A Christian affirms the separation of church and state as institutions to protect the Church's freedom and spiritual mission, based on Christ’s command to render to Caesar and to God (Matthew 22:21). The State has its distinct role of maintaining order (Romans 13:4). However, Christians must reject the separation of faith from public life, as they are commanded to be salt and light and advocate for biblical justice and morality in civil society (Matthew 5:13, 16).

Where would Jesus land on the political spectrum? We look past the labels to examine how Christ's radical teachings on justice, poverty, and personal holiness both align with and challenge the core principles of both the Republican and Democrat platforms.