To Oppose Hitler is to Oppose God

There is a certain type of Christian that advocates the obedience of Christians to Government, almost no matter what. They will admit that one has to obey God rather than man, but in practice they restrict this to such a degree that it is not meaningful, at least not in modern western society. The passage that is used is Romans 13:

 ¹Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ²Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

So I ask those who interpret Romans 13 this way. Was Hitler ordained by God? I remember one conversation in particular. My "opponent" would not answer the question. I can be a bull dog in such situations, so I grabbed on and would not let go. Eventually the person was forced to admit that Hitler was ordained by God. When one comes to an absurd but logical position, it is wise to examine one's assumptions. I do not think I asked the next logical question as the "internet rule" is that if you invoke Hitler the conversation should end. But let me ask it here rhetorically for those who interpret Romans 13 this same way. Was opposing Hitler the same as opposing God?  

A lot of these issues only occur among those that use the King James translation—you know… the one Jesus used! But I often find it helpful to look at other translations. Here is The Message:

 ^1-3Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

 ^3-5Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That's why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live.

 ^6-7That's also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.

It seems to me that the Message understands the point here better than the King James. As a general rule, yes a law-abiding citizen has little to fear from most governments. But this does not mean that every government is fair to every citizen. Nor does it mean that opposition to a government is bad in and of itself. It was Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin who wanted the United States' Motto to be 

"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God." 

In the next entry in this series on war, I will discuss the Revolutionary War. Was it justified? Was General George the hero, and King George the villain? Is taxation without representation tyranny?