church state and social welfare

Shalom

The world as it ought to be; God humans and creation living together in justice fulfillment and delight

Biblical principles regarding the poor

God calls his people to generosity justice and equality with special care for the poor widows orphans and sojourners

Views of sin

Sin can be individual but can also affect relationships society and systems; sin damages or vandalizes Shalom

Belgic Confession Article 36

Government is ordained by God to restrain lawlessness maintain order punish evil and protect good; Christians should obey unless it conflicts with God's Word

OT Covenant Concepts

God keeps his promises and cares for his people; his people are called to live faithfully care for others seek justice and especially protect vulnerable people

Guiding Christian principles

Human dignity justice care for others stewardship community religious freedom and responsibility to God

Catholic view of the state and public life

Emphasizes human dignity the common good and social responsibility; government can help promote justice and the church can be involved in public life

Lutheran view of the state and public life

Two kingdoms; the church focuses on faith and the gospel while civil government uses laws to maintain order; believers serve others

Reformed view of the state and public life

Government should establish justice provide minimal aid and protect the boundaries of different areas of society

Anabaptist view of the state and public life

Church and state should remain separate; government mainly maintains order while Christians emphasize the church pacifism and service

Evangelical view of the state and public life

Emphasizes biblical authority personal conversion evangelism freedom of conscience and religious freedom from state control

Sphere sovereignty

Different areas of society such as family church school and government have their own God-given responsibilities and authority

Principled pluralism

Different beliefs and social institutions can exist together; the state has legitimate authority but is not the only authority in society

Religious exemptions

Exceptions or accommodations can allow people to follow sincere religious beliefs when a law or requirement conflicts with their conscience

Orphan Trains

Poor and orphaned children were moved to families in other areas; some benefited but others were treated like workers or received poor care

Poor Farms

A historical way of caring for poor people by placing them in farms or institutions where they were often expected to work

Conscientious Objection

Refusing military combat because it conflicts with religious or moral beliefs; Mennonite pacifism is an important example