A Tale of Two Governments

by Robert J. Renaud, Lael D. Weinberger, John F. MacArthur Jr. (Foreword)

"This book stands in a gap that I've long hoped to see occupied." - From the foreword by John MacArthur. What does church discipline have to do with the separation of church and state? At first glance, they seem like a strange combination: one, a relatively obscure church procedure, and the other, a hotly contested legal and political issue. But they have been forced together as a growing number of churches find themselves in court. Behind these court cases is an almost forgotten history of the relationship between church and state. This story is an important one for every American who cares about religious freedom, and for every Christian who cares about the integrity of the church. "A Tale of Two Governments, with wisdom and both legal and biblical fidelity, affirms the authority of both church and state, while demonstrating the lordship of Christ over all things. Insightful, practical and sound." - R.C. Sproul Jr, Ligonier Ministries. "I highly recommend this book as a timely reminder of why American law (or any other) should not forget that there are two kingdoms God established to govern our world." - Scott Brister, Former Justice, Supreme Court of Texas. "This book is a great contribution to educating people about our freedoms--and particularly the importance of church autonomy to religious freedom and the faith." - Kelly Shackelford, President and Chief Counsel, Liberty Institute

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology, Politics, Government

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2012

Reviews

[Rebekah Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is broken into 3 parts

Part 1
Deals with what the Separation of Church and States does and does not mean, and takes you through 200 years of Reformers, who set the ground work for the First Amendment.

Part 2
While answering questions such as;
Does Church Autonomy protect the Church from being punished for crimes?
Do they have the right to discipline their members?
He thereby proves Church and State are equal, yet distinct Governments.


Part 3
Goes through discipline in Church history, and talks about what Church government look like and practical steps to protect your Church from being taken to court, should the need arise.

Over all, this is a great book. Simple and direct.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any church that practices church discipline (which should be all of them), this book is a real necessity. Highly recommended.

[Noah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for the following reasons:
1. It addresses church discipline which is falling out of practice. Because Matthew 18 principles of reconciliation have been slowly phased out, when problems in the church arise no one knows what to do. Mistakes are made, feelings are hurt, and the rift only become deeper as we try to muddle through the process by ourselves.
2. This books provides a concise, clear explanation of the infamous "separation of the church and state." Even through Renaud and Weinberger are law school graduates, they are able to communicate their well researched and documented message in terms that everyone can understand.

This book is an excellent resource for elders, deacons, pastor, and Christians interested in reconciliation.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for pastors to read regarding church discipline, the role the church has in it, and the bounds that the government will and will not step over regarding it.

It gives some history of the issue, some actual legal cases, and explains it all in a way that is framed with Scripture.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be worth it for the correct historical understanding of the separation of church and state. Interfacing that with legal and biblical insights into church discipline make it an outstanding resource for any church that disciplines, that is, a church that will endure.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent (and short) intro to the difference of church and state government. Highly recommended for Christians of all stripes, but particularly those in leadership or starting new churches.

[Phillip G.]

Excellent overview of the history of church state relations. He presents a case for the church being a parallel government independent of jurisdiction.