R. J. Rushdoony expands, "In early America, there was no question, whatever the form of civil government, that all legitimate authority is derived from God... Under a biblical doctrine of authority, because 'the powers that be are ordained of God (), all authority, whether in the home, school, state, church, or any other sphere, is subordinate authority and is under God and subject to His word.'
R. J. Rushdoony elaborates: "In early America, there was no doubt about civil government's legitimacy stemming from God... Under a biblical doctrine of authority, because 'the powers that be are ordained by God (), all authority—whether in the home, school, state, church, or any other sphere—is subordinate and subject to His word.'