LIBERTY UNIVERSITY 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
THEO 650-D02
by
Caitlin White Wood
July 27th, 2022
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
Main Idea ............................................................................................................................... 1
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction
Regardless of the depth of the level in which a person chooses to engage in politics, it is a
part of our daily lives. Whether a believer or non believer; republican, democratic or liberal; up
to date on politics or out of the loop; politics are woven throughout each day. Sometimes it’s
brief through social media and sometimes it’s an intentional part of an individual's morning
routine. When it comes to religion, many would disagree. Though there are churches throughout
every city, some more than others. Regardless of religious attributes, most are engaged in politics
to some degree. But those who are in politics are less likely to be engaged in any type of religion.
Aristotle referred to human beings as “political animals.”1 This paper will discuss what it is to be
aliens and strangers, the first amendment, the real enemy, and how it applies today in the church
and in individuals lives.
Main Issues
The main issues we will cover are aliens and strangers, the first amendment, and who the
real enemy is. Idolizing the state or the church leads to a vicious cycle which ends with
disappointment. When we reflect on the life of Christ his relationship with the government we
see that Jesus recognized that he is “not of this world”2 Paul identifies in Philippians that his
citizenship is not on earth but of heaven. First Peter 2:11-12 says, “Beloved, I urge you as
sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as
evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Paul
1 Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan, “An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of
Wisdom,” Third edition, page 517, 2014.
2 John 18:36
identified that he is living as an alien on earth amongst strangers. John Seel writes, this
majoritarianism is actually coercive and insensitive to political and theological differences; it is
“blind to such principles as the common good and minority rights, which balances the bare
expression of the will of the majority.”3 As Christians we are called to be salt and light, but we
must recognize we are first called to love God and love our neighbors. Regardless of our political
power or lack of political power we are commissioned and then sent out. It does narrow down to
the fact that the government should not sponsor religion and the government should not impede
its expression. Which leads us to the next point, the first amendment.
A statement within the first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It’s easy for one in the
twenty-first century to misunderstand the intentions of the founding fathers. The culture of the
United States was still heavily influenced by Protestant heritage of England and Scotland. While
pursuing a life of freedom, understanding the important role of faith and attempting to build a
governance for a new country looked very different than it would today. The clear intent of the
First Amendment was to keep the federal government from creating a state church on the
European model, which would have forced the individual states to relinquish their respective
established churches then in place.4 The First Amendment protects both church and state. It gives
all the choice: whether the freedom to engage in religion or the freedom from religion. It’s
obvious the founding fathers of our country identified with the value in freedom to religion while
understanding not all individuals will make the choice to pursue religion here in America.
Ephesians chapter six verse twelve says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against
3 Ibid, page 520
4 Ibid, page 528
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The fight which happens between church and
state isn’t anything new. If there was a successful way for the two to partner indefinitely and
successfully many countries would be implementing the same structures. We see how Jesus and
the disciples responded and respected the government, so does this apply today for America too?
Jesus had a specific mission and the disciples were commissioned. There are a few biblical
considerations we can embrace suggested by Robertson and Copan. First, we must become
reconciled with God and first seek his kingdom before human relationships and worldly
considerations. Second, consider situation-specific biblical virtues and universal Christian duties
as more fundamental than concrete. Third, as redeemed humans we offer hope that society can be
changed and our hope is not in the political power. Fourth, Christ and Paul had specific vocations
and so did every person.5 What I am called to is not what you’re called to do. Lastly, the
condition of state and church differed from today. The state and church have differing roles. The
state protects and the church promotes the common good.
Conclusion
Personally, I believe there is much value with the state and the church. There are times
where we need each other and there are times where separation is essential for the entire health
of a community. I believe there is a need for more people in the state to have deep foundational
roots of Christianity to help shape and mold our future. Our hope is not in those individuals but
must remain in Christ. We are in a cultural climate which chooses sin and legalizes sin. If every
Christian heed to the will in their life for their calling through the Gospel then the right people
will be in the right place to help navigate through state and church. It indeed has its troubles and
5 Ibid, page 539
dangers to be in the political world, individuals will daily have to make choices which either
honor God or conform to the culture of state. Regardless, I do not think America will ever see a
day where there is not a struggle to walk the line of state and church. I believe it’s a good thing.
Second Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and
pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and heal their land.” Since we are in a free and open country the church should
press into the great commission and choose to relentlessly pursue the role which they play in the
freedom which we live in this country.
