Christianity and the State
In the past 70 years, many debates have been regarding God’s impact on today’s society.
People from all walks of life believe Christ should be with them every second of the day, while
others believe they should have the choice to have God’s presence around. The main issue
discussed in the assigned reading is whether it is acceptable to work toward Christianizing
society. Due to the democratic system, we have established in the United States of America, and
it is not acceptable to intermix religion and politics. We have seen fewer images of God in
school, on television, and in the Pledge of Allegiance. Whether we believe we should depart to
form our independent subcultures or to participate in influencing the political climate actively,
we must make a decsion.1 The United States has decided to meet the people's wants instead of
meeting God's needs.
The expression of honor towards one’s country is not wrong or immoral, but the
idolization of the country is wrong. God is supreme and should be treated as such. As a supreme
being, God should have our full attention everywhere we go. God made a sacrifice that we
couldn’t even imagine doing. John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send
his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him.”
To make that kind of sacrifice means that God must love and respect us a people. Based on the
United States Constitution, we as a society have the right to decide whether or not religion and
state should have separation. Throughout history, our society has been negatively impacted by
religious leaders who led their members to destruction, which caused many people to steer away
1 Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom, Third
edition. (IVP, 2014), 517.
from religion and focus their efforts on any place but religion. The state also increased the
presence of science to inspire the youth to develop answers to the unknown.
Role of the Church
The church has a significant role in the development of the country. As a country, we
would not be as successful as we are without religion. The main purpose of the church is to make
disciples by spreading the gospel.
Matthew 28: 18-20 states:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given
to me. 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
By the grace of God, the church has provided spiritual care to those whose souls have been
impacted by specific events in their lives. In discipleship, church leaders must develop
competent, bold, and passionate Christians to spread the gospel.2 The spiritual component of
religion has allowed believers to connect to a being higher than themselves.
The Role of Government
The government has many purposes in society. All countries have some form of
governance. Whether a large or small nation, they have some form of leadership that has
influence. These leaders may be called President, Mayor, Elder, or Prime Minster. 1 Pet 2:14
states, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor,
as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong
2 Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom, Third
edition. (IVP, 2014), 545–546.
and to commend those who do right.” The government was created to maintain order and protect
the citizens.3 In America, there are amendments established that protect the citizens’ rights. The
first amendment offers the people free speech. This amendment also has the Establishment
Clause, which prevents the government from promoting any religion.
Christians and the government can co-exist in harmony. In the world of good and evil, it
is important to use the tools and resources God gave us to protect and sustain the nation. Having
the government protect society requires us to obey the rules they have established to create order.
Romans 13:1 states, “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.” The separation
between church and state has been discussed since the end of World War I.4 Although there is a
separation between church and state, both entities should have mutual respect for one another.
For example, while some religious leaders believe they are exempt from participating in many
secular traditions, activities such as paying taxes are a task that we all must participate in.
The government is responsible for protecting us. Providing resources for our country
requires money that we as a community must use to ensure our country operates functionally. In
the book of Mark, religious leaders confront Jesus regarding paying taxes. Mark 12:14-17 states,
“Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are
God's.” And they marveled at him.” I believe that America is doing a better job than most
countries regarding the balance between church and state. I find it difficult to accept the
promotion of anti-Christ in the media. Unfortunately, our ability to have freedom of speech
causes us to accept beliefs different from our own.
3 Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom, Third
edition. (IVP, 2014), 555–556.
4 Green, Steven K.. Separating Church and State : A History, Cornell University Press, 2022. 143
