What is the separation of church and state?

what does the bible say?

The separation of church and state exists to protect the church from government control. Still, believers are called to live faithfully under civil authority. Throughout the Bible, God’s authority is shown to transcend political power. Christians are called to obey the law but to follow Him first and foremost, as seen in Jesus’s teaching to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). In the United States, the separation of church and state prevents the government from favoring or establishing a religion, while still allowing people of faith to serve in public office, guided by their convictions. The church remains independent from government control. Believers are tasked with proclaiming God’s truth and building His Kingdom through the church, which should be free from state interference. This balance ensures both religious freedom and civil order, highlighting that ultimate loyalty belongs to God, not any human authority.

from the old testament

• God was Israel’s sovereign ruler (1 Samuel 8:7; Psalm 47:7–8). Kings and rulers were accountable to Him, and civil authority was often intertwined with religious law. The Torah blended civil, moral, and ceremonial law, so governance and faith were closely linked.
• Prophets frequently rebuked kings for disobedience to God. God’s authority transcends political authority (1 Kings 18:17–18; Jeremiah 22:3).

from the new testament

• Jesus taught to live out one’s faith even in the political: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Believers owe civil obedience, but ultimate loyalty belongs to God.
• Romans 13:1–7 instructs Christians to respect governing authorities, as they are instituted by God for order and justice. However, when earthly laws conflict with God’s commands, believers must obey God, rather than humans (Acts 5:29).
• The early church functioned independently of political power. Leaders like Peter and Paul exercised authority within the community of believers and did not rely on state enforcement (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 5:12–13).

implications for today

The separation of church and state in the United States of America is a long-held part of our constitutional republic, not found explicitly in the U.S. Constitution but based on the First Amendment. The separation of church and state is not a prohibition against people of faith serving in government. It is not an effort to bar the influence of religion in shaping the laws and culture of America. It is not meant to be wielded against religious activities. Instead, the separation of church and state is an idea that prohibits the government from interfering with the church. It is a shield against the government sanctioning one faith or system of beliefs as the governmental favorite. The idea of the separation of church and state was first put into writing by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a group of Baptists ten years after the Constitution was ratified. Jefferson was a deeply religious man who believed that the government should not interfere with his, nor anyone else’s, belief system. In his letter, Jefferson cites the Constitution’s prohibition against the government establishing a religion or stopping any person from adhering to his or her beliefs. Jefferson concludes his letter with these words: “I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association assurances of my high respect & esteem.” Jefferson and a vast majority of the founding fathers and signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution aligned themselves with Christianity. Men and women of faith have served honorably in all levels of government in the United States and allowed their religious convictions to guide them in decision-making while in office. The United States of America is not a theocracy (where the government is led by people chosen because they are believed to be especially divinely guided). The U.S. government is not to give any favor, special rights, or privileges to one religion without extending them to others. It is not up to the government to establish religious rules or thinking. Jesus Christ is the One who will build His Church, and He entrusts His followers with proclaiming His truth.

Recap

understand

• Separation of church and state prevents government intervention with churches.
• A believer’s primary and foremost authority is God, not the state, though we are called to obey the laws of the land.
• Ultimate authority comes from God, not the state.

reflect

• How do you balance obeying government laws with following God’s commands when they conflict?
• What does it look like for you to rely on God’s authority first and foremost?
• How does understanding that the church is independent from the state shape your understanding of government and the church?

engage

• What is the importance of the separation of church and state?
• How does the separation of church and state protect religious freedom and encourage spiritual growth?
• How can Christians engage in government or public life without compromising their ultimate loyalty to God?