wfn.org | Faith and Politics: Clergy Opinions Differ

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Taiwan Church News 2712, 16 through 22 February 2004
Reported by Lin Yi-ying.  Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

   Is it truth or error to assert that God is God and Caesar is Caesar?
Is there a necessary separation between politics and religion? Are these two
phenomena necessarily in opposition?  Is it better to have a Christian
president than a non-Christian one? The intersections between faith and
politics are multiple. Every different minister and religious scholar holds a
different set of opinions.
   Recently the Kingdom Revival Times hosted a seminar on Faith and Politics.
Ministers and scholars from many different Protestant organizations in Taiwan
were invited to speak to the question.	They included Chinese Christian
Evangelistic Association Executive Secretary James Hsia, Presbyterian Church
in Taiwan General Secretary William J. K. Lo, Professor Guey Cheng-tien of
the
Graduate School Department of Religion at the National Political University,
Chu-Jian from the Bread Of Life Theological College, Uang Chuan-seng from the
Disciples' Training Center, and Hsi-sung Church pastor Lin Yuh-iuan.
   Mr. Uang said that in the midst of political conflict between parties the
church has a role to care about politics, but churches cannot take a side.
His ideals stand on three legs: The Kingdom of God is of a different nature
than human society, so operates on a different level; Politics and decline
are
part of God's intention because human wisdom is unable to make good
judgments;
and Only the salvation of God can clarify politics, because human ability is
not sufficient.
   Mr. Lin pointed out that the New Testament relationship between church and
state is one of non-contentious love. Since Christians are heavenly
sojourners
on the earth, we should not take up earthly concerns that set us against each
other.
   Professor Guey explained the historical understanding of church state
division as a development of "church state distinction." As democratic
systems
emerged the principle evolved to "non-interference in each other's affairs."
   The Rev. Chou Sin-cho, pastor of Bread of Life Church in Taipei, cited an
African example.  "A former president of Uganda made a formal offering of his
nation to God and vowed to rule his country by the principles of
Christianity.
Of course this declaration made some people happy, but this kind of "national
offering" also calls on all other countries to observe closely.  If the
offering is not followed by the kinds of actions that befit Christian
principles, then it is an unwise gesture, and is a bad testimony."  He added,
"Nonetheless, it is not wrong to encourage a nation to be to operate by
Christian principles. It can be very meaningful."
   Speaking from his Calvinist theological foundation, William Lo asserted
that politics are a part of the dominion with which God charged human beings
at creation.  God's people are to exercise this dominion as good stewards. 
So
Christian participation in politics is both a right and a duty. Christians
are
to be the creative minority in the political system, and cannot coldly ignore
their mandate.
   The "God and Caesar" schism is one facet of the "Sacred and Secular"
distinction made by some people.  It is based on the idea that "spirit is
good, and material is bad."  But Rev. Lo asked, "Do you believe that Caesar
himself was not under the dominion and sovereignty of God?  How can you exalt
Caesar to a plane equal to that of God Almighty?"
   "The Church is the body of Christ, the tool of God. The church has
responsibility as used by the Holy Spirit to manifest the justice of God's
truth through political and social concern!"
   Panel moderator James Hsia concluded the seminar by setting out four
points
for Christians' political life.  Believers must first recognize their own
identity and place within the Kingdom of God.  Next they must seek the public
good.  Third, before taking any action, they should engage in ardent prayer,
and last of all, they should act with truth and respect for all.

For More Information: www.kingdomrevival.com.tw
Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.
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