THE STATEMENT earlier this year by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that she was appointed by God sparked much debate on the mix of politics and religion. Now that the dust seems to have settled on that issue, this creates the opportunity to address a more fundamental theological issue relating to the Christian's stance to state authority.

The theologian Hans Kung, in his notable work The Church, wrote: "Since God's call precedes any action and any faith on the part of the individual and since this call is addressed to the whole people of God, the individual never stands alone, but within the community, just as the individual communities are part of the one community, the Church. The Church begins, not with a pious individual, but with God."

Hans Kung made the point that God is in control of the church community as well as the society at large; individuals who make up both communities from time to time are called to play particular roles to serve the common interest.

KEEP RELIGION AND POLITICS APART

While attempts are being made to keep religion and politics apart, it is helpful to remember that they coexisted in the past in what is called a theocracy ­ direct government of the nation of Israel by God Himself or His earthly representatives. Early Israelite society was built upon the foundation that Yahweh was leader of that nation. However, this did not last very long as having got envious of other nations, they rejected God's authority and demanded a king. It is a wellknown fact that God uses human agents and institutions to accomplish the divine will. For instance, we note the institution of kingship in the Old Testament and Paul's reference in the New Testament where he stated: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)

ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY

What then should our attitude as citizens, especially Christian citizens, be to governing authorities? Generally, it ought to involve one of cooperation with those who are in authority and acceptance of responsibility for one's unique role.

In the epistles of Paul, the word 'submission' is oftentimes used for obedience and one that implies voluntary compliance, not a hapless following of rules and regulations.

In Romans 13: 1-10, we note three broad perspectives for consideration. Firstly, God is the ultimate authority. He is in control so one ought to support the State on the grounds that civil authorities are allowed by God, "for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13: 1). Obedience or conformity is required in so far as it does not compromise one's relationship with God nor become disastrous for the good of all. The acknowledgement of God as supreme both legitimises and limits human authority at one and the same time. Power is not allowed as a matter of entitlement nor even privilege, but rather, stewardship.

Secondly, governments and the State in general are accountable to God. With this knowledge, one accepts responsibility as part of this order; it also involves a certain degree of maturity and integrity, admitting mistakes, failures and other weaknesses associated with the human condition; it demands that where evil is present in whatever form, it must be exposed and expelled.

Thirdly, Christian conformity to the State or governing authorities ought to be motivated by conscience rather than fear. Governments are used by God to achieve His good purpose. We should not submit on the basis of threat of punishment from the external law; rather, we obey on the basis of the internal motivation to cooperate for the good of all and to pursue the will of God for His world.

TYRANNICAL SYSTEMS

It is true that there are tyrannical systems in the world today that deny basic human rights and freedoms. In this kind of environment armed resistance is never the path to lasting harmony.

The passive resistance of the of the civil rights movement epitomised by Martin Luther King, Jr., is an example of how real change happens. It requires a kind of fearless daring that stands in defence of justice, peace, integrity and equality of the dignity of the human person. This radicalism which is not a call for arms or violence is rooted in scripture. The will of God is expressed in Romans 12: 2b where it states: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect." This was a call for internal transformation by the liberating power of the gospel. This is the message of the Christian Church.

TASK OF THE CHURCH

Fourthly, it is the task of the Church to be a prophetic voice to the nation. It ought to operate as a defender of truth, a champion for the cause of righteousness, and a defender of the poor and helpless, the marginalised, and a liberator of the oppressed.

The Church is the institution set up by God to bring about transformation in the human person. It is not the replacement for state institutions. Jesus' life and example, though he was acclaimed as Messiah (King), was neither by weapons nor human system of government. Political parties and their political leaders are not meant to be a replacement for the Church or vice versa. It is for this reason that so-called Christian political parties will not succeed.

Finally, the Church cannot be the voice of one individual. It exists to promote the mind of God. It is comical to hear a call for separation of Church and State when the very fabric of human society is built upon Christian principles.

It is quite hypocritical in times of national crisis such as the current AIDS epidemic and escalating violence, to hear a call for the Church to say something when this is being done daily all across this land from pulpits and other fora in this Christian-dominated nation.

Members of the Public Theology Forum are Revs. Neville Callam, Byron Chambers, Ernle Gordon, Roderick Hewitt, Stotrell Lowe, Richmond Nelson, Garnet Roper, Ashley Smith, Burchell Taylor, Karl Johnson and Wayneford McFarlane.