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Actually, what I said had nothing to do with Romans 13. Moreover, I do not reject Bush-bashing because I think God told me to be all nicey-nice and never say anything negative about a government leader. What I said had to do with Freepers whining about the President when we could have had two guys who would have the same position on the border and be in the process of losing a world war and pretty much advancing every other bad agenda you can think of. All of you Bush-bashers have forgotten The Toon, and that a man can be good and honest without having the right ideology in every area. I even provided a specific example of what a positive alternative would be, but you kept whining.

However, it is necessary that I correct your lack of understanding of the command in Romans 13.

Take a look at this, from verse 4: "But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing."

When did rabbinical authorities bear the sword? Do you know, BTW, what Roman authorities had their servants do with the sword?

If Paul is talking about rabbinical authorities, why did Jesus tell His disciples to "go the extra mile" and "render unto Caesar"? To elaborate, if by promoting Church authority Paul is saying "Feel free to tell the government to jump in a lake" then he is directly contradicting his Lord.

Now, let's look at verse 6: "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing."

Why is Paul telling people in Rome to pay the temple tax, which was charged in Jerusalem? After the church was scattered by Paul in the early days of the movement, how much of an issue do you think the lack of Temple tax payments by Jewish Christians from Rome would be? Why would he be talking about that instead of talking about a spirit of rebellion in a Roman church under persecution?