What is the church's role, when the civil government oversteps its bounds, and infringes on the God-given rights of the family, for instance? Let's use this example: what should the church do, if the state said that spanking a child was against the law?
In this instance, the church should side with and labor for the families (in its midst) who would be thus affected. After all: is it more noble to obey God's clear Biblical directive, or a faulty civil law? Clearly, it is incumbent on the church to obey God. Whatever negative fallout that may be forthcoming would have to be patiently endured, reckoning it all up to the sovereign hand of God, and the privilege of suffering for Christ's sake, (cf. Acts 5:41).
On the other end of the spectrum, what would the church's responsibility be, if one of its parishioners decided not to pay his taxes, (for instance)? In this scenario, the church would side with the state, basing its decision on equally-clear scriptures, (such as Rom. 13:6). A tax-evading professing Christian would then be subject to two judgments: that of the state, and the church.
All of these institutions, church, state, and family, are good, in that they are ordained of God. In a fallen world, the lines sometimes get jumbled-up and confused--but ultimately it is the church's spiritual jurisdiction that is of greatest weight and importance.
The Forum for Ecclesiocentricity is designed to educate Christians and non-Christians alike to understand the Biblical teaching concerning the Church (the "Puritan" church in particular), with regard to its principal role on the earth. When this is achieved, it is hoped that the Church would then be in a better position to convey Christ's redemptive virtues to the civil government (state), and the family. (You may email me at: markjhenninger@gmail.com)
