Falwell mobilized scripture to authorize aggression and justify militarized government.

Evidence

Christian citizens must rectify this situation. Lest Americans be misled by traditions of Christian pacifism, Falwell insisted that Christianity sanctioned military aggression. The Book of Romans stated plainly that God granted government officials “the right to bear the sword.” Moreover, “a political leader, as a minister of God, is a revenger to execute wrath upon those who do evil.” The US government, then, had every right “to use its armaments to bring wrath upon those who would do evil by hurting other people.” Good citizens submit to their governments and honor those in authority over them; in turn, government officials—“ministers of God”—ensure the safety of their citizens by “being a terror to evildoers within and without the nation.” Ultimately, American security depended on its men: “We need in America today powerful, dynamic, and godly leadership.” — Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jesus and John Wayne, 224

Categorization

• QUESTION: The Romans 13 ‘bear the sword’ text is doing a LOT of work here — worth tracing how this biblical prooftext became the standard evangelical warrant for state violence.