In what ways do Christians today struggle with church-state issues?
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Assignment 6a: Devotional
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Romans 13:1-5 (Links to an external site.)
The United States became the first nation in the modern era to disestablish church from state. As natural as this seems today, the long-held assumption was that since public morals came from religion and rulers were invested in public order, that rulers and governing authorities were invested in regulating the religion of its citizens. The problem as James Madison pointed out, was that religious belief was a matter of the conscience and not subject to political manipulation. A ruler can regulate behavior, but not belief which is a private matter of the heart. As believers, we must be willing to grant others courtesy when we don’t see eye to eye.
In Romans 13, Paul cautions believers to show proper respect for governing authorities. This can be tricky business at times when government policy often seems at odds with Christian convictions. In Mark 12 we see the well-known exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees when Jesus is asking whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus then asks for a coin and points out Caesar’s inscription on it. He tells his audience to pay to Caesar what is owed Caesar and to God what is owed God. Both parties have a role to play and the key is to find proper balance. As believers, we have to show proper respect for our governing authorities and at the same time know where the moral lines need to be drawn. Sometimes our conscience conflicts with government policy. Like Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, we must use caution in navigating this path. Also like Daniel, we should commit our concerns to prayer beforehand.
In what ways do Christians today struggle with church-state issues?
In approximately 100 words, post your response to the thoughts above.
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