About this Episode
In a world where political divisions run deep and national identity often overshadows faith, how can Christians navigate the complex relationship between church and state? This episode of the Bad Roman Podcast featuring author of Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week, Jason Porterfield, explores the complex relationship between Christianity and the state.
As Christians, we know we're called to follow Jesus. Yet, many of us find ourselves caught in a web of conflicting loyalties. We pledge allegiance to flags, sing patriotic anthems, and even display national symbols in our places of worship. But is this what Jesus intended for His followers?
Jason challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about Christian citizenship and allegiance. His insights offer a fresh perspective on what it means to be a follower of Christ in a world that falsely demands our loyalty to earthly powers.
The Kingdom of God: More Than Just a Spiritual Concept
When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God, He wasn't merely describing a spiritual realm. He was making a bold, politically charged statement that challenged the very foundations of earthly power structures. Yet, many Christians today shy away from this revolutionary concept, preferring instead to speak of the "family of God" or other less confrontational terms.
Why do we do this? Perhaps it's because we've become too comfortable with the idea of dual citizenship – claiming allegiance to both God and country. But as Jason points out, this divided loyalty often leads to a watered-down faith where Jesus becomes Lord of less and less, while Caesar (or the state) claims lordship over everything else.
Consider this: What if we took Jesus' words about the Kingdom of God as seriously as the early Christians did? How might it change our relationship with the state and our understanding of our role in society?
Allegiance vs. Faith: Reclaiming the Power of Pistis
One of the most striking insights from this episode is the discussion around the Greek word "pistis." Often translated simply as "faith," this word carries a much deeper meaning of allegiance or loyalty. When the New Testament writers speak of giving one's pistis to Jesus, they're not just talking about believing in Him – they're calling for a complete transfer of allegiance from earthly powers to Christ.
This understanding challenges the modern Christian tendency to reduce faith to a personal, spiritual matter divorced from political and social realities. It calls us to reconsider what it truly means to declare Jesus as Lord and King.
Ask yourself: Have I reduced my faith in Jesus to mere belief, or am I willing to give Him my complete allegiance, even when it conflicts with the demands of the state?
Flags in the Sanctuary: A Symbol of Divided Loyalties
The presence of national flags in church sanctuaries is a relatively recent phenomenon, yet it's become so commonplace that many Christians don't think twice about it. However, as Jason reminds us, the early church would have found this practice deeply troubling.
Tertullian, an early Christian writer, declared that "the divine banner and the human banner do not go together, nor the standard of Christ and the standard of the devil." These words may sound harsh to modern ears, but they reflect a deep understanding of the exclusive nature of our allegiance to Christ.
Consider this: What message are we sending when we display national symbols alongside Christian ones in our places of worship? Are we inadvertently suggesting that our loyalty is divided between God and country?
Practical Implications: Living as Citizens of Heaven
So how do we live out this radical allegiance to Christ in practical terms? Jason offers several thought-provoking suggestions:
Rethink your language: Instead of speaking of Jesus as your personal Savior, try referring to Him as your Lord and King.
Reconsider your participation in national rituals: Jason shares how he stands silently during the Pledge of Allegiance, reciting the Lord's Prayer instead.
Engage in your community, but with a different perspective: Work for the welfare of your city or country, but do so as an ambassador of Christ's kingdom, not as a citizen of an earthly nation.
Be prepared for pushback: Standing firm in your allegiance to Christ may cost you relationships or opportunities, but remember that your citizenship is in heaven.
What We Learned About True Allegiance
This episode challenges us to examine our assumptions about faith, citizenship, and allegiance. It reminds us that following Jesus is not just about personal salvation – it's about pledging our loyalty to a different kingdom altogether.
As we navigate the complex landscape of modern politics and national identity, let's remember that our primary citizenship is in heaven. Our allegiance is to Christ alone, and from that foundation, we can engage with our earthly communities in ways that reflect His love, justice, and peace.
Are you ready to reclaim the revolutionary nature of your faith? Listen to the full episode for more insights on living as citizens of God's kingdom in a world that demands our allegiance. And don't forget to check out Jason Porterfield's book "Fight Like Jesus" for a deeper exploration of how Jesus modeled peacemaking and confronted injustice during Holy Week.
Let's commit to being "bad Romans" – Christians who are willing to challenge the status quo and live out our allegiance to Christ, no matter the cost.
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Episode Timestamps:
(0:22) Episode Overview
Discussion on phrases used to define the kingdom of God
Examination of national flags in churches
Guest Jason Porterfield returns to the show
(0:56) Jason Porterfield Returns to the Show
Jason Porterfield on Past Bad Roman Episodes
Waging Peace: Seeing God Before the Resurrection with Jason Porterfield, Episode 54
Keith Giles & Jason Porterfield - Fight Like a Christian, Episode 14
Updates on Jason's family and work
Impact of recent political policies on Jason's life and ministry
(2:47) Current Political Climate
Craig and Jason discuss the challenges of Christian engagement with politics
Concerns about Christians celebrating divisive political actions
(4:26) Motivations Behind Jason's Recent Post
Jason shares the context of a church service that inspired his post
Reflection on J.D. Vance's comments about Christian priorities
(9:24) Church Diversity and Political Tensions
Discussion on political diversity within Jason's church (Quaker Friends Church)
Challenges of maintaining Christian unity amid political differences
(12:27) Analyzing Jason's Four-Point Post
Point 1: Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God, but that's too political
Exploration of reducing the meaning of Jesus' teachings
(18:03) The Power of Language in Christian Identity
Importance of recognizing Jesus as King
Implications of using "Christ" vs. "King" in reference to Jesus
(24:24) Early Church Perspectives on Allegiance
Historical examples of early Christians prioritizing allegiance to Christ
Tertullian's statements on allegiance to God vs. Caesar
(28:22) Jesus' Teachings on Taxes and Allegiance
Analysis of Jesus' response to paying taxes to Caesar
Early church interpretations of Jesus' teachings on allegiance
(35:33) The Bruderhof Community's Resistance to Nazism
Example of Christians maintaining allegiance to Christ during political pressure
Bonhoeffer's influence on the Bruderhof's stance
(46:21) Flags in Churches and Pledges of Allegiance
Jason's personal approach to pledges of Allegiance
Discussion on the presence of national flags in church sanctuaries
(54:56) Jason's Resource: 100 Early Christian Quotes on Not Killing
Origin and purpose of Jason's compilation of early Christian quotes
Importance of understanding early church perspectives on violence
(57:51) Jason's Book: Fight Like Jesus
Overview of the book's focus on Jesus' actions during Holy Week
Encouragement to read the book during the Lenten season
(59:48) Conclusion and Additional Resources
Invitation to explore Jason's website for more resources
Importance of Christians considering their relationship to the state
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