LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Christianity and the State Assignment
Submitted to Dr. Russell Woodbridge,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
THEO 650-B01
Public Theology
by
Not Me
February 6, 2022
Contents
Brief Outline and Assessment ................................................................................................................. 1
Personal Reflection ................................................................................................................................ 2
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 4
ii
Brief Outline and Assessment
Chapter 29 presents to the reader a general history of the church and state interactions,
giving a 30,000-foot view. McQuilkin and Copan draw on both scripture and historical literature
to help their readers gain a better understanding of what this entails and how it has been
influenced. Chapter 30 presents an overview of what the authors believe are the four possible
interactions between the church and the state. In this chapter McQuilkin and Copan again turn to
scripture and historical accounts to give an overview while diving deeper into what they see as
“the best arrangement”1 for church and state interactions. Chapter 31 presents the authors views
on the differing yet overlapping roles that are found within the church and the state. McQuilkin
and Copan also explore the role of the individual, encouraging a practice of “faithful presence
within culture…seek[ing] to be a Christ-centered influence.”2 In Chapter 32 McQuilkin and
Copan delve further into the individual and each one ought to engage with the “major institutions
of society, seeking to determine at what points Scripture gives light on how a Christian and the
church itself should relate to government, education and the media.”3
Overall, McQuilkin and Copan’s biggest strengths in each of these chapters were their
constant commitment to look to Scripture and their willingness to explore differing expressions
of solutions. While the authors definitely shared their varying opinions on how to handle these
complex issues, they admitted flaws and were not overly condemning of ideas (though they also
did not hold back or seem wishy-washy). Of course, this may be the view of this author since he
found himself in agreement with much of what McQuilkin and Copan expressed. Another area of
1 Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014), 544. https://app.logos.com/books/LLS
%3AWS_D0863431375B40D38F1AD6A2C2A51249/references/.
2
McQuilkin and Copan, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, 553.
3
Ibid., 575.
strength was the authors admittance to their limited knowledge and application as it came to
church/state life for those outside of primarily Western Democracy. This kind of humility is
refreshing when it comes to the church/state discussion and gives greater sway to their arguments
in this author’s opinion.
Personal Reflection
As mentioned above, this author found himself aligned with much of what McQuilkin
and Copan favored. One area in particular is connected to the “nostalgia for the lost empire.”
Having served recently in an older church which was very patriotic, more than once
conversations led to discussion about mis-placing faith in a candidate on the ballot. As the
authors observed, “America is not a theocracy like ancient Israel, and Christ’s kingdom is “not of
this world.”4 Yet this does not mean a Christian should refuse to participate within the political
discourse or culture as a whole.
While there should be a separation between church and state to lessen the influence of
power, compromise, entanglement, and such, the church must be salt and light to this tasteless
and dark world, being guided by God’s call to love Him first and foremost and to love others as
themselves. In doing so, the Christian citizen is a primary player for justice and mercy,
prioritizing the reconciliation of God and people, and caring for the oppressed, weak and
vulnerable.5 As a Christian Citizen in the United States, one has a unique opportunity to have a
say by casting a vote for or against certain aspects of laws and those who will be creating and
enforcing them. This should not be ignored or squandered. This author believes that he will one
day stand before the throne of God and be asked to give an account of this particular gift he has
been given as a citizen in the United States. It should not be hidden or buried but should be
4 Ibid., 520.
5
Ibid., 547-550.
utilized thoughtfully and prayerfully to bring glory to God and to live as one who interacts with
his government in a peaceful and honoring way (1 Timothy 2:2, Titus 3:2, 1 Peter 2:17).
The Christian Citizen needs also be aware of and adding to the culture, especially in the
entertainment industry. This author recalls when he was in college and a young lady who was
phenomenally talented asked the local youth pastor about pursuing work as an actress. His
response was to flee for fear of being polluted. While there is a danger, especially in an industry
that is so dark, that danger does not leave just because someone goes into a “sacred” profession.
If that were the case, one would never hear about Pastors and their downfalls. Yet the culture
needs to hear, see, and have stories which reflect the hope of redemption, the triumph of good
over evil, and the act of sacrificial love. Arguably, it is these themes which people are so
attracted to. A quick look at the list of top 5 most watched movies of all time reveals this.6
How to live-out being a Christian Citizen is a difficult and often-times confusing road to
walk. On one side is the ditch of too little involvement. On the other side, the ditch of over
involvement. Both of these can be idols. Instead, one must keep their eyes on Jesus, the author
and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), as they seek to walk this road for God’s glory.
Bibliography
6 Dinosaw, “Most Watched Movies of All Time,” IMDb (IMDb.com, November 14, 2015),
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls053826112/.
Dinosaw. “Most Watched Movies of All Time.” IMDb. IMDb.com, November 14, 2015.
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls053826112/.
McQuilkin, Robertson and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way
of Wisdom. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014. https://app.logos.com/books/LLS
%3AWS_D0863431375B40D38F1AD6A2C2A51249/references/.
