Why are you arguing so vehemently - I am probably one the strictest constitutionalists alive. The Constitution is the State in my mind. I disagree that we have ANY allegiance to the Declaration...
However.....this thread is not about America at all - what is the Biblical responsibility toward the state?
What did the American colonists do before the revolution? They submitted themselves to the king as long as he was a good ruler and did good. When he turned out to be a tyrant and working evil to injure his own subjects, they acted in self defense in order to do that which was good.
The idea is that Christians are to submit to government but "do what is good". The key word here is do, that's why it's bolded. ;)
I am not sure that I believe that is what scripture in meaning here. Do you pray only for our constitution or our leaders? What about Christians in other lands and other past times before our country was established.
I don't see where submitting means swearing support and defense for anything at all.
Well, I didn't read through the thread yet, but Jesus said to "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar and unto God that which is God's" and Jesus paid taxes.
Edited to add:
John the Baptist confronted King Herod about his immorality.
Of course, he then paid a terrible price for it, but he stood up and confronted nonetheless.
Thats a fair point that had not been brought up yet - though not an instruction it is an example. Another example might be peaceful protest as when Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refused to obey the government edict to bow down to the statue.
Thanks for the on track reply LE. It has given me food for thought.