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Vidiciae Contra Tyrannos-A Defense of LIberty Against Tyrants by Junius Brutus

This book answers four questions.  Beautifully, carefully, powerfully, and wisely.
  1. Are subjects bound to obey their princes, if their princes command that which is against the Law of God?  No.
  2. Is it lawful to resist a prince who infringes the Law of God?  Yes.
  3. Is it lawful to resist a prince who oppresses or ruins a public state?  Yes.
  4. Are neighboring princes bound by law to assist the subjects of princes who are persecuted for the true religion or oppressed by manifest tyranny?  Yes.
The oft-persecuted French Huguenots further refined Reformed political theory. They created a more far-reaching constitutionalism, featuring the limitation of political power, the “consent of the governed”, and “the right to resist tyrants in the name of divinely granted liberty”. Vidiciae Contra Tyrannos, born during the intense religious warfare of the late sixteenth century, was the best example of the Huguenot's ardent opposition to tyranny.


For more information on the history of Christian resistance against tyranny, listen to this.  Or click on the book image above to read the text online.
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Ever thought about what the Ten Commandments that God gave to Israel 3500 years ago has to do with us today?  Ever thought about what those little case laws have to do with us in the 21st century?  What do all those proverbs and prophetic exhortations have to do with the “New Testament” Christian?  What about grace and law?  Are not Christians under grace and therefore do not have to worry about Old Testament Law?  What does a nation’s laws that existed thousands of years ago have to do with us?  The author, R.J. Rushdoony, explains if you are made in the image and likeness of God then Israel and it’s laws that God gave to them have everything to do with you.  These questions and many others like them are answered in a way that the average Christian can understand.  

Rushdoony first shows that he is not talking about being justified by the law.  Very clearly from numerous scripture texts we are justified by grace through faith in Christ alone.  But after you are made right with God through the merits and blood of Christ then what?  How are you to live?  Rushdoony takes you through all of the Ten Commandments and shows how they apply to our families, churches and civil governments.

The first volume of Institutes of Biblical Law is about 900 pages but do not let that intimidate you.  It is well worth the time it takes to read through it.  In the back of the book there are appendices that go in more detail about God’s law in the New Testament and other topics such as Sabbath keeping and bribery.
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