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Given the recent war in the Middle East, wherein the forces of the United States and Israel have moved militarily to destroy or diminish the actions of the nation of Iran, it seems good to examine how we of the Church should think and act according to the Christian faith. In this we have a historic precedent. We of the Church hold firmly to ancient claims that we have the right to express in fullness our approval or rejection of state affairs. This holds true in both revealed scripture and the historic doctrines of the Church. This is demonstrated in great fashion by writings penned during the fifth century A.D. by blessed Saint Augustine. Written during the latter days of the Roman Empire, we’ve reconstructed the last twelve books of Augustine. The first four he wrote contain an account of the origin of two cities—the city of God, and the city of the world. The second four are about history or progress; with the third and last four considering the deserved destinies of both Church and State. And so, though all his twenty-two books refer to both realms, Augustine named them after the better city and called them “The City of God.” His writings were highly thought of centuries later by Reformation-era church scholars, including Martin Luther. Luther, who is by most historians regarded as Augustinian in practicality, closely followed the “two kingdom doctrine”. Others who responded favorably to the separation of churches from Roman Catholicism carried through this same framework when communicating about the two realms. For this reason, I offer you this quote from Augustine… |
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Black Robe Regiment Allegany– March 2026 Editorial |
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“But the earthly city, which shall not be everlasting (for it will no longer be a city when it has been committed to the extreme penalty), has its good in this world, and rejoices in it with such joy as such things can afford. But as this is not a good which can discharge its devotees of all distresses, this city is often divided against itself by litigations, wars, quarrels, and such victories as are either life-destroying or short-lived. (City of God [De Civitate Dei], Book 15, Chapter 4)
That Luther followed his reasoning concerning worldly affairs, which was based upon the foundations of Holy Scripture, he carried this opinion most firmly in deed during the turbulence of rioting brought about by over- |
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A VOICE FOR CHRISTIAN POLITICAL INFLUENCE TODAY! |
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Militant Ministry? |
