5-30-29 WHEN THE STATE TOOK OVER THE CHURCH

Separation of Church and State Its Original Intent When the State Took Over the Church For the first centuries of Christianity, Church and State were recognized as distinct. But that changed when Roman emperors began assuming control over the Church, eventually making Christianity the official religion of the empire. When the State took control of the Church, faith became coercive rather than voluntary. Religious conformity was enforced by political power. This led to corruption, persecution, and violence—because the sword of the State was placed in the service of religious control. That was never the model of Christ. Biblical faith cannot be forced by law. REMEMBER. The Church loses its witness when the State controls its conscience. Independence. Freedom. Liberty. RIFL Society @RiflSociety2026