Two kingdoms
A view held among orthodox Christians
The view that Christ rules the church and the civil order in different ways, so the church's calling is to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments rather than to pursue political programmes.
Also called: two-kingdoms theology, two kingdoms theology, spirituality of the church, two-kingdoms view
What it means
Two kingdoms theology distinguishes Christ's rule over his church, which is a spiritual kingdom gathered by the word and Spirit, from his rule over the world through civil government and common life. Both are under God, but they have different purposes and tools. The church's tools are the word, the sacraments, prayer, and discipline. The state bears the sword to restrain evil and keep order.
In Presbyterian history this is closely linked to the "spirituality of the church": the church as an institution should not take sides on political questions that Scripture does not settle. The Westminster Confession says synods should handle only what is ecclesiastical and not intermeddle with civil affairs, except by humble petition or when the magistrate asks. Individual Christians, however, are free and often called to serve faithfully in public life.
Supporters see this as guarding the gospel from being confused with any party. Critics worry it can leave the church silent on public wrongs. It is held among faithful Reformed Christians, both Presbyterian and Baptist.
In Scripture
Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world, so his servants do not fight.
Governing authorities are instituted by God and bear the sword to punish wrongdoing.
The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Saviour.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 23.1-4; WCF 31.4; LBCF 1689 24.1-3
On this site: Church & state
Related terms
Neo-CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
A Dutch Reformed tradition that stresses Christ's lordship over every area of life and calls Christians to shape culture, work, and public life by a biblical worldview.
TheonomyA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that the civil laws of the Old Testament, including their penalties, remain the standard for civil government today unless the New Testament changes them.
Christian nationalismA view held among orthodox Christians
A range of views holding that a nation should formally recognise Christianity and order its laws and public life by Christian principles, sometimes tied to a particular national identity.
Social justice emphasisA view held among orthodox Christians
A church's stance that gives strong, public emphasis to addressing poverty, racism, and other social wrongs as part of its ministry.