Cease Quote by Daniel L Dreisbach
“God ordained and established civil government, but only to serve the common good. A civil government that oppresses its people and acts contrary to the people's interests deposes itself, ceases to be a legitimate government, and, therefore, citizens are no longer obligated by Scripture to obey it.”
About This Quote
Government exists to promote the common good; when it becomes oppressive it loses legitimacy and citizens' scriptural duty to obey ends.
In simple terms: Government should serve people; if it oppresses, it loses moral authority.
Key Takeaway
Question obedience to unjust rule.
Themes
politics
legitimacy
civil rights
authority
obedience
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political protest
- legal challenges
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social contract
legitimacy
civil disobedience
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a government become illegitimate?
- How should individuals respond to oppressive policies?
A Different Perspective
Legitimacy can be subjective and contested, making obedience decisions complex.
![“The Limit of this obligation to obedience [to the civil government] will be found only when we are commanded to do something contrary to the to the superior authority of God (Acts iv. 19; v. 29); or when the civil government has become so radically and incurably corrupt that it has ceased to…” quote by A.A. Hodge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/26c/a-a-hodge-79801_politics_the-limit-of-this-obligation-to-obedienc_2170575.jpg)
