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Today is a pivotal time in the history of the United States, with a polarized and divisive time politically and socially, there are different attitudes and approaches toward governmental and other types of authority. Even in the sport of football, submitting to authority can be a struggle — whether as an athlete submitting to a manager, a coach at odds with a technical director, or, even, new ownership at a club. Of course, there is corruption and abuse of power at the lowest and highest and levels of the game and replete throughout all authoritative places, but how are we to live and respond?

Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the crucial text of Romans 13:1-5 and what submission to authority looks like for Christian persons. There are three principles that I draw out of these 5 verses, that merit consideration for one who follows Jesus and the way that we ought to react and respond to the different people and positions of authority that we find ourselves placed into and also underneath.

A hero of the faith who lived out the tension of submitting to authority is Dietrich Bonhoeffer. You can read more of his fascinating journey in this fantastic book:

• Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
• Letters and Papers from Prison

Scripture references from today’s episode are (linked below) :

• Romans 13:1-5
• Romans 13:9-10
• Acts 4:19-20
• I Corinthians 13 (MSG)

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.