42. Christian Political Theory: Sphere Sovereignty VS Classic Two Kingdoms w/Joe Boot & Joe Rigney
Oct 5, 2024
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Joe Boot, founder of the Ezra Institute, champions Kuyperian sphere sovereignty, advocating for a structured approach to church and state relations. In contrast, Joe Rigney from New St. Andrews College defends the classic two kingdoms perspective, emphasizing natural law. They engage in a lively discussion about the distinct roles of family, church, and state under God’s law and critique the implications of civil authority in religious matters. The conversation navigates the complexities of justice, heresy, and the challenges of maintaining faith in a post-Christian society.
The podcast explores the contrasting frameworks of Kuyperian sphere sovereignty and the classic two kingdoms perspective for guiding Christian governance.
Dr. Boot advocates for theonomy, emphasizing God's law as a foundational element in civil legislation, while Dr. Rigney highlights natural law's role in moral principles.
The discussion includes perspectives on the state's role in matters of faith, debating whether it should enforce laws against blasphemy and heresy.
Deep dives
Christian Political Theory
The podcast discusses Christian political theory with a focus on two key frameworks: Kuyperian sphere sovereignty and the classic two kingdoms perspective. The host explores the question of how legislation in an ideal Christian nation should be based, whether on natural law derived from creation, general revelation, or the teachings found in Scripture. The conversation highlights the distinctions and overlaps between these two paradigms, which represent different theological interpretations within the Reformed tradition. These frameworks provide different outlooks on the relationship between church and state, shaping how Christians approach governance and societal structures.
Kuyperian Sphere Sovereignty
Dr. Boot introduces Kuyperian sphere sovereignty as a principle asserting that God governs all aspects of creation and that distinct entities like family, church, and state operate under different jurisdictions. This model promotes the idea that these institutions should operate independently while being subject to God's authority, avoiding hierarchical structures where one institution overrules another. Sphere sovereignty emphasizes God's sovereignty and direction in all areas of life, allowing each sphere to reflect God's order without encroaching upon the inherent authority of the others. Theonomy, which is closely related, argues for God's law as a necessary foundation for governing human affairs, emphasizing the importance of Scripture in forming societal laws.
Classic Two Kingdoms Perspective
Dr. Rigney presents the classic two kingdoms approach, distinguishing between the internal realm governed by God through conscience and the external realm comprising social institutions like family, church, and state. This perspective highlights that both realms are under God's authority but operate independently with their own responsibilities. The internal domain is where spiritual matters are addressed, while the external domain encompasses governance and social order. Rigney explains the significance of natural law as accessible to all individuals, suggesting that while Scripture reinforces moral principles, the foundation of civil justice is derived from the nature of God's created order.
Radical Two Kingdoms and Its Challenges
The podcast mentions the radical two kingdoms perspective, which proposes a significant separation between the common and redemptive kingdoms, limiting the church's role in societal governance. This view emphasizes that the state should operate independently of Scriptural authority and that moral frameworks are underpinned by natural law rather than religious doctrine. Critics of radical two kingdoms argue that this leads to a lack of accountability for the state and a diminished ability for Christians to influence public policy based on their beliefs. The challenge lies in addressing how this position can lead to disengagement from pressing societal issues, especially when state actions conflict with Christian ethics.
Prudence in Civil Punishment
In discussing civil punishments, the podcast reveals differing opinions on the appropriateness and efficacy of imprisonment as a form of punishment. Dr. Boot and Dr. Rigney acknowledge that while temporary incarceration to await trial may be acceptable, the modern prison system, based on rehabilitation, has largely failed. This raises profound questions about the effectiveness of punitive measures versus restorative approaches in the justice system. Both speakers agree that the state should be discerning about its methods of punishment, ensuring that they align with a biblical perspective on justice and reflect God's order.
Role of the State in Matters of Faith
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the extent to which the civil magistrate should involve itself in matters of faith, specifically regarding heresy and blasphemy. Dr. Boot argues that the state should generally refrain from punishing theological errors, asserting that such determinations are best left to the church. In contrast, Dr. Rigney maintains that the state has a duty to uphold public order by addressing blasphemy and that there may be instances where heretical beliefs threaten societal foundations. These differing views reflect broader debates within Christianity about the boundaries between civil authority and ecclesiastical governance.
https://www.patreon.com/ReformationRedPill On today’s episode of The Reformation Red Pill Podcast, we are talking about Christian political Theory. If we are going to rebuild a Christian nation, what theological blueprint should we use? Sphere Sovereignty or 2 Kingdoms. On this episode, Joe Boot makes his case for why we should follow the Kyperian sphere sovereignty/theonomic model while Joe Rigney argues for a classic 2 kingdoms, natural law model. Our Wonderful Christian Business Sponsors Backwards Planning Financial https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/joe-garrisi/planning Joe Garrisi - 615-767-2555 Indigo Sundries Soap Company 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE with discount code: Reformation https://www.indigosundriessoap.com/ My (Joshua) personal favorite fragrances: - The Patriarch - The Kentuckian - Barber Shoppe Reformation Heritage Books Get the Puritan Treasures for Today collection! https://www.heritagebooks.org/PuritanTreasures 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE with discount code: Reformation Squirrelly Joes Coffee Head over to squirrellyjoes.com/redpill to claim your free bag of coffee.
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