Building Religious Projects with views that oppose many in Government

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Luther’s catechisms and writings affirm obedience to civil authority in temporal matters, but they also draw a bright line at spiritual teaching and conscience. The Schmalkaldic League acted on this principle: they obeyed the emperor in civil matters but resisted in matters of faith. Proclaiming biblical counseling in opposition to government trends fits squarely within this Lutheran tradition.

1. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529)

In the section “The Table of Duties”, Luther cites Romans 13:1–4 under the heading “Of Civil Government”, teaching obedience to rulers. But he pairs this with other duties, such as those of citizens and subjects, making clear that obedience is limited to the sphere of temporal order. When rulers command against God’s Word, the higher duty is to God.

2. Luther’s Large Catechism

In the Large Catechism (especially the First Commandment), Luther insists that no earthly authority may command the conscience or displace God’s Word. Civil authority is from God, but it does not extend into the spiritual governance of souls. This distinction between the two kingdoms (temporal and spiritual) is foundational:

  • The temporal kingdom governs external order and justice.

  • The spiritual kingdom governs faith and doctrine.

Therefore, teaching biblical counseling instead of DSM-based categories aligns with the spiritual kingdom’s authority.

3. Luther’s On Temporal Authority (1523)

Luther writes that Christians should obey rulers “in all things that are not against God.” However, when rulers demand what is contrary to God’s Word, Christians must resist:

“If [a ruler] commands me to believe this or that, or forbids me to believe, then I say: ‘In this case you are exceeding your jurisdiction, and are a tyrant. Therefore I will not obey you at all.’”

This was precisely the principle that later justified the Schmalkaldic League’s resistance when the Emperor demanded suppression of their confession.

4. The Schmalkaldic Articles (1537)

Luther, preparing these for a council that never materialized, drew clear lines:

  • The gospel must not be compromised.

  • No human authority (not even emperor or pope) can alter or silence the Word of God.

  • Resistance was lawful under the vocation of princes and magistrates, but never as private rebellion.

5. Application to Biblical Counseling

By choosing biblical counseling over DSM-based categories (especially regarding gender and identity), you are:

  • Acting in the sphere of the spiritual kingdom, where conscience and faith are bound to God’s Word.

  • Following Luther’s teaching that conscience cannot be ruled by civil decree.

  • Standing in continuity with the Lutheran historical stance that resisted state intrusion into doctrine or pastoral care.

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