Good Rebel? Part 2

When I wrote good rebel part 1 I knew it was a prelude to part 2 andmaybe a part 3. There is so much about the idea of rebellion spinning in my head. When I was referred to as a 'good rebel' by a seasoned officer (Salvation Army minister) in a Leadership role, I believe he genuinely meant it as a complement. However, the statement stuck with me and troubled me. At first I used ‘part 1’ to help me work through why this label bothered me so much. I came to the conclusion that rebellion is not profitable. However, I have thought about that some to. I believe there is a time for rebellion. A rebel is someone who rejects some or all authority, government, or tradition.

There are times to reject an authority, the government, or a tradition. Some clear examples include, the passive resistance civil rightsmovement of the sixties, Rack, Shack, and Benny's refusal to sing the bunnysong. (See Daniel 3 for the real story)So to answer my own question there are times when one could be a 'good rebel'. I believe the only times when rebellion is good is when that ‘thing’ being rebelled against is beyond redemption. We can and should rebel against those systems, traditions, and leaders (ie. powers and principalities) that will only bring harm and chaos.

While there is always hope of personal redemption a leader or ruler'sLeadership can reach a point where their leadership and position is no longer salvageable. This is not to say that there personal soul could not stillbe saved. Hitler could have found true salvation, that would not mean heshould be left in power. The other time when rebellion is acceptable is when ones personalconvictions are challenged in this case however, we must be willing toface the consequences of our rebellion ie. civil disobedience.