The Christian Basis for Civil Disobedience

Peter and the other apostles set the example: when told by authorities they could not testify to the risen and ascended Christ, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). So we know that Christians must not obey authorities when their command directly contradicts God and his revealed Word.

But what about situations that are less clear, such as when religious freedom is encroached upon in the workplace or when college ministries are denied access to a university facilities? Tim Keller, Al Mohler, and John Yates sat down in 2012 to discuss how Christians should evaluate situations that may—or may not—call for civil disobedience.

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Tim Keller (MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) was founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Manhattan, chairman of Redeemer City to City, and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition. He wrote numerous books, including The Reason for God. He and his wife, Kathy, had three children.

R. Albert Mohler Jr. (MDiv, PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and host of The Briefing and Thinking in Public. He is the author of several books, including The Apostles’ Creed. He and his wife, Mary, have two children.

John Yates (MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary; DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is former rector of The Falls Church Anglican in northern Virginia, and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He has authored a number of books, including Raising Kids with Character Traits That Last (with Susan Yates). John and his wife, Susan, have five children.