The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

Analysis & Response 83 writes that since God has instituted all governments, people should obey them. Respect for government is one side of the dual response people have towards their governments. With concern for justice in mind, resistance is the second response towards an oppressive government. The Bible discusses that people must oppose the authority when it does not adhere to its role. God established the government to reward the righteous and to punish the wicked (1 Pet. 2.13,14). In the film, the German government does not follow this standard. Instead, the Nazis massacre millions of civilians, while arresting and persecuting Sophie Scholl and her colleagues for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets. Sophie advocates for the Jews and mentally disabled in her cross- examination with the Nazi interrogator, Robert Mohr. She fights against the Nazis’ ideology for a master race, mindful of the value of all human life. Her argument agrees with Scripture because the Bible commands people to defend the rights of the poor (Prov. 31.8,9). Sophie’s moral beliefs offer her the courage to oppose her corrupt and immoral government. Despite the general principles on respect for authorities and opposition when necessary, the proper response to an oppressive government is not often obvious. The reaction towards abusive authorities often falls in the gray area. However, people should not remain passive, because, according to Bonhoeffer, passiveness in and of itself is an action. In addition, Pastor Stefan Matzal advises that people should oppose the government when it “commands things that God forbids or forbids things God commands.” A government that forces its citizens to break God’s law should be resisted as much as one that prohibits its citizens from doing what God has directed through the Bible. Although the proper response to a dehumanizing government is often not directly stated in the Bible, devotion to God’s law should inspire courage to oppose abusive authority. Scripture supports Sophie’s resistance towards her government as seen through biblical characters who oppose their governments for violating God’s principles and are commended for it. Similar to Sophie Scholl’s situation, John the Baptist confronts King Herod because of Herod’s immoral actions, and John loses his life for it. King Herod married his brother’s wife, Herodias. John the Baptist challenges the king, telling Herod such