Chamburuka, A Theological reflection on Romans 13:1-7 in ...liberation theology among the Zimbabwean masses during the same
period. They were indeed nationalists in their own right who analysed
Rom 13 critically.
Hence decisive action needs to be taken at whatever cost. However, this
calls for a collective effort on the side of the church. The groundbreaking
efforts must be vested upon teaching of member on their rights as
Christian citizens, that is, teachings on church-state relations must be
part of Christian catechism. This will demythologize the old conception
that the church must not be involved in political affairs. Theological
orientation drawn from the German church, Latin American and Asian
experiences must act as a springboard to the new Christian era of Chris-
tian activism in the fight for a democratic society in Africa. Once Chris-
tians own their destiny all the fear and selfishness will be replaced by
responsible and sacrificial ethical values. The church should continually
exert a strong ethical influence upon the state, supporting policies and
programmes deemed to be just and opposing policies and programmes
that are unjust. In the process the church should always realise that she
should not seek to be masters of the state, or to be the servant of the
state, neither should it be the instrument of the state. Instead she should
be the conscience of the state. More so, the state should not attempt to
control the church, nor should the church seek to dominate the state.
Nevertheless, the church must encourage constructive criticism as well
as positive appreciation of the good that would have been achieved by the
state. This therefore calls for freedom of expression, freedom of the
press, as well as freedom of association in the Zimbabwean society. It is
imperative to note that the church must not wait for bishops to take the
leading role in all the above matters but these objectives can be champi-
oned by individuals, caucuses or pressure groups as well as theological
colleges. These smaller groups can serve the nation from being manipu-
lated by the government of the day. Until a time when the church or its
organs become proactive, influential and prophetic in society tyrants,
dictators, and illegitimate leaders will continue to oppress the masses.
Zimbabwe will never be the same if the church rises above the shackles
of quietism.
In conclusion Rom 13:1-7 should not be interpreted out of context be-
cause this text has been grossly abused world over. The Christian com-
munity must not be pacified or intimidated by political dictators who
rubber-stamp political mishaps, mischief, exploitation of the public