Should Church and State Be Separate?
Introduction
The concept of the "separation of church and state" originated largely from Christian thinkers who recognized the distinction between the spiritual authority of the Church and the temporal authority of the State.
This separation is not about keeping faith out of public life, but about maintaining the distinct roles and freedom of the two institutions, which are both instituted by God but for different purposes. The Christian perspective affirms the distinct roles of the "Two Kingdoms" or "Two Spheres."
1. The Biblical Foundation for Two Distinct Authorities
Jesus and the Apostle Paul clearly established that the Church and the State have different, divinely-sanctioned purposes and jurisdictions.
Render Unto Caesar: Jesus drew a fundamental line between spiritual and civil duties when addressing the Roman tax. He affirmed that the State (Caesar) has a legitimate authority in civil matters, but God retains ultimate spiritual authority. This established the distinction between the two spheres.
Scripture Says: "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." (Matthew 22:21). This validates the right of the State to govern civil matters (like taxes and currency) without invading the sphere of faith.
The State as God’s Minister of Order: The Apostle Paul teaches that the civil government is established by God to maintain peace, order, and justice, using the power of the sword to restrain evil. This is the State's specific, limited, and God-given purpose.
Scripture Says: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." (Romans 13:4).
2. Why Separation of Institution is Necessary
Separation of institution (meaning the Church does not control the government, and the government does not control the Church) is vital for the health of both.
Protecting Religious Freedom: History shows that when the Church and State merge (a "Theocracy" or "State Church"), the State inevitably begins to control the Church's doctrine, persecute religious minorities, and corrupt the Church's mission. Separation ensures the Church is free to preach the Gospel without government interference.
Preserving the Church’s Mission: The Church’s mission is spiritual: to make disciples, worship God, and teach the Word. If the Church becomes solely focused on gaining political power, it risks substituting a political agenda for the Gospel mandate, thus compromising its witness. The Church operates through spiritual means (prayer, teaching, mercy), not political coercion.
Preventing Coercion: The State operates through the power of coercion (laws, taxes, police, force). The Church operates through persuasion and love. Merging the two compels faith through force, which is directly contradictory to the New Testament's emphasis on voluntary faith.
3. The Christian's Role: Separation of Influence is Not Biblical
While institutions should be separate, the Christian must understand that there is no separation between faith and public life or between biblical morality and lawmaking.
Christian Citizens and Moral Influence: The Christian, as an individual citizen, is commanded to be salt and light in the world. This means the Church should actively influence the State by advocating for laws that reflect biblical morality and justice (such as protecting the vulnerable, opposing abortion, and ensuring religious freedom).
Scripture Says: "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13, 16).
The Pursuit of the Common Good: The Christian citizen should engage in politics, not to create a theocracy, but to advocate for the common good and ensure the State fulfills its God-ordained role of justice and order for all citizens.
Conclusion
A Christian should strongly affirm the separation of church and state as institutions to protect both the freedom of the Gospel and the proper function of civil government.
However, a Christian must reject any idea of a separation of Christian influence from the state, viewing their participation in politics and culture as a vital duty to advocate for justice, morality, and mercy as defined by the unchanging Word of God.
