The Christian's Dual Citizenship

Abstract

In this essay, Professor John F. Brug explores the Christian’s dual citizenship—spiritual and earthly—and the responsibilities that arise from each. While Christians are citizens of heaven, they also live within earthly governments and are called to obey, support, and pray for civil authorities. Brug emphasizes that participation in government is part of loving one’s neighbor and promoting justice. He discusses the Christian’s duty to oppose evil through lawful means, balancing patient endurance with active engagement. The essay addresses complex issues such as civil disobedience, moral law versus civil law, economic systems, and social concern, urging Christians to act with humility, discernment, and love. Brug concludes that Christians should neither idolize nor despise government, but serve faithfully within it, always guided by Scripture and motivated by the Gospel. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).