“So then …stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2.15

     (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)

     Baptist’s also insist on the separation of Church and State. In the 15th and 16th centuries, citizenship in a country was closely intertwined with a membership in a state supported religion. If you were a citizen of a country, you were a member of that country’s church despite your religious convictions. Citizens of southern European countries were considered Roman Catholic; German citizens were Lutheran; English citizens were Anglican. This system was a stated norm. Subjects would conform or they would open themselves to persecution from both the government and the church which that government sanctioned.

     Thomas Helwys was an early leader in the English Baptist movement. The little church which he pastored soon underwent persecution as they diverged from strict Anglican theology. This group of Baptist sought sanctuary in the Netherlands for three years. At the end of this time, Helwys was convinced that running from persecution was cowardly. In response, he and the church returned to London with the desire to spread the doctrine of religious liberty, or what we call today, the separation of Church and State.

     Helwys drafted a letter to King James stating, “The king is a mortal man and not God, wherefore, he has no power over the mortal souls of his subjects to make laws and ordinances for them and to set spiritual lords over them.” King James’ response was swift; he imprisoned Helwys in Newgate prison. Helwys was silenced forever.

     Out of such historical persecution rose this great Baptist tenant. The separation of Church and State does not neglect the place of religion in the life of citizens. But it does emphasize that it is not the responsibility of the state or its representatives to dictate spiritual truth to citizens. Instead God’s gathered community, the church, is built upon the individual’s free response to God. This leads us back to soul liberty—just where we began.

     See you Sunday,

  Pastor Dave

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