The theology of church-state relations in Protestant thought with final reference to the contemporary context of the Chinese churches
The thesis is a study of the theology of church-state relations in Protestant thought with reference to the secular world and the Chinese context in particular. The theological basis is the Chalcedonian character of differentiation without confusion yet coordination without division. Hence I argue for both complementarity of church and state and critical support of the church for the state. In the contemporary pluralist era, the church should recognize itself as one among other institutions cooperating with the state for the benefit of society. Also the church should emphasize itself as a religious community proclaiming Christ's salvation and a moral community living out Christ's love for others. The manner of applying this theological principle is context-specific, giving rise to different emphases. Luther emphasizes the necessity of civil obedience to be offered by the church to the state, unless the state oversteps its limit. This emphasis fits in the context of obtaining civil support for his reformation. Calvin upholds a distinction while emphasizing a cooperation of the two entities to regulate society, even allowing the convergence of their jurisdiction. It is feasible only when the Genevan city council
Lee, Siu Chau
Philosophy
The theology of church-state relations in Protestant thought with final reference to the contemporary context of the Chinese churches. The thesis is a study of the theology of church-state relations in Protestant thought with reference to the secular world and the Chinese context in particular. The theological basis is the Chalcedonian character of differentiation without confusion yet coordination without division. Hence I argue for both complementarity of church and state and critical support of the church for the state. In the contemporary pluralist era, the church should recognize itself as one among other institutions cooperating with the state for the benefit of society. Also the church should emphasize itself as a religious community proclaiming Christ's salvation and a moral community living out Christ's love for others. The manner of applying this theological principle is context-specific, giving rise to different emphases. Luther emphasizes the necessity of civil obedience to be offered by the church to the state, unless the state oversteps its limit. This emphasis fits in the context of obtaining civil support for his reformation. Calvin upholds a distinction while emphasizing a cooperation of the two entities to regulate society, even allowing the convergence of their jurisdiction. It is feasible only when the Genevan city council
theology church_state relation protestant think final reference contemporary context chinese church study theology church_state relation protestant think reference secular world chinese context particular theological basis character differentiation without confusion yet coordination without division hence argue complementarity church_state critical support church_state contemporary pluralist era church recognize among institution cooperate state benefit society also church emphasize religious_community proclaim christ salvation moral community_live christ love others manner apply theological principle context specific give_rise different emphasis luther emphasize necessity civil obedience offer church_state unless state limit emphasis fit context obtain civil support reformation calvin upholds distinction emphasize cooperation two_entity regulate society even allow convergence jurisdiction feasible city council