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Cover of The Duty of Submission to Civil Authority,: A Sermon Preached in the Parish Church of Bradfield, Berkes, on Sunday, November 28, 1830, on Occasion of the Late Disturbances

The Duty of Submission to Civil Authority,: A Sermon Preached in the Parish Church of Bradfield, Berkes, on Sunday, November 28, 1830, on Occasion of the Late Disturbances

Written by J. F. (John Frewen) Moor

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Church and stateSermons, EnglishChristianity and lawSedition

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About this book

"The Duty of Submission to Civil Authority" by J. F. Moor is a sermon published in the early 19th century. The text reflects on the Christian obligation to submit to civil authorities, emphasizing that true Christianity promotes loyalty and obedience rather than rebellion. This sermon is rooted in biblical teachings, particularly focusing on the Apostle Peter's exhortation for believers to be submissive to governmental structures, regardless of their governing figures’ moral character. In the sermon, Moor articulates the biblical basis for submission to civil authority, reinforcing the idea that authority is instituted by God, and thus, resisting it equates to resisting divine order. He addresses the nature of this submission, which includes both a lack of rebellion against rulers and an active support for lawful governance. Moreover, Moor acknowledges scenarios where civil orders may conflict with divine laws, emphasizing that, in such instances, Christians are to obey God rather than men but are still called to accept the punishment for their convictions without inciting rebellion. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a moral guide for Christians living in tumultuous times, encouraging them to uphold peace and righteousness.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Duty of Submission to Civil Authority,: A Sermon Preached in the Parish Church of Bradfield, Berkes, on Sunday, November 28, 1830, on Occasion of the Late Disturbances, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 1 hours
  • intermediate
  • didactic
  • earnest
  • authoritative

J. F. Moor's "The Duty of Submission to Civil Authority" is an early 19th-century sermon that sternly advocates for Christian obedience to governmental powers, preached in the wake of societal disturbances in 1830. Rooted deeply in biblical teachings, particularly from the Apostle Peter, Moor argues that civil authority is divinely instituted, making resistance to it an act against God's order. The sermon defines submission as both an absence of rebellion and active support for lawful governance, while also addressing the nuanced situation where divine and civil laws conflict, instructing believers to obey God but accept consequences peacefully. Ultimately, Moor's work functions as a moral and theological guide, urging Christians to foster peace and righteousness amidst political unrest.

“True Christianity promotes loyalty and obedience rather than rebellion.”

Key themes

Submission to Civil Authority
This is the central and overarching theme of the sermon. Moor argues that Christians have a divinely mandated duty to submit to governmental structures and their officeholders. This submission is presented as a core tenet of true Christianity, encompassing both a lack of rebellion and active support for lawful governance. It is framed as an act of obedience to God, who institutes authority.
Divine Institution of Authority
Moor's argument for submission is firmly rooted in the theological premise that all civil authority ultimately derives its power from God. This theme underscores that governmental power is not merely a human construct but a divine ordinance, making resistance to the state an act of defiance against God himself. This elevates political obedience to a spiritual imperative.
Christian Conduct in Tumultuous Times
The sermon is explicitly preached 'on Occasion of the Late Disturbances,' highlighting its practical aim to guide Christians on how to behave during periods of social and political unrest. It advocates for a specific mode of conduct characterized by peace, loyalty, and non-rebellion, even when faced with grievances or provocations. This theme emphasizes the Christian's role as a peacemaker and an upholder of civic order.

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How does Moor's argument for divine institution of civil authority resonate or conflict with modern democratic principles?

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