God or Government with Jason Porterfield

What does it mean to pledge allegiance to Jesus over earthly governments? Craig is joined by Jason Porterfield, author of Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week, to explore the complex relationship between Christianity and the state.

They address four topics often considered "too political" but essential for Christians seeking to faithfully follow Jesus's teachings, encouraging believers to examine where their true allegiance lies. 

Point by point, Craig and Jason discuss:

1. Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God.
2. The Gospels speak of giving one's pistis (allegiance) to Jesus.
3. The New Testament writers declared Jesus, not Caesar, to be Lord.
4. The early church refused to display any national flag.

Through personal stories, biblical insights, and looking to early Christian perspectives on political involvement, the pair trace how government influence has shaped the church and consider what that means for believers today.

Key Topics that come up in the conversation:

🤝Christian Allegiance to Jesus vs. The State: Early Christians often grappled with the challenge of maintaining their faith in a political environment that demanded loyalty to the state. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing Jesus's teachings, which often stood in contrast to prevailing political ideologies, highlighting a commitment to spiritual over earthly authority.

📖Political Language in the Gospels: New Testament writers used political language of their time, applying titles like "Lord" and "Son of God" to Jesus—titles typically reserved for Caesar. This reframing challenged the political powers of the day, and underscored the radical nature of early Christian beliefs, which positioned Jesus as a figure of ultimate authority, above earthly rulers.

🪖Early Christian Attitudes Toward Violence: The early Christian community largely rejected violence and military service, reflecting a deep commitment to peace and nonviolence. Porterfield points to his resource, “100 Early Christian Quotes on Not Killing”, to illustrate this stance. However, he also traces how these convictions grew more complicated – and increasingly compromised – after Emperor Constantine’s conversion, when Christianity began to intertwine with state power.

Nationalism in Worship: The inclusion of national symbols, such as flags, in places of worship can create a conflict with the Christian principle of allegiance to Christ above all else. This practice raises questions about the intersection of faith and nationalism, challenging believers to consider where their ultimate loyalty lies.

Notable Quotes:

"Our hearts have room for only one all-encompassing allegiance." - Jason Porterfield quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Join Craig and Jason as they navigate these challenging topics, encouraging listeners to reflect on justice, peace, and the power of global solidarity. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how early Christian teachings can guide modern believers in their political and spiritual lives.

 

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