Christianity and the state : towards a liberal politics

Abstract

The basic argument of this paper runs as follows: Using a combination of the doctrine of free will as found in Milton's Areopagitica and the Biblical doctrine of grace as a Christian philosophical basis, Christianity is shown to support freedom, rather than prohibition, both in terms of temporal and eternal results that such political action might achieve. The primary role of the Church is one of caring for the spiritual need in people, by facilitating salvation. The secondary role is caring for the physical needs of people, through concern for their physical welfare. These two concerns may be symbolised in Jesus' injunction to Christians to be Light and Salt respectively. Some current Christian political action (as exemplified in the activities of the New Right in the U.S.A. and similar attitudes in South Africa), in terms of the aforementioned Biblical-Philosophical basis, is not justifiable, and actually harmful to the Christian cause. It creates damaging impressions of Christians on society, as well by diverting attention, manpower, prayer and finance away from more important issues. Christian political activity is very necessary, but should not be linked to the often irrelevant and non-scriptural agendas of the political Right. Rather, it should be focused on issues of Liberty, Social Welfare,and most importantly, salvation of as many souls as possible, in line with the doctrines of Grace and Free Will.