This is a thoughtful and informative article by the Hon. John Anderson MP, looking at the history and development of the Liberal-Democratic State and that of Christianity's involvement. He also considers how Christians could helpfully and scripturally be involved relationally with the State.
"Too often the relationship of Church and State is discussed from a State-centric point of view, that is, what role has the Church got in the State?
In this paper I have considered it from the opposite perspective: can the State survive without the Church? In a developmental sense, the Western liberal democratic State is indivisibly reliant upon a biblical view of humanity, the individual, community and responsibility. Historically, Christians (e.g. the Clapham Sect) have contributed significantly to the State.
For the future, this must continue. The Church must have a distinct worldview that allows it to contribute thoughtfully and theologically to public life. It is a worldview that must understand the State temporally, contribute widely and have relationship as central. For Christians to fail in this area would neglect the State to which we have a responsibility."
"This article is based on the address given by the Hon. John Anderson MP as part of the New College Lecture Series, 'Church and State', delivered on October 25, 2005."
