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The concept of Rebellion against God in Christianity

Rebellion against God encompasses a range of actions characterized by opposing or resisting divine authority and will. This rebellion is seen as the essence of sin, leading to moral and existential consequences, including estrangement from God. Various Christian traditions highlight that rebellion manifests in disobedience to God's commands, equating it with defiance against human authority. Ultimately, it is perceived as a significant spiritual failure that can result in severe repercussions for individuals, particularly for leaders like David and Saul, emphasizing its condemnation across different branches of Christianity.

Synonyms: Rebellion, Insurrection, Defiance, Revolt, Resistance, Insubordination, Apostasy, Heresy, Impiety, Blasphemy, Sacrilege

In Finnish: Kapina Jumalaa vastaan; In German: Rebellion gegen Gott; In Spanish: Rebelión contra Dios; In Malay: Penderhakaan terhadap Tuhan; In Swedish: Uppror mot Gud; In Dutch: Opstand tegen God; In French: Rébellion contre Dieu

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Rebellion against God'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The essence of sin is rebellion against God and the enthroning of self as His victorious rival; and all rebellion is rebellion, whether it is found in arms in the field, or whether it is simply sulkily refusing obedience and cherishing thoughts of treason.[1] (2) The act of defying divine authority, central to the understanding of sin in the text.[2] (3) Saul's defiance of divine authority, leading to spiritual and practical consequences.[3] (4) The ultimate act of sin that represents a rejection of divine authority by individuals, particularly leaders like David.[4] (5) The act of defying God's will, which is the core nature of all sin according to the text, leading to estrangement from the divine.[5]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Represents the act of opposing God's rightful authority and kingship.[6]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) The act of defying or opposing God's will, which may lead to moral and existential consequences.[7]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The act of turning away from God's commands and rejecting His authority.[8] (2) The act of opposing and defying God's authority, exemplified by Satan's actions and temptations.[9] (3) The act of defying or turning away from God, which entails severe spiritual consequences.[10]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The act of opposing or disobeying God's will and commandments.[11] (2) The act of defying or disobeying God's commands, which is condemned similarly to rebellion against earthly rulers.[12]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) The action taken by Satan and his followers as they asserted their independence and opposed divine authority.[13]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The act of defying divine authority, which is implicated in the soul's punishment and the body's resultant disobedience.[14]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.