Historical Theology of Church and State
HITH 632
Summary
Explore the Historical Theology of Church and State course and what you can expect to learn through the semester.
Course Overview
A Christian theology of Church and State seeks to articulate the relationship of Christian holiness and civic life. In this course we will examine this relationship historically and theologically, beginning with three foundational statements from the New Testament:
- “Jesus Christ is Lord,”
- “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” and
- “submit to authorities.”
The meanings of these statements have been tested at key points in history, and we will analyze how Christians acted out a discernible theo-politic during those times.
The readings include primary sources in ancient Greek and Roman literature, the early church fathers, the medieval scholastics, Reformers, and contemporary authors.
In the end each student should articulate a Christ-centered political theology
Textbooks
- See the current booklist.
Professor: Dr. David Fry
Assignment Overview
- Read Historical Texts: Explore writings from ancient Rome through modern authors that address faith and civic life. This historical journey will build your theological foundation for approaching political questions with Christian wisdom.
- Write Reflections and Papers: Develop your thinking through weekly discussions, focused projects (like analyzing Bible passages or designing worship), and a final paper. These assignments will help you articulate your own coherent approach to faith and politics.
- Apply Theological Insights: Learn how Christians throughout history have interpreted key texts like “Render unto Caesar” in different contexts. This knowledge will equip you to develop a nuanced Christian approach to contemporary civic responsibility.
Intended Outcomes
You will appreciate
- the various sources from which Christians have drawn theo-political principles and the resulting diversity of Christian views of Church and State
- and recognize the unique mission of the Church as a witness to the State, and the State as a facilitator of the moral principles revealed by God through general and special revelation.
- and be confident in God’s promise to establish His kingdom in Christ and through the Church.
Ability to
- apply biblical instruction in a clear and consistent theo-politic.
- articulate your core beliefs regarding Church and State with reference to historical personalities, philosophies, and principles.
- live out God’s mission for the Church by developing a personal theo-political ethic that will guide the public display of your faith.
You will understand
- which Scripture passages are most critical for a political theology and how to draw from them your guiding principles for your personal theo-political ethic.
- a basic familiarity with the historical figures and documents that are formative for the Church today and how to integrate the best thoughts from them into your theo-political ethic.
- and have developed a personal understanding of the role of the Church in public life (a theo-politic), particularly how Christian witness to the kingdom of God shapes public life.