Exploring Catholic Social Teaching

HANDOUT D
Government, Obedience, and Persecution
Directions:
Read the excepts and answer the individual document questions. Then
synthesize all you have learned from all the documents in your response to the
question: Should a Christian expect to endure persecution in today’s world? Why
or why not?
A Matthew 5:9-10
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.
1. How are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake blessed?
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2. How do the Beatitudes as a whole help you understand Christian temperament and right
conduct?
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B Romans 13:1-2
Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority
except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.
Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who
oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.
3. From where does true authority come? ________________________________________________________
4. Does this passage mean that Christians must follow the commands of all government
officials at all times? Why or why not?
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