Matthew Trewhella

Wisconsin Watch: Trewhella gained his newfound acceptance with a self-published 2013 book, “The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates,” which relies on a theory developed by 16th-century Calvinists seeking holy justification for fighting political oppression amid the religious wars of the Protestant Reformation. Trewhella has applied it to today’s political battles, writing that government officials have a divine “right and duty” to defy any laws, policies or court opinions that violate “the law of God.” ProPublica: "Trewhella has given sermons about violence, saying that pacifism is “heresy” and that “violence is a tool.”" Experts warn that Trewhella's influence, particularly at state and local levels, could put "people's lives and… civil order at risk" by encouraging defiance of laws and democratic norms.