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Civis 001/2013
How Do View the State?
“Christians cannot divide their life into two separate fields: spiritual and political, but the Kingdom of God must be proclaimed in all fields of life, including political field” (Johannes Leimena)
With regards to the state, Christians have a paradoxical position. They are citizens of their country in this world and also citizens of Christ’s kingdom. They have a “double citizenship”, which creates tension in their lives as citizens.
As a responsible citizen to the nation, a Christian should participate in electing the government and in deciding regulations, laws, and other things controlling the life of the state.
In this relation, the following questions emerge:
• How far is the state authority binding?
• What is the source of state authority?
• How far can a Christian obey the state?
Essentially, these questions revolve around a bigger question: “How is the relationship between Church and State”, and along with it is the question: “How can a Christian live with her Lord and simulatenously live as a good citizen,” more emphatically: “How can we live as true Christians and as true responsible citizens.”
Answers to those questions are related closely with the theories of “state”. On this matter, I just want to mention the views of the state according to: Martin Lutheri, John Calvinii, dan Karl Barthiii.
The state theories from Luther, Calvin, and Barth, which have been described very briefly, apply especially in countries living in Christian tradition. The conditions are different from, for example, the Asian countries, where the majority of people are not Christians (Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists, etc). Therefore, Christians must agree on a state foundation that can be approved and supported by all the people, who embrace the different religions.
In such country, everyone should have freedom of religions. It is clear that the state foundation must be secular. However, even this secular state should also be viewed from a Christian perspective by the Christians.
In my view, there are several things that we can hold as the basic principles on the subject of Church and State relationship:
a.Genesis or the creation of the world.
b.Reconciliation of human race (world) and God through Jesus Christ. This is the new ‘genesis’ (secondcreation) of the world.
c.This second creation will be perfected at the second coming of the Lord Jesus.
2. The church has the obligation to proclaim this new creation in Jesus Christ to all human race.
3. The new creation means: restoration of order, peace, justice, and liberty in this world.
4. God’s grace makes the “order” possible, so that the world doesn’t fall into a chaos, and “who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (I Tim. 2:4).
5. The state is obligated to organize and maintain the order, and in so doing becomes God’s servant (Rom. 13:6). Since God in Christ Jesus is the Lord of heaven and earth, the state authority derives from God. Therefore the state does not have purpose and norms in its own. The function given to the state is to maintain the order based upon Law and Justice, and to create possibilities for citizens to act as responsible citizens.
6. The church, especially Christians, should participate in upholding the order. They cannot divide their life into two separate fields: spiritual and political, but the Kingdom of God must be proclaimed in all fields of life, including political field. According to her “calling” in this political field, each time she has to determine her attitude according to the situation and issues at hand.
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i. It is commonly said that Luther expressed his “two circles” theory based on the relationship of the Torah and Gospel. According to Luther, the Gospel falls within the circle of the Church, while the Torah the circle of the parliamentary. The Gospel rules over ‘spiritual life’. State and Church are separated from one another. In that way, the state’s life is easily detached from the rule of Christ. In the practice of German Nazi, we see how the Church neglected the state’s life, finally came under the state’s control.
ii. Calvin teaches: “service to God in and by Christian life” and “service to God in the field of political life”. According to him, there are two circles, the Church and the world, but the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and the world. Based on this, Calvin proposed demands of “the rules of political order”. In his view, all the rules on political order must also glorify God by regulating justice, peace, liberty, in a worldly sense. If the Government—however its form—agrees to show the spiritual foundation of the “political order”, that is to defend justice, peace, and liberty, then the Christians are obligated to work together with the rulers in the political field.
iii. According to Barth, Calvin’s position has truth in it, but Calvin was too influenced by the theocracy in the Middle Age. Calvin expected too much help from the state. In Barth’s view, this will end up in state’s domination over the Church. Luther and Calvin, according to Barth, didn’t explain how the political authority could be based upon the authority and government of Christ. Therefore, Barth wanted to give a “Christologische Fundering” of a state.
According to Barth:
– State must be viewed from the perspective of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
– The Lord Jesus Christ is the head (Lord) of Church and State.
– State has a task according to God’s rule in a world that is still in the grip of sin. This is the world where the Church stands. State carries the task according to its wisdom and ability. State administers law (justice) and peace using its power.
– Church is a fellowship of people redemeed by God.
– State is a political fellowship.
If the Church really acknowledges the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, she shouldn’t isolateherself within her walls.
– Church is the inner circle of Christ’s authority; the society in general is the outermost circle.
– The relationship of State and Church is a relationship between concentric circles; both circles have one central point: Jesus Christ.
However according to Barth, there is no mixing between Church and State. The Church should guard herself not to become the State, and the State shouldn’t become the Church.
The Church reminds the rulers (Government) and those under their rule to the kingdom and justice of God.
This series originates from the lecture by Dr. Johannes Leimena (1905-1977) in Sukabumi, West Java, in 1955, entitled “Responsible Citizenship”. Being a student activist in STOVIA medical school, he joined the committee for the 1928 Youth Congress which gave birth to the monumental Oath of Youth. Then he served as minister in 18 cabinets from 1946 to 1966, from Minister of Health until Vice Prime Minister. He was entrusted as the Acting President of the Republic of Indonesia for seven times when President Soekarno was overseas. The Bandung Plan that he drew up based on his experience as Minister of Health is the origin of today’s Community Health Center system. He also helped the founding of the Indonesian Christian Student Movement and the Council of Churches in Indonesia.