Debates about abortion often involve conversations about the relationship between Christianity and government.

When, if ever, should Christians seek power, and when should we oppose it? What is sin and what’s the role of government in combatting it? Should Christian values form the basis for our government? Can we trust any of our institutions— government or otherwise?

For many Christians, the answers to these questions come down to how we interpret passages involving early Christians and power. What was Jesus’ relationship with the state? What about the apostles? In what ways did the early church wield power and in what ways was it persecuted by those in power?

This section explores how Christians across the political spectrum have interpreted scripture to answer those questions.