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,
3rd Edition. (IVP, 2014), 517.
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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.
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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.
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