Duty to God (Bonhoeffer)

Question 1

Pro: Bonhoeffer said that, given a choice between defeating a nation and defeating the entirety of Christian civilisation, the choice should be obvious

Answer 1

Con: In the Gospels, Jesus does not encourage disobedience when he says, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s’ (Mark 12:17)

Question 2

Pro: Bonhoeffer said that doing nothing to combat injustice was just as bad as doing evil

Answer 2

Con: The Bible teaches that leadership on earth comes from God (‘there is no authority except that which God has established’)

Question 3

Pro: Where fundamental Christian principles are challenged, the duty to God is more important e.g., some Christians use this as a reason to refuse to participate in abortions, or to break the law to protest against abortion

Answer 3

Con: Even if a Christian disagrees with something in society, Christians should be above any disobedience and should take the higher ground e.g., they could disagree but still do as they are told. Jesus disobeyed the state but still submitted to them in crucifixion.