When is it justifiable for a Christian to take up arms against a tyrannical government? As we witness the relentless erosion of our rights, the purposeful skyrocketing cost of living and erosion of the value of our currency, and the undeniably increasingly authoritarian actions of those in power, many believers are grappling with a profound question: At what point must we follow the example of our forefathers at Lexington and Concord? Should Christians, whose faith commands peace, also stand ready to resist tyranny with force when necessary? Where does our duty to God intersect with our duty to defend liberty? When is enough enough? 

These are profound questions to which present circumstances demand answers. There are forces now polarizing America and goading Americans toward civil war. The enemies of liberty would prematurely precipitate deadly conflict to tear apart our union, and there are reckless, foolish, and impatient souls who are willing to oblige them. On the other side are the timid and pacifistic, who argue that even contemplating armed resistance to tyranny is to be "anti-government," an "extremist," a criminal "insurgent," or a "terrorist." Must we accept oppression upon oppression until we are reduced to a state of utter despotism? Where is the prudent and responsible patriot to look for guidance in the rapidly accelerating troubles of our times?

Read the following quotations and see if you can detect the faint outline of a template for when it is morally justifiable to take up arms against tyrants.