pp 1-4*
* All page numbers are from the 1968 Craig Press edn
Summary
Brunner sees the origins of the State not in creation but in the fall. He holds to a nature-grace dualism. For him, nature is outside of faith.
Elsewhere Dooyeweerd has developed the idea of competing religious ground motives (RGMs). The Christian worldview is based on the RGM of creation, fall and redemption. For a view of the State to be Christian it must be rooted in this RGM. There is no contrast between grace and nature.
Study questions
1. Why is the Christian idea of the State so problematic?
2. Why does Brunner reject the concept of a Christian State?
3. Why is the notion of a total state pagan idea (p2)?
4. Can there be a different interpretations of a Christian view of the State – why or why not?
