By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Church and State.

Imagine a city council vote that could turn an entire municipality into a Second Amendment sanctuary, while a scholar across the aisle argues that the same biblical passage often cited to justify obedience to government actually warns against blind allegiance. This clash of ancient text and modern law sets the stage for a conversation that could reshape how believers view political authority.

Local Initiative: Spokane Valley’s Sanctuary Proposal

Councilman Caleb Collier introduced a motion for Spokane Valley to issue a proclamation declaring the city a Second Amendment sanctuary. While the transcript does not detail the full wording of the proposal, Collier’s advocacy reflects a growing movement among local officials to affirm gun rights against perceived federal overreach. The initiative underscores a broader trend of municipalities asserting constitutional interpretations that align with community values.

By seeking formal recognition, the council aims to send a clear signal to both residents and state officials that Spokane Valley will resist any attempts to infringe upon the right to bear arms. This local action illustrates how city‑government decisions can become flashpoints in the national debate over gun policy.

Libertarian Biblical Scholarship: Rethinking Romans 13

Alex Bernardo, host of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast and author of *Politics, Economics, and New Testament Interpretation*, argues that many Christians misapply Romans 13 as a blanket endorsement of governmental authority. He emphasizes the need to read the passage in its historical and rhetorical context, noting, “Romans 13 is not a timeless theory of political power.” Bernardo explains that Paul’s primary concern was the unity and identity of the early church, not a universal political blueprint.

Bernardo further asserts, “We have to start with the Bible and work forward,” urging believers to let Scripture shape their political and economic views rather than the reverse. By examining how Paul addressed Roman authorities amid a diverse and often hostile empire, Bernardo highlights the tension between civic obedience and prophetic dissent found elsewhere in Scripture, such as Acts 5:29.

Bridging Faith and Policy: Practical Implications

The dialogue between Collier and Bernardo reveals a shared conviction: Christians must align modern institutions with biblical principles. The sanctuary proclamation is a concrete expression of protecting liberty, a value tied to biblical freedom. Bernardo, meanwhile, cautions against uncritical acceptance of any governmental policy, urging a critical lens that asks whether laws reflect the kingdom values of humility, love, and justice.

Both speakers agree that the church’s role is not to retreat from public life but to engage it thoughtfully. They suggest that believers evaluate policies—whether gun legislation or economic regulation—through the dual prisms of scriptural fidelity and libertarian emphasis on individual responsibility.

The Broader Landscape: Christian Nationalism and Contextual Reading

Bernardo warns that many modern Christians fall into a “box of conversation” that assumes democracy and nation‑state structures are divinely ordained. He notes that this mindset can lead to a form of Christian nationalism that forces contemporary politics onto the biblical narrative rather than allowing Scripture to inform political understanding.

By referencing Jeremiah 29’s call to seek the welfare of the city while also recognizing prophetic promises of divine restoration, Bernardo illustrates how biblical texts can simultaneously endorse civic cooperation and anticipate ultimate divine intervention. This nuanced approach challenges simplistic readings that either wholly endorse or reject governmental authority.

What This Means for Communities

For Spokane Valley residents, the sanctuary proposal is more than symbolic; it could affect law‑enforcement practices, funding, and community relations. For the broader Christian audience, Bernardo’s hermeneutical framework offers a method for evaluating any policy—taxes, education, health care—through a biblical lens that respects both divine authority and human liberty.

Ultimately, the conversation underscores a vital point: when believers ground their political convictions in rigorous biblical scholarship, they equip themselves to engage the public square with conviction, humility, and a readiness to challenge both secular and religious assumptions.

The full episode of Church and State is available on OBBM Network TV.