Most Christians consider it appropriate to maintain political neutrality, refrain from serving in the army (substituting service with various forms of alternative labor provided by law in such cases), etc., based on Jesus' statement, «I am not of the world» (John 17:16). However, they also consider it necessary to pay taxes, etc., remaining law-abiding citizens, although, in my opinion, this contradicts the meaning of «I am not of the world,» which, it seems to me, should be absolute in nature. How would you comment on this?
The issue of the relationship between Christians and secular authorities or secular institutions is highly complex, and has been resolved differently at different times and in different churches. The Gospel does not provide explicit directives on this matter, but in all cases the key to making a decision for Christians lies in the words of Jesus...
The issue of the relationship between Christians and secular authorities or secular institutions is highly complex, and has been resolved differently at different times and in different churches. The Gospel does not provide explicit directives on this matter, but in all cases the key to making a decision for Christians lies in the words of Jesus: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22:21 and parallel passages in Mark and Luke). The interpretation of these words is a matter of personal conscience and ecclesiastical consensus.
