Book Recommendation: ‘On the Duty of Christian Civil Disobedience’

In his book, "On the Christian Duty of Civil Disobedience," author Peter Demos asks when it is time to act with spiritual strength. (Peter Demos)

I’m going to start this review of Peter Demos’s book “On the Duty of Christian Civil Disobedience” with a bit of related information.

According to data from LearnReligions.com, as of 2019, there were over 2.5 billion Christians in the world, making up nearly one-third of the world’s population. The term “Christian” encompasses a broad range of denominations, with Roman Catholicism comprising the largest group. The number of Christians in the world has quadrupled from about 600 million in 1910 to well past 2 billion presently.

The Bible continues to be a popular read, with approximately 93 million Bibles distributed globally per year.

Author Peter Demos believes that faith alone may not be enough. There will be times when you are called to act. What then?—he writes in "On the Christian Duty of Civil Disobedience." (Peter Demos)

While the majority of people might attest to be Christian, Demos believes that faith only may not be enough. There will be times when you are called to act. What then?

The author freely admits that his personal journey of faith was not always as clear and focused as it is now. While growing up in a church, he often found himself at odds with much of Christianity, even to the point of scoffing at friends and associates.

But all of that changed when he was reawakened to Christ and purposely set about changing his attitudes and perspectives, conducting his business differently, and embracing his renewed faith with actionable energy.

Powerful Calling

Demos is not a religious historian, man of the cloth, or spiritual counselor. His professional background is in business and law. Currently, he is the president and attorney for Demos Brands, which includes Demos’ Restaurant in Tennessee, specializing in authentic family fare since 1989. He is also a public speaker focused on his faith, business, and personal growth.

For Demos, his strongest calling is to be a steward for Christ, sharing his word and applying it to all facets of life. He also wants to convince others to do the same. He calls himself a “contagious disciple-maker.”

Readers will find that Demos asks tough questions when it comes to defending one’s faith, particularly in such tumultuous times. He believes, like many, that Christianity is under attack from politicians, government actions, social media, and celebrities.

The recent pandemic brought to the forefront challenges for many Christians, particularly the closing of many churches at a time when spiritual strength was desperately needed. Pastors risked sanctions if they kept their doors open.

Demos makes heavy use of scripture throughout his book looking to the Bible for ultimate guidance as he hopes to enlighten and encourage others to act courageously and compassionately, but also with a strong set of convictions.

He emphasizes throughout that it is a fine line when defending what you believe to be justice, and what actually is an offensive act to God.

Joan in the foreground, facing figures from her trial in the monument commemorating Joan of Arc, 1909, a plaster work by Émile Pinchon. in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Noyon. (Public Domain)

Powerful Words and Powerful People

In addition to a firm grasp of scripture, Demos shares examples of historical champions going back to figures like St. Paul the Apostle who, while traveling on the road to Damascus, experienced Christ and became a fervent preacher in the first century world. He was ultimately beheaded, becoming a martyr for his faith.

As a 19-year-old French girl, Joan of Arc led troops into battle in the siege of Orléans in 1429 during the Hundred Years’ War. She rejected church authority in favor of direct inspiration from God. She ultimately was named the patron saint of France for her commitment and courage. But many considered her actions heretical; she was executed by being burned at the stake.

During World War II in Germany, some religious leaders were not in line with Hitler’s tyrannical actions. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian. He was an anti-Nazi dissident who was a key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings in his 1937 book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” where he talks about the role of Christianity in a secular world, has become a classic. He had ties to the conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime. He was executed in 1945 at the Flossenbürg concentration camp. He was 39.

Portrait of German religious leader and resistance participant Dietrich Bonhoeffer, late 1930s or early 1940s. An outspoken critic of the Nazi regime, the Lutheran pastor and theologian was ultimately hanged at Flossenbürg Concentration Camp. (Authenticated News/Getty Images)

American abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman didn’t sit comfortably once she had escaped slavery at the age of 27. She made some 13 missions, rescuing dozens of others. Known as the “Moses of her people,” she went on to serve as a spy, soldier, scout, and nurse for the Union army.

With his mantra of non-violence, Martin Luther King Jr. would change the course of history as one of the most prominent figures in the civil rights movement, from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

While religious freedom is something that we take for granted in the United States, Christians continue to be persecuted in many countries throughout the world.

Demos is not an advocate for violence. He is an advocate for embracing your faith, doing the best you can in understanding the risks and rewards for righteous action, and being willing to accept the consequences.

His is to glorify God by serving others. His mantra is of grit and accountability where your actions matter. Readers may find his narrative informing and insightful, and certainly written with passion.

‘On the Duty of Christian Civil Disobedience’ By Peter Demos Five Stone Press, Sept. 28, 2021 Paperback: 236 pages