Reflection Essay_Christianity and the State Assignment_Kion Bolden
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THEO 650
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Liberty University
Rawlings School of Divinity
Reflection Essay: Christianity and the State Assignment
Submitted to Professor Dr. Malcolm Hester
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
Public Theology
THEO 650 – D02
by
Kion Bolden
April 16, 2023
The distinction between church and state has gotten increasingly hazy over time. The church's roles and obligations within communities have undergone tremendous transformation. The church served as a cornerstone and a secure shelter for both believers and atheists in my neighborhood. In addition to financial support, it also offered food, clothing, and occasionally medical support. In times of adversity and struggle, the church was viewed as a haven. There was no question that the spiritual leaders could deal with any issue that was brought to them. They offered aid and advice to people they served that was of high caliber and fairness. When there was a chance to fill a political post, many politicians would enlist the help and support of these spiritual leaders to ensure a significant turnout at the polls to ensure they were elected. Churches and spiritual leaders hold a tremendous deal of influence in our communities.
The interaction between the Church and the State remains obscure. It has occasionally helped churches and communities while also being risky and turbulent at other times. McQuilkin
asserts that attempts to Christianize society have been contested throughout church history. In the
Reagan period, a fresh discussion began. "Politicalizing religion and politics" was denounced by some. Others enthusiastically united church and state.
1
Anyone who believes it is improper for the church to share Jesus Christ with those in their local areas has a poor understanding of the Great Commission mandate. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
) says Jesus in his final instruction to
his followers. Moreover, without a doubt, I will be by your side until the end of time.
A church's role has always been to serve its members and the community at large. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ 1
Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom
,
3
rd
Edition. (IVP, 2014), 517.
1
Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV
). Providing service without falling into self-indulgence. It is clear that justice and mercy must be clearly proclaimed by the church as a whole.
2
Most people, according to McQuilkin, would concur that the church should carry out these “works of mercy” either personally or through its representatives in the areas of health care, social care, financial care, involvement in education, eradicating poverty, and other areas. The church thus has an impact on society.
3
Reaching the lost, the sinner, and the spiritually imprisoned requires the church to proclaim the word (good news) of God. According to Jesus, believers should, “Let your light shine before others, that they
may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). eter further edified the believers by telling them, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV
).
It is crucial to keep in mind that God established the State or the government. The New Testament, in McQuilkin's opinion, provides the clearest proof that God approves of human rule.
The Bible makes it quite apparent that human rule is a divine command: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
4
Even though God created and designed both the State and Christianity, they both operate within the bounds of their respective spheres. The contrary is also true: the Christian faith is not meant to subjugate the state. To keep Christianity within its divine parameters, spiritual leaders must avoid falling into an Ethical Egoism mindset, a form of Ethical
Relativism. In his lecture, Dr. Turchin defined ethical egoism as a mindset that prioritizes self-
2
Ibid, 545.
3
Ibid, 545.
4
Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom
,
3rd Edition. (IVP, 2014), 555.
2
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interest over all other considerations. This self-centered thinking makes clear the part of the self that is incompatible with God or the Creator.
5
The State and Christianity can work together as long as each keeps up its respective responsibilities. The Late Great Dr. Jerry Falwell in the 1980s is a prime illustration of this. He supported Ronald Reagan in his campaign for president in 1981. Reagan believed that if elected, some political beliefs would be advantageous to the church. Falwell understood that the church would gain significantly from Ronald Reagan's agenda. The Church contributed to Reagan's election as president by endorsing his candidacy.
Jerry Falwell, a pastor and spiritual leader, was devoted to his divine calling and mission until his passing. The results of his work are now visible across Liberty University. Despite waiting for the new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells to live under God's infinitely wise rule,
6
McQuilkin stated, “we must come to terms with government in a fallen world. Apart from this, Scripture does not tell us which particular form of government is best.”
7
As Christians,
we are expected to observe the laws of the state while still fulfilling our spiritual obligations. The
fact that some of the duties originally performed by churches have been reassigned can be used to explain a large portion of the ambiguity surrounding Christianity and State roles. Because of this, churches and individuals should contribute to reducing human suffering,
8
but McQuilkin notes, “the church has abandoned much of its social responsibility in favor of the government.”
9
Consequently, it is the Church's moral duty to take back its social duties and fulfill its legitimate position within its congregations and communities. It is time to put an end to the government's futile attempts to manage a situation that is beyond of their scope of expertise.
5
Dr. Sean Turchin. “Ethical Alternatives” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, April 16, 2023).
6
Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom
,
3rd Edition. (IVP, 2014), 558.
7
Ibid, 558.
8
Ibid, 559.
9
Ibid, 559.
3
Bibliography
Copan, Robertson McQuilkin and Paul. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics Walking In The Way Of Wisdom
, 3
rd
Edition. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
4
Turchin, Dr. Sean. "Ethical Alternatives." THEO 650
. Lynchburg: Liberty University, April 16, 2023.
5
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