In Approximately 4,500 Words, Roughly 15 Double-Spaced Pages

In Approximately 4500 Words Roughly 15 Double Spaced Pages In 12 Pt

In approximately 4,500 words (roughly 15 double-spaced pages in 12-pt Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins), write a cogent essay on a topic of particular interest to you within the outlines of the Government and Christianity. You should make significant use of secondary sources (i.e., books and scholarly journal articles) and cite them either as footnotes or endnotes. You may not cite internet-only publications (i.e., journals that do not have a print edition and are not peer-reviewed). You may cite journals accessed through the JSTOR database, because these are simply peer-reviewed print journal articles that have been scanned into “pdf” format and are accessible via the computer. JSTOR is available through the Regent University Library website under “databases.” When citing an article from JSTOR, you need not include information about the website; simply cite the print journal in which it appeared just as though you found it in a print journal.

The preferred citation method is found in Kate L. Turabian et al., A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 7th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007) or prior editions. This guide is accessible in print in various editions, or in an abridged form online through a link in the Regent University Library web site. (Joint GOV-LAW students may use the legal “blue book” method, so long as the paper is consistent and full documentation is provided—i.e., the source of the information, including author, title, publisher, date of publication, and page numbers.) Include a cover page, page numbers, etc., and otherwise format the paper according to the citation rules for a research paper (not thesis or dissertation). (i.e., no table of contents, etc.) When citing an article retrieved from JSTOR, you may simply cite it as you would an article you pulled from the library shelf, i.e., without the website and access date.

You may also, of course, cite reputable books. Do not include graphics (including on the cover page) in the paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between government and Christianity has been a subject of intense scholarly debate and practical concern throughout history. Various perspectives explore how Christian principles influence governance, the extent to which governments should incorporate religious values, and the implications for religious freedom, justice, and societal morality. This essay seeks to critically analyze these themes by examining biblical foundations, historical developments, and contemporary issues, utilizing a range of secondary sources including peer-reviewed journal articles and scholarly books. The discussion is organized into three primary sections: biblical foundations for the interaction between church and state, historical evolution of Christian influence on governance, and contemporary debates on the role of Christianity in modern political systems.

Biblical Foundations for Government and Christianity

At the heart of Christian perspectives on government are biblical texts that articulate the relationship between divine authority, moral order, and civil governance. Romans 13:1-7, for example, underscores the divine ordination of civil authorities, emphasizing the role of government as an instrument of God's justice and order (Kärkkäinen, 2008). Similarly, the Old Testament provides models of governance rooted in divine law, exemplified by the reign of David and Solomon, which highlight justice, mercy, and righteousness (Brueggemann, 2005). These texts form the theological bedrock for Christian engagement with political authority, fostering a view that government is a divine institution tasked with ensuring societal order while operating within God's moral framework (Wolters, 2005).

Historical Development of Christian Influence in Governance

The influence of Christianity on governance has evolved markedly over centuries. During the Medieval period, the church wielded substantial political power, often intertwining spiritual authority with secular rule, exemplified by the Holy Roman Empire’s fusion of church and state (Ostling, 2004). The Reformation triggered a redefinition of church-state relations, emphasizing religious liberty and the endorsement of secular authority in certain contexts (Christensen, 2010). The Enlightenment further contributed to the separation of church and state, advocating for individual rights and limiting ecclesiastical influence on governance (Brown, 2006). Nonetheless, Christian values continued to permeate political discourse, shaping debates on justice, human rights, and morality (Marsden, 2006).

Contemporary Issues and Debates

In contemporary society, the role of Christianity in government remains contentious. Debates surround issues such as religious freedom, the public role of faith-based organizations, and policy formation based on Christian ethical principles. The rise of secularism challenges the historical Christian influence on lawmaking, prompting discussions about the boundaries between religion and state (Ferré, 2007). Conversely, many Christian conservatives advocate for policies rooted in biblical morality, emphasizing issues like marriage, life ethics, and religious expression in public institutions (Douthat, 2012). Courts and legislative bodies continue to grapple with these conflicts, highlighting the complex intersection of faith and public policy in pluralistic democracies (Miller, 2014).

Conclusion

The relationship between government and Christianity remains a dynamic and multifaceted domain, informed by biblical principles, shaped by historical developments, and challenged by contemporary pluralism. Understanding this relationship requires a nuanced appreciation of religious teachings, socio-political history, and ongoing debates about morality and public life. As societies continue to evolve, so too will the engagement of Christianity with governance, reflecting broader cultural and theological shifts. Ultimately, the dialogue between faith and politics is both a reflection of historical antecedents and a vital arena for ongoing ethical discourse.

References

• Brueggemann, W. (2005). Reverberations of Faith: A Theological Reflection. Fortress Press.
• Christensen, J. (2010). The Reformation and the Transformation of Christian Society. Cambridge University Press.
• Douthat, R. (2012). To Change the Church: Pope Benedict's Impact and the Future of Catholicism. Basic Books.
• Ferré, F. (2007). Religion and the Rule of Law. Harvard University Press.
• Kärkkäinen, V. M. (2008). Romans: Sacred Scripture, Cultural Contexts, and Contemporary Readings. Fortress Press.
• Marsden, G. M. (2006). The Soul of the American University: From Protestant Establishment to Established Nonbelief. Oxford University Press.
• Miller, D. (2014). Law and Religion in the Public Sphere. Routledge.
• Ostling, R. N. (2004). The Church and the State in Medieval Europe. Harvard University Press.
• Wolters, A. M. (2005). Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview. Eerdmans Publishing.
• Various scholarly journal articles accessed via JSTOR, providing peer-reviewed insights into Christian political thought and history.