Church and State(jurisdiction, nonconformity, state)
Summary
The relationship between religious and civil authority, illustrated in Scripture through prophets anointing and reproving kings, and Jesus's teaching on rendering to Caesar and to God.
☩Prophetic Authority
In Israel's theocracy, prophets exercised significant authority over civil rulers. Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings, reproved Saul for disobedience, and announced God's rejection of his dynasty. Nathan confronted David over his sin, and prophets throughout Israel's history spoke God's judgment to kings.
☩Jesus's Teaching
When asked about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus distinguished between obligations to civil government and obligations to God. His response 'Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's' established the principle of distinct but not separate spheres of authority.
