I appreciate this article’s attempt at balance. I think the isolation approach was closer to the practice of the apostles and is what the Scriptures teach, but the Scriptures were written toward believers in a differing system of goverance than ours.. The question is not whether the Reformers would be comfortable with our churches (wrong question), but is Jesus and would the Apostles be comfortable (right question)?
Consider I Timothy 2:1-2. Note what is present in the direction of our prayers, and note what is absent (that we might transform society):
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
But things are different in a society where our opinion counts and where we have a vote. It is not that simple. So we begin with the desire for peace, quiet, and dignity, but we must now harmonize this with our responsibility as citizens with a voice, something the early believers did not have. This is like vinegar and oil — it does not mix well. And that is why we struggle with the right balance.
Also, when we talk about how John the Baptist rebuked Herod, we need to compare that to people in the church rebuking others who (profess) faith in Christ. Herod was a Jew. A Jew, John the Baptist, was rebuking a fellow Jew who thus claimed to be Torah observant (but wasn’t). That would be different than John the Baptist rebuking Pilate, for example.
Discussion
NewGreat
This perfectly captures my view of the Church’s role in the public square.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewWhat is the right balance?
I appreciate this article’s attempt at balance. I think the isolation approach was closer to the practice of the apostles and is what the Scriptures teach, but the Scriptures were written toward believers in a differing system of goverance than ours.. The question is not whether the Reformers would be comfortable with our churches (wrong question), but is Jesus and would the Apostles be comfortable (right question)?
Consider I Timothy 2:1-2. Note what is present in the direction of our prayers, and note what is absent (that we might transform society):
But things are different in a society where our opinion counts and where we have a vote. It is not that simple. So we begin with the desire for peace, quiet, and dignity, but we must now harmonize this with our responsibility as citizens with a voice, something the early believers did not have. This is like vinegar and oil — it does not mix well. And that is why we struggle with the right balance.
Also, when we talk about how John the Baptist rebuked Herod, we need to compare that to people in the church rebuking others who (profess) faith in Christ. Herod was a Jew. A Jew, John the Baptist, was rebuking a fellow Jew who thus claimed to be Torah observant (but wasn’t). That would be different than John the Baptist rebuking Pilate, for example.
"The Midrash Detective"