Separation of Church and State

 30 Jesus warned them to keep it quiet, not to breathe a word of it to anyone. 31 He then began explaining things to them: "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive." 32 He said this simply and clearly so they couldn't miss it. (Mark 8)

The question about why Jesus didn’t want his disciples to say anything has long been a puzzle to me.  In many ways it just didn’t make sense.

He told Peter, James and John the same thing as they came down from the mountain after the Transfiguration.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’(Mt. 17)

After reading Peterson’s introductory words about this story I am thinking the secrecy was about the culture they lived and moved in.  

We may not think so, but Jesus and his follower were very much at odds with the political systems of the time.  The religious leaders, and their association with the Roman authorities, was very much a culture of political and religious power.  And Jesus was most certainly a threat to both.

“ Jesus’ response to the confession was a stern command that they were to keep this totally quiet.  It was as if he said, “ If you talk about this, you will only be misunderstood.  If people hear you use this word Christ, they will certainly jump to the wrong conclusions.  So shut up!  Don’t say anything to anybody.  Not one word.” (As Kingfishers Catch Fire p 226)

So here is where my mind to taking this conversation in my brain:  “separation of church and state.”

I grew up, and I am sure you did to, being coached not to talk about politics or religion.  And it is clear the majority of people today are adamant about leaving political matters out of the church.

However,  if we are true to the nature of our faith history; and how it was birth in the midst of a clearly political system.  Then how can we possibility keep politics out of the truth of Jesus The Christ; and what he taught, modeled behavior and manner of speaking?

All my life, even through seminary and many years of ministry, I have assumed the stance of not mixing Jesus teachings with government politics.

Yet, today in our nation “church” is very much front and center — and not so pleasantly — in government issues.  

Interesting.