[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by pelathais

As you have said, you are expressing your own opinions here. The Scripture, however, is more open to various understandings on the subject of self defense and just war.

According to your take (and I admire your take even if I don't entirely agree with it!) Christians can NEVER be political leaders or rulers of any kind. Being a ruler means that one has to take up the sword at times to defend the innocent.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

The politicians and other rulers are said to have been installed in office "of God." Technically, that would also apply to whatever office Gov. Perry holds. If he should run for President and be elected, you owe him your deference as as he's a "minister of God." (The same for President Obama, guys).

Did this also apply to King George of England?

Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

The consequences for refusing to obey could be rather dire.

Do you believe the minutemen on the Concord bridge were terrorists or freedom fighters?

Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Paul is speaking in general terms here, obviously. Regimes like the Nazis, Stalin, Saddam Hussein and that ilk step across a line when they become a terror to those who are doing good.

How fat is that line? Who gets to determine such nebulous things such as, what is 'a terror,' or what is 'doing good,' or what circumstances unambiguously declare that 'a line' has been crossed?

However, the general principle remains. The "rulers" must have at their disposal a means of inflicting fear or "terror" in the hearts of the evil doers. That means is "the sword," or military violence.

Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

If Gov. Perry (or really, whoever) is elected President, they are a MINISTER OF GOD and bear a sword as a consequence of their ministry.

What if their eligibility or election were fraudulent, yet uncontested? Is that a sign of the hand of God moving in elections, or of general cowardice in the population at large?