The Baptist Digest

Separation Of Church And State

December 2010

One of the most cherished doctrines among Baptists has been the doctrine of the separation of church and state. It can also be one of the most misunderstood doctrines.

Historically, Baptists have been one of the most persecuted groups in church history by other Christian groups. Early Baptist leaders in England were imprisoned and many died there. In America, Baptists were persecuted in New England and Virginia. In Massachusetts, Obadiah Holmes was whipped, John Clark was imprisoned and Rogers Williams was banished. In Connecticut, Baptists had part of their farms sold by the sheriff to pay for the construction of the church building of another denomination. In Virginia, Baptist pastors were imprisoned and the products of Baptist farms were sold to support the Episcopal ministers.

As a result of these persecutions, Baptists have been among the strongest supporters of the separation of church and lobbied to have that principle incorporated into the Bill of Rights. B. H. Carroll has noted that Baptists, “in every age of the world . . . have testified for a free church in a free state.”

Again Carroll noted, “There cannot be union of church and state without persecution for conscience’ [sic] sake. There cannot be a pure and converted ministry when politicians appoint the preachers. There cannot be free speech by the church against national sins when the state holds the purse.”

Thus, Baptists have argued that the state should never coerce churches or favor one church group over another. But, should the church itself be active in politics? Carroll commented, “From its spiritual nature the church cannot rightfully become a political factor. Its members, indeed, as individuals and citizens merely, may align themselves at will with political parties according to each several judgment.” Carroll was concerned that any denominational group that involved itself in politics would be courted and possibly corrupted by the state or by political parties.

Today, we struggle with this doctrine from both the state’s viewpoint and the church’s. The government interprets separation to mean that Christians can have no say in the public arena. Many churches today want to move away from individual Christian involvement in the public arena and see denominational involvement in politics.

I personally would encourage a return to our historic position. The state should not infringe on the right of Christians to assemble and worship as they please. Churches should be free to address national issues from a biblical viewpoint, but churches and denominations should stay out of the political arena. Individual Christians should be encouraged to be fully engaged in the public arena. We need Christian legislators, judges, and executives. We do not need a state church or a church state. The end of that road is what we escaped from with the Bill of Rights.

We are in great danger today that the state will abandon religious liberty. We are also in great danger that we in the church will abandon our spiritual purpose to pursue political ends to our detriment.

Pray for our leaders both nationally and denominationally that we will continue the correct course for the separation of church and state.

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I thought you might like this column I read at baptistdigest.com. "Separation Of Church And State" One of the most cherished doctrines among Baptists has been the doctrine of the separation of church and state. It can also be one of the most misunderstood doctrines. You can read the rest here: http://www.baptistdigest.com/archive/column/separation_of_church_and_state/