Islam and Christianity on Obeying the Government

Another difference between Islam and Christianity is the way in which Muslims and Christians are taught about obedience to the governments of this world. Understanding this difference explains why people in both belief systems act the way they do.

The Quran says in sura 4:60 (WOMEN) that this world's rules are from the Devil. "Have you not observed those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, yet they seek Satanic sources for legislation, in spite of being commanded to reject them? Satan means to mislead them far away."

Their book also teaches that secular laws are secondary compared to what the Quran teaches. Muslims are told  to obey their theocratic religious authorities in all things. Sura 4:59 (anNisa’) reads, "O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you dispute over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best, and a most excellent determination."

But what does the Bible teach? Paul wrote in Romans 13:1 (BBE) that, "Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God."

Likewise, he wrote in Romans 13:7 (KJV) that we must, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

When the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, Luke 20:25 (KJV) reads, "And he said unto them, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.'"

I could write so much more about how God rules in this world. Instead, I'll leave that for my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? We're commanded to only disobey when governments order us to do what God forbids or forbids what God commands us to do.



On Thursday, I'll post about Islam's view of heaven verses what the Bible teaches. Stay tuned.