In the beginning, during the time of the Patriarchs, no government existed but the rule of God directly over man. After the flood, men like Nimrod began placing themselves between God and man as they built their kingdoms and established their own authority. Despite civil government's origin and history being rooted in rebellion and arrogance against the Creator of man, God has found a use for it. He has ordained civil government for a purpose - to punish evildoers and to protect the liberty and security of its people, so that we may be able to "lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness...