1. Read Romans 13:1-7; Philippians 3:17-21; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Romans 12:1-2. (See also 1 Peter 2:11-17).
2. Read: (all except Furnish are on Brightspace)
a. Furnish, “The Church in the World” (pp. 131-165).
b. N. Elliott, “Romans 13: 1-7 in the Context of Imperial Propaganda.”
c. USCCB: “Catholics in Political Life” (http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/church-teaching/catholics-in-political-life.cfm)
d. USCCB: “Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility “ (http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/)
e. M. Winters, “USCCB ‘Faithful Citizenship’ Trainwreck.” National Catholic Reporter (Nov 16, 2015) (https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/usccb-faithful-citizenship-trainwreck)
3. Think about the following questions
· What does Paul say in Romans 13 and why does he say it?
· How do the statements of Paul in Romans 13 relate to his understanding of the relation between the church and world expressed elsewhere in his letters?
· What is Paul’s view of the relationship between the church and the world?
· To what extent is Paul’s view of the world influenced by his apocalyptic convictions?
· How would what Paul says apply to such contemporary issues as paying taxes, civil disobedience, capital punishment, etc.?
· To what extent should Christian faith be the primary basis for public policy decisions in a democracy? Why?
· Should Christians seek to legislate a Christian moral worldview?
· What do you make of official Roman Catholic teachings on Christians & politics?
4. In your paper (4-5 typed pages, double-spaced) address the following questions, anticipating objections to as best you can.
a. What is Paul’s position on the relationship between the church and the
world? Why does he take this position? Is he consistent?
b. To what extent does Paul’s position still apply today? What concrete expression might such a position take today? How do you think Paul would respond to statements by the Roman Catholic church on politics?
