What Is the Relationship between Church and State?
Overview
From the very beginning of Christianity, the relationship between the church and the state has been a matter of great concern. The issue remains confusing and contentious for many Christians today, as issues of political activism, religious freedom, and civil disobedience confront those seeking to understand this crucial relationship. Here Dr. R.C. Sproul examines the relationship by looking at the nature and mission of government, how Christians should view and relate to their governments, the legitimacy of state-established churches, how to deal with abuses of power, and the legitimacy of civil disobedience.
Top Highlights
“The church is called to be a critic of the state when the state fails to obey its mandate under God.” (Page 28)
“If any ruler—a governing official or body, school teacher, boss, or military commander—commands you to do something God forbids or forbids you from doing something God commands, not only may you disobey, but you must disobey. If it comes down to a choice like this, you must obey God.” (Page 53)
“The church is trying to impose its agenda on the state.’ However, the primary reason that government exists is to protect, maintain, and support human life. When the church complains about the abortion laws in America, the church is not asking the state to be the church. The church is asking the state to be the state. It is simply asking the state to do its God-ordained job.” (Page 28)
“An important thing to note is that the power of the sword is not given to the church” (Page 24)
“The state, as much as the church, is instituted by God, ordained by God, and derives whatever authority it has through the delegation of divine authority. The state, therefore, is answerable and accountable to God.” (Page 2)
- Title: What Is the Relationship between Church and State?
- Author: R. C. Sproul
- Edition: First edition
- Series: The Crucial Questions Series
- Volume: 19
- Publishers: Reformation Trust, Ligonier Ministries
- Print Publication Date: 2014
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Church and state
- ISBNs: 9781567693744, 1567693741
- Resource ID: LLS:WHTSRLTCHRCHSTT
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:48:22Z
R. C. Sproul (1939– 2017) was a respected teacher, theologian, pastor. He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries where he served as executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Sproul held degrees from Westminster College, Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary, Free University of Amsterdam, and Whitefield Theological Seminary. He taught at several colleges and seminaries including Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary. He served as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, in Sanford, Florida. Sproul’s teaching can be heard daily on the ‘Renewing Your Mind’ radio broadcast which plays in over 40 countries.
Sproul wrote over 70 books and articles including the classic The Holiness of God and several theological articles in Tabletalk magazine.