Counsel #5 — The Separation Apologetic

Picture: Counsel #5 — The Separation ApologeticCCW 113.1

Seventh-day Adventists champion the clear separation between church and state. This separation safeguards against the dangers of governments enforcing religious uniformity, protecting the sacred beliefs from the secular. Imagine a wall erected between the two institutions, preventing the government from favoring one religion over another or controlling religious practices. This separation protects each person’s core right to think and believe as they will. People are free to choose their faith path without fear of government pressure or coercion. Historically, the union of church and state has often led to abuses of power, with religious authorities wielding political influence and persecuting those who held different beliefs.CCW 113.2

Adventists advocate for a society where diverse beliefs can coexist peacefully, fostering mutual respect and tolerance. Ultimately, the separation between church and state safeguards the integrity of both institutions, allowing the government to function effectively and religious communities to practice their faith freely.^{[170]https://www.huffpost.com/entry/keeping-church-at-arms-le_b_4226809}CCW 113.3

“Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17 NKJVCCW 113.4

“The civil power is the power of arbitrary force to compel men who will not be righteous, to at least be civil, that men may live together in peace and quietness. The true power of the church is the power of divine love manifest in the flesh, to win men to lead righteous lives. The two powers are entirely separate.” Ellen White in Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships, 27.3CCW 113.5

Reflect: How can you promote mutual respect and tolerance in a society with diverse religious beliefs?CCW 113.6