2242. The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Refusing obedience to civil authorities, when their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience, finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community. “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”48 “We must obey God rather than men”:49
When citizens are under the oppression of a public authority which oversteps its competence, they should still not refuse to give or to do what is objectively demanded of them by the common good; but it is legitimate for them to defend their own rights and those of their fellow citizens against the abuse of this authority within the limits of the natural law and the Law of the Gospel.50
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
421. Where does one find the New Law?
304. Which sins must be confessed?
217. What is the meaning of the word “Amen” with which we conclude our profession of faith?
499. Why are artificial insemination and artificial fertilization immoral?
124. In what condition was the body of Christ while it lay in the tomb?
469. What kind of punishment may be imposed?
390. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What are the story and life lessons drawn from the Ascension of Solomon in 1 Kings 1-2?
What is the cyclicality of Israel’s history and how is it portrayed in Judges 3-16?
What is the importance of faithfulness to God, according to the book of Tobias?
How important is the supremacy of Christ according to Colossians 1:15-20?
What is the importance of persevering in the faith, according to 2 John 1:8?
Understanding God’s sovereignty through the Psalms (Psalm 33:6-9)
