Class Reflection 11

It seems like history reveals a theme about the relationship between church and state. The church flourished in periods of oppression, but became stale and impotent during times when they were given a significant measure of power by the state. Under Constantine, and today in South America and other places where the church still operates in a political position of power, the church is marked by nominalism and corruption. However, under emperors like Nero, and in places today where Christians are under persecution, the church is growing exponentially. I feel like I've become more confident in my belief that church and state should be separate - the church is more influential and culture-changing when operating from outside the political structures (but still speaking into them).