When to Disobey

by Pierre Viret

This book is written to help Christians discern when to disobey and when to comply with tyrannical government orders. There are 14 chapters in the book. It may be used with Bible in hand as a course in case studies centered around Pierre Viret.

178 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2020

About the author

Pierre Viret (entre 1509 et 1511 - 1571) est un théologue réformateur suisse et une figure importante de la Réforme protestante,

Pierre Viret (1511 – 1571) was a Swiss Reformed theologian and an important figure in the Protestant Reformation.

Reviews

[Matthew]

The excellence of Pierre Viret's exegetical acumen, theological preciseness, and practical wisdom is once again put on display in this compiled work. The chapters are made of excerpts from his various works.

By far, my favorite chapter is How the Sheep Will Vanquish the Wolves. This is by far what every person who recognizes the reality of "culture war" and the need to reconstruct reality in light of God's Word needs to read. He is both restrained by God's Word in calls to resistance and unforgiving of sins on the part of tyrants and when we need to resist.

[Lee Button]

This book is written to help believers think through contemporary issues about government and how to be governed. "When civil governments become tyrants, Christians are forced to make decisions. . . They want to be great citizens. But they are conflicted, because they have to decide how to honor the authorities and be faithful to Hod at the same time." (From the preface)
Pierre Viret was well prepared to deal with these issues in the 16th century and his wisdom applies today. The biblical case studies begin with how man should be governed. He discusses the dangers of democracy because of its broad basis in human reason ("nothing within man more contrary to God than his human reason, if it isn't regenerated by the Spirit of God.") On that foundation Viret builds his arguments about rebellion, war, the ministry of magistrates, and the Christian's response to each. He reminds readers that sheep will finally overpower wolves. The final chapter gives direction on a Christian's duty under ungodly magistrates. Using biblical illustrations Pastor Viret leads the reader to a greater understanding of how meekness will inherit the earth.

[Timothy Decker]

Helpful but edited in a strange order.