Book overview:
Dever builds his entire book around the ‘God and Caesar’ debate in Mark 12:13-17. Rather than being tricked into rebelling against the Romans nor affirming Roman rule, Jesus’ political theology affirms the authority of earthly governments (even pagan ones) whilst recognising their power is (and should be) limited. This stands in stark contrast to God's unlimited power and authority.
Discussion:
- What did you make of the book?
- Picking up on the question/assertion in the introduction, does Christianity have a vision for the state, and for society as a whole? Should it? (pp. 7-16)
- What vision does the book provide?
- What does Mark 12 teach us about the role of government within the Bible? Why does it exist? What does it do? Where does it come from?
- What did you make of Dever’s thoughts on authority and rebellion?
- Does this authority have limits? What are the implications of this?
- What responsibilities/attitudes should Christians therefore have towards government? Why?
- Christians are to obey, but not worship, the state (p.37). Why is this important?
- ‘Our duty to earthly authority is limited, but our duty to God is comprehensive’ (p.46). What does this mean? Why is this good news?
- Why does Dever describe his friend’s view of the state as too shallow? Why is the biblical view good news?
