GENTLE WHISPER: Compel Religion

From time to time the idea that the government should compel people to support or follow one particular religion is floated through the halls of Congress.

This “compel religion” view is historically not new. This view was tragically held by many Christians in past centuries. It played a big role in the Thirty Years War (1618 -1648) where it began as a conflict between Protestants and Roman Catholics over control of territories particularly in Germany. And many other “war of religion” in Europe, specifically between Catholics and Protestants in 16th and 17th centuries.

Other religions still actively promote government enforcement of their religion. This is seen in countries such as Saudi Arabia, which enforces laws forcing people to follow Islam.

Jesus’ Jewish opponents tried to trap him with question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Mt 22.17). Jesus answered, “Show me the coin for the tax,” and “they brought him a denarius” (v 19). Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s”. Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mt 22. 20-21).

Jesus teaches that the realms of “God” and “Caesar” are distinct. He shows there are two different spheres of influence, one for the government and one for the religious life of the people.

There are some things, such as taxes, that belong to civil government (“the things that are Caesar’s”), and this implies that the church should not try to control these things. On the other hand, some things belong to people’s religious life (“the things that are God’s”), and implies that civil government should not try to control those things.* (LGC)