Understanding the Church-State Relationship in Ethical Matters

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the complex relationship between the church and the state, particularly in the context of ethical issues like abortion. The foundation of this relationship in America is rooted in the desire to escape religious persecution, as seen in the early settlers' journey to the New World. The Mayflower Compact, an intensely religious document, set the stage for a nation that values religious freedom and the separation of church and state. This separation, however, is often misunderstood. It is not a divorce but a distinction between two distinct institutions, each with its own responsibilities and boundaries.

The church's role is to preach the Gospel, administer sacraments, and engage in worship, while the state's role is to govern, protect, and promote justice. Both institutions are ordained by God and accountable to Him. The original concept was not to separate the sacred from the secular but to recognize that both church and state operate under God's authority. This understanding is crucial when addressing ethical issues like abortion, where religious convictions often inform public debate.

The church has a duty to speak on ethical matters, exercising prophetic criticism of the culture. This is not an intrusion into government affairs but a fulfillment of its religious duty. The state, on the other hand, must protect life and promote justice, which are inherently ethical responsibilities. The idea that morality cannot be legislated is a misconception; all legislation inherently involves ethical considerations.

As Christians, we are called to obey civil authorities unless they command us to disobey God. This balance requires discernment and a commitment to justice and life. The church must remain the church, and the state must fulfill its role, ensuring that both operate under God's authority and for His glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. The separation of church and state is a distinction, not a divorce. Each has its own responsibilities, with the church focusing on spiritual matters and the state on governance. Both are accountable to God, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding. [06:43]

2. The church's prophetic role involves speaking on ethical issues, not as an intrusion but as a duty. This includes addressing matters like abortion, where religious convictions inform ethical perspectives. The church must engage in these discussions to fulfill its calling. [17:56]

3. The state's primary responsibilities are to protect life and promote justice, both of which are ethical imperatives. Legislation inherently involves moral considerations, challenging the notion that morality cannot be legislated. [25:12]

4. Christians are called to obey civil authorities unless it conflicts with God's commands. This requires discernment and a commitment to justice, ensuring that our actions align with God's will. [20:07]

5. The original concept of church and state recognized both as under God's authority. This theistic foundation is crucial for understanding their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing accountability to God in all matters. [14:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:36] - Early American Religious Foundations
- [01:12] - The Mayflower Compact
- [02:40] - Lessons from European Persecutions
- [03:25] - The First Amendment and Religious Freedom
- [04:50] - Separation of Church and State Explained
- [06:11] - Distinction vs. Separation
- [07:29] - Roles of Church and State
- [08:59] - Misunderstandings of Separation
- [10:14] - Symbolism of Flags
- [12:37] - Accountability to God
- [14:45] - Separation of State and God
- [16:01] - Church's Role in Ethical Issues
- [20:07] - Obeying God vs. Man
- [25:12] - State's Ethical Responsibilities
- [29:21] - Legislation and Morality
- [31:35] - Church's Duty to Speak

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Romans 13:1-2 (NIV): "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

2. Acts 5:29 (NIV): "Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than human beings!'"

3. Matthew 22:21 (NIV): "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 13:1-2, what is the source of authority for governing bodies, and what is the consequence of rebelling against them?

2. In the sermon, what historical events led to the establishment of the separation of church and state in America? [02:40]

3. How does the sermon describe the distinct roles of the church and the state? [07:29]

4. What example from the sermon illustrates the church's responsibility to obey civil authorities? [11:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Romans 13:1-2 inform the Christian's responsibility towards civil authorities, and how might this apply to contemporary ethical issues like abortion?

2. In Acts 5:29, the apostles choose to obey God over human authorities. How does this principle apply when there is a conflict between religious convictions and state laws? [20:07]

3. The sermon mentions the church's prophetic role in addressing ethical issues. How can this role be fulfilled without overstepping into the state's responsibilities? [17:56]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the misconception that morality cannot be legislated, and how does this relate to the role of the state? [29:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a conflict between obeying civil authorities and following your religious convictions. How did you resolve it, and what would you do differently now? [20:07]

2. The sermon emphasizes the church's duty to speak on ethical issues. How can you personally engage in discussions about ethical matters like abortion in a way that reflects your faith? [17:56]

3. Consider the distinct roles of the church and the state. How can you support both institutions in fulfilling their God-given responsibilities without confusing their roles? [07:29]

4. How can you practice discernment in obeying civil authorities, ensuring that your actions align with God's will, especially in areas where state laws may conflict with your faith? [21:04]

5. The sermon discusses the importance of the church's prophetic criticism of culture. How can you contribute to this role in your community while maintaining respect for differing viewpoints? [17:56]

6. Reflect on the idea that all legislation involves moral considerations. How can you be an informed and active participant in the legislative process, ensuring that your actions promote justice and protect life? [29:21]

7. How can you ensure that your engagement in political and ethical discussions is guided by love and respect, rather than division and hostility? [16:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Distinction, Not Divorce: Church and State's Unique Roles
The separation of church and state is often misunderstood as a complete division, but it is more accurately a distinction between two institutions with unique responsibilities. The church is tasked with spiritual matters such as preaching the Gospel, administering sacraments, and engaging in worship. Meanwhile, the state is responsible for governance, protection, and the promotion of justice. Both institutions are ordained by God and accountable to Him, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding. This distinction allows each to operate within its own sphere while recognizing that both are under God's authority. Understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing ethical issues where religious convictions inform public debate. [06:43]

"For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." (Romans 13:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you show respect and understanding for the roles of both church and state in your daily life, while recognizing their accountability to God?


Day 2: The Church's Prophetic Voice in Ethical Matters
The church has a prophetic role to play in society, particularly when it comes to ethical issues like abortion. This role is not an intrusion into government affairs but a fulfillment of its religious duty to speak truth and offer guidance based on biblical principles. The church must engage in these discussions to fulfill its calling, providing a moral compass in a world that often blurs ethical lines. By addressing these matters, the church helps shape the moral and ethical framework of society, ensuring that religious convictions inform public debate and decision-making. [17:56]

"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's efforts to address ethical issues in your community, ensuring that your voice contributes to a biblically informed public discourse?


Day 3: The State's Ethical Imperatives: Protecting Life and Promoting Justice
The state's primary responsibilities are to protect life and promote justice, both of which are inherently ethical imperatives. Legislation is not devoid of moral considerations; rather, it is deeply intertwined with them. The notion that morality cannot be legislated is a misconception, as all laws reflect a society's ethical values. The state must ensure that its laws and policies uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, aligning with the ethical standards that are often informed by religious principles. This understanding challenges individuals to consider how their own ethical beliefs align with the laws of the land. [25:12]

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you advocate for justice and the protection of life within your community, ensuring that your actions align with both your ethical beliefs and the laws of the land?


Day 4: Obeying Civil Authorities and God's Commands
Christians are called to obey civil authorities unless doing so would require them to disobey God. This balance requires discernment and a commitment to justice and life, ensuring that actions align with God's will. It is important to recognize when civil laws conflict with divine commands and to have the courage to stand firm in one's faith. This discernment is crucial for navigating the complexities of living in a society where secular and sacred often intersect. By prioritizing God's commands, Christians can ensure that their actions reflect their commitment to His authority. [20:07]

"But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" (Acts 5:29, ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you might need to choose between obeying civil authorities and following God's commands? How can you prepare yourself to make the right choice when faced with such a dilemma?


Day 5: Accountability to God: The Foundation of Church and State
The original concept of church and state recognized both as operating under God's authority. This theistic foundation is crucial for understanding their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing accountability to God in all matters. By acknowledging this divine authority, both institutions can fulfill their respective duties while ensuring that their actions align with God's will. This understanding encourages individuals to reflect on their own accountability to God, considering how their actions and decisions reflect their commitment to His authority in all aspects of life. [14:02]

"For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'" (Romans 14:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your daily actions and decisions reflect your accountability to God, recognizing His authority in all areas of your life?

Quotes


Now, what Western society learned apparently from the bloody persecutions of sixteenth and seventeenth century was that when a particular religion is elevated to a privileged position by the state, that is, when a particular religion is, as we call it, 'established,' then all of the powers of that government -- the power of the sword, the power of the army and so on -- may be brought to bear, to squelch and to persecute those who have a differing religious viewpoint. [00:02:15]

The first is that in this nation guaranteed by the Constitution, all religions will have the right of free expression. That, of course, as you know, ladies and gentlemen, is the First Amendment of the United States, but it's only part of the First Amendment and it's only part of the clause with which the church is so jealously concerned. The First Amendment in the Constitution also explicitly prohibit the establishment of religion. [00:03:33]

But I'm afraid that in recent years, the very idea of separation of church and state has come to mean one of two things -- the divorce of church and state. As if these two institutions were intrinsically and essentially mutually exclusive opponents. That was not the original idea. If it were the original idea, the framers of our constitution would not have stressed so heavily the inalienable right of free exercise of religion. [00:08:32]

Now, of course that does not mean that the church is saying that the state is the ultimate authority. The church is not trying to commit treason against God by submitting to the state but rather the church understands its responsibility of obeying the civil magistrates as actually being a part of the church's duty as declared by God. That God said that 'If you're going to obey me then you must also obey the rulers who I have placed over you.' [00:11:55]

In simple terms, ladies and gentlemen, that means that in the original concept of this distinction of church and state, the state recognized that the state was not autonomous, that the state was not a law unto itself but that the state itself is under God. And to be under God means to be accountable to His authority. [00:13:19]

Most churches, historically, all the way back to Old Testament Israel have seen that part of their religious duty was to exercise what is called 'prophetic criticism' to the culture in which they live. John the Baptist, you remember, was executed by King Herod because John the Baptist made a criticism of the King's ethical behavior. [00:17:56]

I said earlier that the New Testament, for example, stresses that Christians are to bend over backwards to be models of civic obedience to honor the state, to honor the king, to honor the prince, to honor the government rather than to be rebellious and anarchist in their mentality unless, or until, the state commands the church to do something that God forbids or forbids the church from doing something that God commands. [00:19:05]

The first, ladies and gentlemen, is to maintain, to defend, to protect and to promote human life. That's the raison d'etat of human government. Government exists to protect the lives of its people. Secondly, to protect the property of its people. And then also, as I said, the second most basic thing really is defined in terms of the establishment and promotion of justice. [00:25:01]

But when the state fails to be the state, when the state becomes lax in defending and promoting and maintaining human life, when the state loses a passionate commitment to justice, then ladies and gentlemen, the church must speak and every Christian is called to speak and to vote on these areas. No Christian ever has the right to vote for his own personal vested interests. [00:27:48]

I mean what else do we legislate but morality? What else do we legislate as government, but those matters that are intensely ethical. Ladies and gentlemen, whether or not you steal from your neighbor is an ethical and moral issue. Whether or not you drive your automobile on the highway with reckless abandon in a way that makes you a clear and present danger to anybody that happens to come in your path is a moral issue. [00:29:41]

Don't you see that when we are in the arena of legislation, we are dealing with profoundly ethical issues, none perhaps or deeply ethical than this question of abortion. My convictions on abortion have been strongly influenced by my religious convictions and my theological convictions. Does that mean now that as a Christian, I'm disenfranchised from speaking on this question? [00:31:00]

And it is the responsibility of the state to be the state, to promote justice, to defend life, to protect life wherever that life is found. [00:32:23]

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Transcript
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