Accepting Quote by Joseph Sobran
“A Christian can believe that God 'ordained' the 'powers that be' - including political rulers and slaveholders - for purposes too deep for us to understand fully, and that while they last we must provisionally accept them; but that they were not meant to last forever.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Theological Politics, 1995
He argues that political authority is divinely ordained yet temporary, urging provisional acceptance while anticipating change.
In simple terms: God‑ordained rulers are temporary; accept them now but expect change.
Key Takeaway
Recognize authority’s limits and prepare for transformation.
Themes
theology
politics
authority
temporary power
faith
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
divine providence
social contract
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile faith with political injustice?
- What signs indicate a ruler’s time has ended?
A Different Perspective
Authority may be abused despite theological justification.
![“...[T]he Constitution conferred only a few specific powers on the federal government, all others being denied to it (as the Tenth Amendment would make plain). Unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of the U.S. population today - subtle logicians like you - can grasp such nuances. Too bad. The…” quote by Joseph Sobran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e81/joseph-sobran-6902_amendments_t-he-constitution-conferred-only-a-few-s_384248.jpg)
![“...[T]oday's Washington is about as attentive to the Tenth Amendment as the Unitarian Church is to the Book of Revelation.” quote by Joseph Sobran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b72/joseph-sobran-6902_amendments_t-oday-s-washington-is-about-as-attentiv_404524.jpg)
