 68 and not AD 2020. Boy, do I need this reminder, and I bet you could use it too. As we consider our current political landscape, it's sometimes hard to submit to our rulers, avoid speaking evil, avoid quar- reling (regardless of who starts it), and practice gentle- ness. Instead, this passage exhorts us to be ready to do every good work and show perfect courtesy toward all people. Scripture certainly challenges us to better respect our rulers and recognize the order God has established in the left-hand kingdom through the role of government. But there is a limit. We also know the political corrup- tion and oppression that run rampant throughout our fallen world. What happens when those in authority are not ruling in a way that upholds peace and the safety of the people? The disciples were arrested multiple times for preach- ing in the name of Jesus. When the high priest strictly charged Peter and the disciples to stop, the disciples stood boldly in their conviction, declaring, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). That's the same conviction we stand by today, for the call to submit to the governing authorities does not keep us from speak- ing out against corrupt government. Authors Veith and Sutton explain Luther's example of both respecting authority and questioning its actions during the Refor- mation: Understanding the two kingdoms provides a frame- work for relating to both church and state, recognizing God is King over both—and when the two conflict, we submit to the almighty King Jesus. As we do, we con- tinue to uphold our vocations as citizens by respect- ing the leaders in office and keeping them ever in our prayers. As Paul writes: "I urge that supplications, prayers, in- tercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1–4). So, in conflict and in peace, we pray: Far from being a period of political quietism and passive acceptance of authority, the Reformation provoked political upheaval, rebellion, and a thorough-going questioning of authority. Luther defied both the pope and emperor. Peasants revolted. Local princes, convinced of the truth of Lutheranism, rebelled against their feudal overlords and, specifically, the emperor. This escalated into armed conflict between the Lutheran princes and the Holy Roman Empire, first with the Smalcald War and, later, the Thirty Years' War. Yes, Luther piously counseled submission, to the point of recommending that the princes turn him over to the emperor to be killed. Yes, Luther urged the princes to quell the peasant rebellion, which had degenerated into bloody anarchy. But Luther never held back from criticizing earthly authorities, from King Henry VIII to some of his own allies among the German princes. (Authentic Christianity, p. 179)

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