Introduction A brief overview of the five main views on church and state, the historic contexts of Christian reflection on politics, the significance of the topic for the contemporary church, and the key questions each contributor has been asked to cover. 1. Separationist (Anabaptist) Christian goals are only advanced through the church, and Christians only participate as believers in the church. 2. Two-Kingdom (Lutheran) Christians operate in the realms of both church and state as believers; however, they have different roles and goals in each realm. 3. In-Tension (Catholic) The church both cooperates with and challenges the state in order to bring about Christian social goals. 4. Integrationist (Reformed) The church seeks spiritual redemption while the church seeks social redemption, yet these goals overlap and complement each other. 5. Prophetic (Black Church) An integrationist perspective similar to the Catholic and Reformed views, but marked by an emphasis on the church's role in challenging the state and by a unique blend of theological conservatism married to political liberalism. Conclusion Each view is placed within the context of contemporary politics and compared to the goals and policies of the Democratic and Republican parties, so that readers can see clearly how both parties align and conflict with the five Christian traditions of political thought.
Black, Amy E.
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