Separation of Church & State

The Jeffersonian doctrine of the separation of church and state is enshrined as the most sacrosanct issue not enumerated in the United states Constitution. This weekend a number of evangelical pastors endorsed a candidate in a direct challenge to the Internal Revenue Service. You may read the full story here at The Christian Post. The Alliance Defense Fund is behind the effort.

I strongly disagree with their efforts. First, such 'civil disobedience' fall outside of the teachings of Romans 13 which clearly teaches that civil disobedience cannot occur unless the governing authorities provoke me to sin. I believe that test was not met. Second, the church must only confront the state when there is state sponsored wickedness - a' la' Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church movement. Third, it is the task of the church to preach the gospel and it is through the gospel and the Word that people are changed. Changed people change government. Fourth, God is neither Republican nor Democrat - he is for holiness and righteousness which must be the standard for electing leaders.

What do you think?