Church and State
Disclaimer:
“These papers are made available on this website for the purpose of helping to ripen mature Christian opinion but the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria or its Church and Nation Committee.”
a) State of Tension (Church & State)
Author: David Palmer
31st May 2007
Published in June 2007 edition of Australian Presbyterian
Abstract:
"What basis do Christians have for banding together to lobby Governments in favour of Christian morality, Christian agendas?
......is there any sound basis upon which Christians either as individuals or in associations or even as the Church may engage in political activity for good and godly reasons?
The fundamental answer is yes, because the love of Christ compels us. God-honouring political activity is one of the many ways in which we can love our neighbour, as the overflow of our love for our Saviour. In political life we do this by doing what we can to establish justice and peace, which bring such obvious benefits to our fellow citizens.
The basis for Christian political participation has been further and helpfully sketched out , both by Martin Luther with his “Two Kingdoms” teaching, and by Calvinists, especially those in the Dutch tradition. The figure of the great Dutchman, Abraham Kuyper, pastor, theologian, journalist and politician towers over the landscape of cultural engagement, of which political activity is but one subset."
b) Legislating Morality
Author: David Palmer
29th September 2007
Published in November 2007 edition of Australian Presbyterian
From the Introduction:
"Let’s get one thing clear!
People are “legislating” morality all the time, whether parents and teachers with children, the media’s “education” of the public, the latest offering from the new atheists, the preacher pontificating in the pulpit or the passage of new legislation and regulations through Parliaments.
However the precise question I wish to address is, “what right have Christians to think, let alone expect politicians to legislate in favour of Christian morality”?"
Conclusion:
"The question is whether we Christians living in the West, and in Australia in particular are willing to break with the prevailing deathly culture that to our shame swallowed up so many of our young people in the aftermath of the 1960’s sexual revolution, despite being brought up in Church families and attending Sunday Schools.
If we are, we are in for the battle of our lives, and all for the sake of crown rights of Christ our redeemer King and for the recovery, indeed transformation of our culture. Do we remain in the bunkers fighting one another, or do we clamber out of those bunkers to engage the enemy for the glory of Christ? Surely in a culture so mired in sin and its consequences, resistance is our duty; acquiescence, defeat and extinction.
So for the sake of our children and succeeding generations, let us in partnership with like minded fellow Christians under God, set our faces and spare no effort, in the rejuvenation of the institutions of our culture, including the legal framework within which we live."
c) Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century
Author: David Palmer
22nd November 2008
Published in December 2008 edition of Australian Presbyterian
The Australian Human Rights Commission launched the Freedom of Religion and Belief Project in the 21st Century Project on the 17th September 2008. Submissions have been called with a deadline of the 31st January 2009 and the final report to Government stated to be available sometime during 2010.
This article gives the background to the review, issues to be considered and guidance for Christians wishing to inform themselves and hopefully make a submission.