Divine Mandates
In 1688-1689 William of Orange and his wife Mary, daughter of England's King James II invaded and took the English throne from Mary's father. This act threw at least a few Anglicans into a panic, because while many disliked James, they believed that the king ruled by divine mandate. When William requested of England's bishops an oath of allegiance, a small number declined and thus began the Nonjuring Schism, of which I've written a bit myself.
From time to time we hear someone speak of God's choosing a political leader, often referencing Romans 13 as proof. Conservative Christians will on occasion speak of God choosing a president, especially the current one, who has made his relationship with God a centerpiece -- in some ways it seems to encourage him to "go it alone." But is this divine mandate authentic? Does God choose our leaders? If we are consistent in this, and few are, then we must believe that God not only has chosen George Bush, but also Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and yes Saddam Hussein.
What many people forget is the context of Romans 13 -- Paul was writing to people living under Roman imperial rule -- perhaps Nero -- and counseling patience. Now, I do believe that God desires order over anarchy -- but especially in America I'm assuming we the people are choosing our leaders, not God -- that is our divine mandate -- choose wisely!!!
From time to time we hear someone speak of God's choosing a political leader, often referencing Romans 13 as proof. Conservative Christians will on occasion speak of God choosing a president, especially the current one, who has made his relationship with God a centerpiece -- in some ways it seems to encourage him to "go it alone." But is this divine mandate authentic? Does God choose our leaders? If we are consistent in this, and few are, then we must believe that God not only has chosen George Bush, but also Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and yes Saddam Hussein.
What many people forget is the context of Romans 13 -- Paul was writing to people living under Roman imperial rule -- perhaps Nero -- and counseling patience. Now, I do believe that God desires order over anarchy -- but especially in America I'm assuming we the people are choosing our leaders, not God -- that is our divine mandate -- choose wisely!!!
Comments
I think you're confusing two events -- Charles II was invited home after Cromwell's death. William was invited by nobels and church leaders fearful of his Roman Catholicism and the fact that his Catholic wife had born him a son -- who now would be heir. William and Mary intervened. You are right that little blood was spilt -- but there were battles -- in Ireland rather than in England.