The tensions between churches' interest in people's moral and spiritual well-being and nations' efforts to govern their citizens are longstanding and ongoing. Jesus himself faced these tensions. He carried on his ministry in a country dominated by the secular government of Rome. Religious authorities were permitted to exercise some power, but jurisdiction over the people ultimately belonged to the occupying military government. Not surprisingly, the relationship between the secular and religious authorities of Jesus' day was quite strained at times.
Jesus stepped into this tense and unstable political climate with a unique view of government and religion. Everything he taught and did indicated that he trusted God as all-powerful divine Love, and that Love is the sole governor of the universe and of each individual. Jesus doesn't appear to have been concerned that the Roman government—or, for that matter, the religious authorities who opposed him—would hinder his spiritual mission. Perhaps he realized that, although governments can make laws and churches can issue proclamations, they can't change people's hearts. Only God can do that, through the influence of the Christ. This Christ, the Truth that acts in every human consciousness, so totally governed Jesus that he was known as Jesus Christ.
Like Jesus, we can establish in our consciousness the most productive and workable relationship between government and religious practice by understanding that God's government is supreme. God is the only intelligence and creator of all that is real, and each individual is made in His likeness and governed solely by Him. To pray and act on the basis of these truths is practicing religion responsibly, and it benefits everyone, including the government.
