Synthesizing Church and State
You can feel the frenzy becoming elevated as America braces for yet another Presidential election. Partisan politics have staunchly drawn their lines in the sand, commercials are on repeat, phone and text blasts at nauseum as America will soon select its new leader. Many of the issues remain the same, the economy, abortion, a women’s right to choose, access to healthcare, creating safe and healthy communities. The list goes on. At the forefront, from a religious perspective where does the church fit in, and how does it navigate the balance between the world’s agenda and the Kingdom agenda?
The intersection of church and state has been a controversial topic bolstered by the weighty opinions of supporters and opposers for centuries. Navigating this conversation and doing my best to find a kingdom perspective has admittedly been a challenge for me, but N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird’s, Jesus and the Powers is undoubtedly a help for any pastor or believer to gain firmer footing.
As we look at today’s climate, these two authors lay a foundational truth for all to grasp. This is not the first time the church has been at this crossroads. A look at the early church and the Roman empire in biblical history outlines the challenges and conditions that mirror similar circumstances to our Western hemisphere. One of the challenges we attempt to maneuver through is connected to authority and how we must deal with authority and the powers that be. Citing the encounter with Pontius Pilate, Jesus acknowledges that Pilate is “in a position of divinely authorized responsibility and authority over him.” Highlighting the fact that those in authority and responsibility are to be held accountable, a second principle is also brought forth, and that is that accountability works outwards to include any who put the authority figures in the position of doing the wrong thing.[1]
This principle is the lynchpin which holds together the defense for why the church must be engaged and also provides a credible defense for why the church must be front and center on the political stage. As the authors suggest, if you want to change the game you need skin the game.[2] The church and political activism and advocacy have long been questioned, but this reading helps underscore that Kingdom activism is the transformational tool that will affect change. Looking through the lens of a cross and kingdom centered church the Kingdom of God which includes reconciliation, forgiveness, liberation, and justice can truly manifest.[3]
What I love about this reading is the fact that Christian witness is not dismissed. There is an argument made that Christian influence has its place in government. This synthesis of Christian influence and government in my view paves the way for the church to have and utilize its voice with both authority and power. I live and serve in a community where poverty abounds, crime and quality of life are deteriorating, and a lack of available resources is experienced by some, but this is not the story for all. As neighborhoods are calling for revival, renewal, and reinvestment, the government is being called to task, and politicians are being called to accountability. A popular cry that echoes from the streets is where is the church’s voice for such a time as this? A roll call will uncover some are silent, others have laryngitis, and others are bullies with bullhorns.
However, many churches have opted to remain on the sidelines, using their ambiguity and silence as a form of political correctness. This has prompted critics to ask, how can the church remain asleep in an increasingly woke culture? Many are looking for the church to move from thoughts and prayers. Yes, faith without works is dead, but engaging in the work of politics has always been touchy.
Wright and Bird speak to a public theology, building for a kingdom while giving space for others to be political. This, from my view, is a balancing act and no easy feat. It’s like asking most of us to engage in time management. Easier said than done! While I immensely enjoyed this reading, I would have loved to hear more practical tips on how to be politically engaging and possibly some examples of how to use our Christian influence for Kingdom results in political spaces. While there is a plethora of persons who feel as though they are politically engaging from a correct vantage point, the church could use more help in this area.
While Jesus has overcome the world, the church in America is still slowly trying to come over. The rise of Christian Nationalism, racism, sexism, classism, and bigotry is at its door. Getting a world to view each other in the image of God in the middle of religious decline is a tall order, but Kingdom-minded people are continuing the fight and refusing to come up short. This reading gives clearer insight into kingdom and religious involvement between Church and State. As we brace for November, this book also gives me hope. Recognizing that Christ and his church have battled empires in the past, we can also draw upon the teachings and lessons learned from our Savior and the early church that could potentially lead us toward a brighter present and a hopeful future.
[1] N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2024), 42.
[2] Wright and Bird, 36.
[3} Wright and Bird, 100.
About the Author
Daren Jaime
18 responses to “Synthesizing Church and State”
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Hi Daren, I appreciate your critique of the book and your honesty. I’m curious how you manage the balancing act that your referenced. I also thought about a video I watched of Brett Fuller speaking where he was talking about his church. While I am not sure, what I heard so far was that the church he serves tries to live the gospel through it’s inclusivity in one of the fullest ways I have ever heard about. Each church might not be diverse in the way his is, but hopefully each church has some form of living witness that lives out the example of being the voice in the desert. What might yours be?
Hi Diane. Thanks for asking. I have honestly attempted to build for the kingdom and have witnessed how this building finds places that necessitate a voice. It is only then will I / we enter the political fray. Sometimes the power must be questioned or held accountable and those who can be adversely affected need advocacy.
I have also shared with people that as a person I may have political preference, as pastor I have none. There is a famous quote, “There are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.” So I attempt to align my voice alongside things that are of kingdom interest non respective of political party.
Hi Darren,
Thank you for your post. I agree with your post.
How do the early church’s challenges with the Roman Empire parallel the contemporary issues the Church faces regarding authority and political engagement today? What are some your challenges with your congregation?
Hi Shela! Political engagement can be tricky in the congregation. As my congregation may lean stronger into one political party, calling that one dominant party out, and holding them accountable runs the risk of you being accused of being a sell-out or bought off. However,, every leader must acknowledge their responsibility to do such although there are risks involved.
The second challenge occurs in what political issue takes priority. With so many to choose from being sensitive, smart, and prioritizing voice and interaction are quite critical.
Hi Darren,
I am curious if there was anything in the book that you may use with your congregation during this election season?
Hi Kari! Certainly, Christian witness cannot be downplayed. The world needs God’s love, and people need to feel the church’s presence as compassionate Christians. As we see people engage in the partisan political arena, that is political witness on display.
I still know that Jesus wins! Encouraging my church to be a faithful witness in the midst of these times is to understand the asssignment.
Thank you for your post brother! I resonated so much with it. It is a good reminder that, “This is not the first time the church has been at this crossroads.”
I agree that this book is missing some practical applications or examples. What examples have you seen work well that you think are a reflection of the type of engagement that Wright and Bird suggest?
Hi Daren,
I’m tagging on here because my question is similar. I was also looking for more ‘practical’ advice…some sort of road map to follow, or at least an example. Wondering what ideas you may have to to help people battle empire in the way of Jesus?
Hey Julie, There is a great book called The Politics of Jesus written several years ago by a great biblical scholar, Dr. Obery Hendricks. He offers several ways to look at how to handle political engagement from the lens of Christ. It is a great read and opened my eyes alot..
Thank you! I put it in my Kindle – let’s see if I can at least get some inspectional reading on it!
Hey Ryan thanks much man! I have seen the church hold political forums that went over really well because “the church” hosted it. Viewed as impartial and respecting the spiritual, there was a chance for voices to be heard and alternative solutions birthed through the church. In most successful sessions, the issues were put on the table and not the candidate.
While this is not the experience everywhere, I can testify there is fruit on that tree. To align with the book, seeing Christians take part in political office while maintaining their Christian identity works. I can see the values of a few of my congregants who have been elected to public office shine through in voting and policies which speaks to their Christian beliefs and the mission of Christ. Disclaimer: this does not work all the time, and you will certainly be disappointed if they stay in office long enough, but having their presence, and many times it is non-anxious in the political arena, makes a difference.
Hi Darren, thanks for your post. So much of what you wrote resonates with me. I agreed with the authors that if the kingdom of heaven is to come down to earth, rather than us escaping earth to get to heaven, we must be people that engage in what happens here on earth.
I too wish that the authors gave more practical advise on how to live engaged in our politically hostile world.
Julie recommended churches holding discussion groups where participants listen, pray, and share a meal together. What do you think about that idea?
Do you have any other ideas?
Hey Christy, I think I answered most of your questions in an earlier post, but I will say utilizing nonpartisan people is a plus if you are just starting out. Conversely, sometimes my congregation will host an issue-related topic and include someone of differing opinion on the panel. Robust discussions, fireworks, and popcorn have all been a part of these gatherings through the years! LOL.
I am also of the opinion there needs to be intentional dialogue and planning to accomplish this.
Hi Daren, I appreciate your transparency concerning the challenges you face navigating conversations about the intersection of church and state and the weighty options of supporters and opposers. I, too, find these conversations extremely challenging. Recently, I have been challenged to abandon my desire to experience a “utopian transformation” in society and instead focus on small things I can do daily to improve my community. What small improvements in your community have encouraged you concerning the controversial subject: the intersection of church and state? I am sure you have experienced many small victories!
Hey Elysee! Thanks for this reply because I think the biggest victory is sometimes coming together and being heard. The church creating space, allowing people to make an informed decision makes the difference. We as a church engage in voter registration, but never endorse a candidate, leaving the choice up to them.
I think about Elisha and the prophets of Baal. How he welcomed the opposing side and gave them space and opportunity. Sometimes we think we are hurting our credibility by allowing opposing thoughts and opinions to be heard.
Secondly I do think the church loses credibility, speaking out on every political issue. We should weigh heavily what we can and not cannot take on politically. Be prepared because someone will disagree and criticize, but so be it. While we maintain a Kingdom agenda here on earth we must also come to the realization, you cannot legislate morality- no matter how hard you try.
Daren,
I appreciate that you highlighted the historical context. Sometimes I also look back at the historical challenges and think well, if they could do it so could we. Then, I realize that they did it with a lot of struggle and tears. Do you have a group of pastors that you are able to walk this challenging time with?
Hey Adam! I am blessed to have several Interfaith pastors I can share with. As Chaplain at Syracuse University we have several faiths represented. We are all friends and colleagues, giving space for discussion and dialogue. It is quite refreshing to hear the various perspectives and articulated concerns.
Daren, you speak in your post about some churches being less vocal and remaining on the sidelines. What is one step those churches could take to be more meaningfully engaged in your estimation?