Two Kingdoms
king vs. bishop
Watch: Bible Project, “You’re supposed to rule the world”
Read: Matthew 3:1-6 “The kingdom of God has come near.”
When you think of the kingdom of God, how do you picture it? Where do you imagine it being located?
Today, we’re going to study Luther’s concept of the Two Kingdoms. This sounds like two different places where God rules, but that’s not really it. Think of the two kingdoms as two sides of a coin in the palm of God. This coin is used to help people ‘rule’ the world in the way God has designed us. Like the video points out, that is less about wielding power and more about serving others.
On one side of the coin is the kingdom of Justice—or the Law. The Bible gives direction on how to achieve Justice—don’t murder, don’t lie, don’t steal. Plus, take care of the widow, the stranger, the orphan. These, God has left to the leaders of our world to enact and ensure through laws. This is often referred to as the kingdom of God’s left hand.
The other side of the coin is the kingdom of Mercy—or the Gospel. The Bible also gives direction on how to practice mercy—release of the captive, liberty to the oppressed,and worship of God alone. God assigned Christ to show us this way of being. This is the kingdom of God’s right hand.
And God is in control of the whole coin and both sides are designed to bring about God’s will in the world.
BUT, if God is in control and we’re all freed and forgiven, why doesn’t the world feel more like the kingdom of God? If the whole beloved world belongs to God, why does it still seem so messy and hard sometimes?
Think of professions or institutions/organizations that seem to fit in the left hand kingdom (think rules, laws, government).
Think of professions or organizations that seem to fit in the right hand kingdom (think mercy, ministry, charity).
Are there groups, people, organizations that fit in both?
Sadly, the teaching of two kingdoms has been misused over the years. One way is the idea that separation of church and state means the church should stay out of politics, when it actually means that the government should not influence matters of faith.
For example, before and during WWII, Nazi leadership insisted that if the church didn’t support its work, then it should stay out of politics. The implication was that people of faith had nothing to say regarding governmental leadership.
In addition, leading up to and during WWII, Luther’s teaching was used by some German Christians to justify the absolute and unquestionable authority of civil leaders, even when those leaders began to act with unquestionable evil.
Should Christians be involved in political conversations? Why or why not?
Should Christians advocate for a Christian nation? Why/why not?
God means for civil authority to bring about Justice, peace, and protection for the marginalized and most vulnerable. When civil authorities are clearly working against God’s goals, they need to be held accountable, and the church is one entity charged with doing this.
This is a complicated topic, and we may discuss it a bit further next week. In the meantime, what seems unclear to you. What questions are you left with?
