Let us contend for our faith with grace and love

SUMMARY: The Church has had a mixed history in terms of its social and political influence. While it has often been benevolent and humanizing, it has also used its power to oppress others and enrich itself. Therefore, we must be cautious when advocating for greater integration between Church and government. However, God wants nations and other human institutions to reflect the values of his Kingdom, and Christians should strive to hold our societies to the moral and spiritual values of the gospel. We must use positions of influence to facilitate the spread of the gospel and its values. When we hold public office, we must tie ourselves fiercely to prayer and the word of God to gain the wisdom necessary to handle power according to gospel values. We must learn from past mistakes and move with wisdom and humility, but also with confidence and determination, knowing that we are moving in the power and authority of Jesus Christ.

Undoubtedly, the social and political influence of the Church throughout history, insofar as it has adhered to the values of the word of God, has been benevolent and humanizing. Just look at the difference between countries that have historically developed under the influence of Christianity, and those that have evolved under the tutelage of other religious systems. But on many occasions, the Church has managed very bad authority. He has brought shame and scandal to the name of Jesus Christ when he has used his power to oppress others and illegitimately enrich himself.

For all these reasons, we must proceed with great sobriety and caution when we advocate for greater integration between Church and government, or when we become frustrated at the resistance of so many towards the idea of a Christian government in our countries. To some extent, the blame for that suspicious attitude toward the Church on the part of so many modern people falls at the feet of the Church itself, for its inconsistent and sinful behavior through the centuries when it has wielded political power.

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