By Mataeliga Pio Sioa
Jesus in Matthew 22:21 said, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” thus making a clear delineation between the “things that are Caesar’s” (the government’s) and the “things that are God’s.”
Likewise, Jesus spoke of his Kingdom not being of this world (John 18:36) while simultaneously acknowledging through Paul that earthly government is established by God for our good. (Rom. 13:1-7).
Jesus remains sovereign over both institutions (Matt. 28:18) until such time that he returns to rule and reign in the eschaton (Rev. 11:15).
In the meantime, he gives both church and government differing tasks.
There it stands! Plain and simple.
The whole passage above was how Google defined the historical account of what ‘separation of church and state’ is all about.
At the heart of the matter, when it pertains to God, the clergy would obviously know more than anyone else what the scriptures have to say.
When it is to do with Caesar the state would know better thus it follows that in matters of politics the politicians rule.
The question that now jumps out at the clash of opinions between the President of the National Council of Churches and the General Secretary of the EFKS is why this is being raised here and now?
Does it have anything to do with the EFKS General Secretary trying to bridge the established boundaries between God and Caesar. The boundaries are clearly set out in what and why there is a need for the ‘separation of the church and state’?
The concerns by the President of the Council of Churches of the divisions created by the clergy, trying to influence political opinion of the faithful, must be treated seriously.
Simple common sense will show that the EFKS General Secretary is playing with fire. The peace and unity of people and country are the threatened victims.
Simple common sense will side with the President of the Council of Churches also.
Church leaders are there to pray and fast for the blessings and guidance of the Holy Spirit for people to make the right choices when they go to the election polls.
Divine counsel and leadership are what the flock needs more so now in their decision making.
Let thy will of God be done as it is the calling for these Servants of the Lord who will be rewarded in Heaven for all the good they have done on earth.
Leave Caesar to do what Caesar is rightfully chosen to do.
True there is a falling out between the EFKS church in particular and Government over the tax policies placed on the income of the ‘faifeau’, but does that qualify the General Secretary to influence the political opinion of the church flock?
The taxing of the clergy remains an issue of contention for all sides of the debate but at the end of the day the rule of the land belongs to Caesar.
This is the same rule the scriptures have stated very clearly by the separation of what belongs to God and Caesar.
What more is there to say?
The instance in Savaii where the ‘faifeau’ called for the followers of the church to vote against the Government is too blatant to be excused.
The angry reaction from members of the congregation, who support the Government, is where the wisdom rings out of leaving Caesar to rule in his world.
The teachings of the Lord as we have learned clearly states that.
This particular ‘faifeau’ is lucky the congregation was forgiving enough not to give him marching orders back to the Tamaligi church headquarters.
Unless the General Secretary has forgotten the scriptures, which is quite doubtful, the question is what is behind this entire furor he is trying to create for the church to be involved in politics?
Is it possible that he wants to bring down the Government in place and replace it with a new one that will remove the tax policy on the clergy?
Hopefully the answer would be truthful enough to save him from disrespecting the Lord’s commandments.
If it is a yes it will understandably be a hard yes but more importantly the commandments are kept holy.
Still it does not excuse the absolute disregard he has shown for the separation of duties between the church and the state.
There is a reason for the call to separate. The primary one is to keep the children of God at peace and in harmony.
Lord we seek your forgiveness for our trespasses as we do now on Your rest day.
We pray for your wisdom and guidance especially for your Servants on Earth to leave Caesar to rule and to be judged by Your justice.