Just a quickie response, and then I'll comment more later. I hadn't looked at all the references before, but now that I have I see you are right about when we don't have to obey the government. Firstly, there is this:
We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith.
(Shoghi Effendi: Directives of the Guardian, Page: 57)
The words "such as" imply that this is just one example, but not the only one. Secondly, this elucidates several areas in which Baha'is must follow the Writings no matter what:
The insistence of its members, while obedient in all matters of a purely administrative character to the civil statutes of their country, on adhering to the fundamental spiritual principles, precepts and laws revealed by Baha'u'llah, requiring them, among other things, to hold fast to truthfulness, not to dissimulate their faith, observe the ordinances prescribed for marriage and divorce, and suspend all manner of work on the Holy Days ordained by Him..."
(Shoghi Effendi: God Passes By, Page: 362)
Therefore, it seems that there are a number of areas in which Baha'is must disobey the government, which makes me wonder why all our statements about absolute obedience to government aren't misleading. Frankly I'm glad that there are a number of really awful things that we must not do under any circumstances. Hooray!
Regards, David
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