Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 28:2 (Summer 2024)
Article: What Is The Spectrum Of Major Views On Political Theology? A Proposed Taxonomy Of Seven Views On Religion And Government
Author: Andrew David Naselli

What Is The Spectrum Of Major Views On Political Theology? A Proposed Taxonomy Of Seven Views On Religion And Government1

Andrew David Naselli

Andrew David Naselli is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he serves as lead pastor of Christ the King Church, Stillwater, Minnesota. He earned his first PhD from Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina and his second PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author of numerous articles and books such as How to Understand and Apply the New Testament (P&R, 2017), How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? (with Jonathan Leeman, Crossway, 2020), Predestination: An Introduction (Crossway, 2024), and How to Read a Book (Canon, 2024). Andy is married to Jenni, and they have four daughters.

Christians have increasingly discussed political theology over the past several years—at least in my conservative evangelical circles. A lot of Christians are both interested and confused. They are fascinated by the topic, but they are having trouble thinking clearly about it because it is so complicated. This article is my attempt to add some clarity by framing a debated topic. I proceed in three parts: (1) I start by briefly defining religion, politics, and political theology; (2) then I propose seven views on religion and government; (3) and I conclude with seven reflections.2

SBJT 28:2 (Summer 2024) 169

Part 1. Starting With Definitions: Religion, Politics, And Political Theology

Let’s start by defining three basic terms: religion, politics, and political theology.

• Religion is “an organized system of beliefs that answers ultimate questions and commends certain actions or behaviors based on the answers to those questions.”3 Those questions concern ultimate reality (i.e., God), the nature of the universe, the nature of mankind, what happens to a man at death, and how we know right and wrong.4 As a Christian, I believe that the religious institution God has ordained is Christ’s church.

• Politics is the science and art of governing men (to paraphrase Aristotle).5 In this article I’m referring specifically to politics at the civil level of the government or the governing authorities or the state.6

• Political theology is a theology of politics—particularly how religion and politics should re...
  
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