Huduma ya Kichungaji, Misheni na Uongozi wa Kanisa wa Kibaptisti — Sehemu ya 9: Wabaptisti na Maisha ya Umma: Kutetea Uhuru wa Dini, Maadili na JamiiBaptist Pastoral Ministry, Missions, and Church Leadership — Unit 9: Baptists and Public Life: Religious Liberty Advocacy, Ethics, and Society

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Ameonyesha wewe, ee binadamu, yaliyo mema; Na Bwana anataka nini kwako, ila kutenda haki, na kupenda rehema, na kwenda kwa unyenyekevu na Mungu wako?" (Mika 6:8, SUV)"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza kipindi hiki, unapaswa kuweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza kwa Maandiko kwa nini kanisa lazima liwe chumvi na nuru katika jamii, na kutaja makosa mawili ya kujitenga na ya kuchukua madaraka ya kisiasa.1. Explain from Scripture why a church must be salt and light in society, and name the two errors of withdrawal and of political takeover.

2. Kufafanua uhuru wa dini kama Wabaptisti wanavyouelewa, na kusema kwa nini Wabaptisti wanautetea kwa watu wa kila imani.2. Define religious liberty as Baptists understand it, and say why Baptists defend it for people of every faith.

3. Kueleza wajibu wa muumini kwa dola katika Warumi 13, 1 Petro 2 na Matendo 5, na mipaka iliyowekwa na utii kwa Mungu.3. Describe the believer's duty to the state in Romans 13, 1 Peter 2 and Acts 5, and the limits set by obedience to God.

4. Kueleza jinsi mchungaji anavyoweza kusema juu ya maswali ya umma bila kugeuza mimbari kuwa jukwaa la chama cha siasa.4. State how a pastor may speak to public questions without turning the pulpit into a party platform.

5. Kufupisha masuala makuu ya kimaadili ambayo Wabaptisti wamefundisha (uhai, ndoa na familia, maskini, uaminifu, na usawa wa rangi) na kujibu pingamizi za kawaida.5. Summarize the main ethical concerns Baptists have taught (life, marriage and family, the poor, honesty, and racial equality) and answer common objections.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Kibaptisti, kwa ajili ya wachungaji Wabaptisti. Ni ya kihafidhina katika mafundisho na ya vitendo katika kusudi. Wabaptisti au wanahistoria wanapotofautiana, tunaeleza mitazamo kwa haki kisha tunatoa jibu ambalo Wabaptisti wengi wa kihafidhina wangetoa. Historia ya uhuru wa dini inasimuliwa katika Kozi ya 1, Kipindi cha 5, na fundisho lake liko katika Kozi ya 2, Kipindi cha 6. Kipindi hiki kinauliza swali la kichungaji: mchungaji wa Kibaptisti anaongozaje kanisa kuishi kwa uaminifu katika jamii ambayo halidhibiti?This course is written from inside the Baptist tradition, for Baptist pastors. It is conservative in doctrine and practical in purpose. Where Baptists or historians disagree, we state the views fairly and then give the answer most conservative Baptists would give. The history of religious liberty is told in Course 1, Unit 5, and its doctrine in Course 2, Unit 6. This unit asks a pastoral question: how does a Baptist pastor lead a church to live faithfully in a society it does not control?

Chumvi na NuruSalt and Light

Yesu aliwaambia wafuasi wake, "Ninyi ni chumvi ya dunia" na "Ninyi ni nuru ya ulimwengu" (Mathayo 5:13-14). Aliongeza kwamba watu wanapaswa kuona matendo yetu mema na kumtukuza Baba yetu aliye mbinguni (Mathayo 5:16). Kanisa linalojificha kutoka ulimwenguni limepoteza utamu wa chumvi na nuru yake.Jesus said to His followers, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14). He added that people should see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). A church that hides from the world has lost both its saltiness and its light.

Watu wa Mungu siku zote wameishi katika miji inayotawaliwa na wengine. Kupitia Yeremia Bwana aliwaambia watu waliohamishwa Babeli watafute amani ya mji na kuiombea (Yeremia 29:7). Paulo aliandika kwamba tuwatendee mema watu wote, na zaidi sana watu wa nyumbani mwa imani (Wagalatia 6:10).God's people have always lived in cities ruled by others. Through Jeremiah the Lord told the exiles in Babylon to seek the peace of the city and to pray for it (Jeremiah 29:7). Paul wrote that we should do good to all, especially to the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Makosa mawili yanatishia kanisa hapa.Two errors threaten the church here.

Kosa la kujitenga. Baadhi ya waumini wanasema kwamba ulimwengu umepotea na kanisa halipaswi kusema chochote juu ya maisha ya umma. Lakini Bwana anawaita watu wake kutenda haki na kupenda rehema (Mika 6:8), na kutetea haki za maskini na wahitaji (Mithali 31:8-9).The error of withdrawal. Some believers say that the world is lost and the church should say nothing about public life. But the Lord calls His people to do justly and to love mercy (Micah 6:8), and to defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Kosa la kuchukua madaraka. Wengine wanasahau kwamba kanisa si dola na kwamba injili inaendelea kwa kuhubiri, si kwa nguvu. Yesu alimwambia Pilato kwamba ufalme wake si wa ulimwengu huu, vinginevyo watumishi wake wangepigana (Yohana 18:36). Paulo aliandika kwamba silaha za vita vyetu si za mwili bali zina nguvu za Mungu (2 Wakorintho 10:4). Kanisa linalojifunga na chama kimoja au mtawala mmoja hivi karibuni linatumikia chama hicho na kupoteza sauti yake ya kinabii.The error of takeover. Others forget that the church is not the state and that the gospel advances by preaching, not by force. Jesus told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, or His servants would fight (John 18:36). Paul wrote that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4). A church that ties itself to one party or ruler soon serves that party and loses its prophetic voice.

Kwa Nini Wabaptisti Wanatetea Uhuru wa DiniWhy Baptists Defend Religious Liberty

Wabaptisti wa kwanza waliteseka kutokana na dini iliyolazimishwa na dola. Kozi ya 1 inasimulia jinsi Thomas Helwys mwaka 1612 alivyomwomba mfalme wa Uingereza uhuru wa dhamiri kwa watu wote, jinsi Roger Williams alivyoanzisha Providence kama mahali ambapo dhamiri ilikuwa huru, na jinsi Isaac Backus na John Leland walivyofanya kazi kwa ajili ya uhuru katika New England na Virginia. Kozi ya 2 inaonyesha jinsi uanachama wa waliozaliwa upya na ukuhani wa waumini wote vinavyoongoza kwenye hitimisho lile lile. Hizi hapa ni sababu kwa ufupi.The first Baptists suffered from state-enforced religion. Course 1 tells how Thomas Helwys in 1612 appealed to the English king for liberty of conscience for all people, how Roger Williams founded Providence as a place where conscience was free, and how Isaac Backus and John Leland worked for freedom in New England and Virginia. Course 2 shows how regenerate membership and the priesthood of all believers lead to the same conclusion. Here are the reasons in brief.

Kwanza, imani ya kuokoa haiwezi kulazimishwa. Imani ni zawadi ya Mungu inayokuja kwa kusikia neno la Kristo (Warumi 10:17). Mtu aliyelazimishwa na sheria kuungama dini hajaamini.First, saving faith cannot be forced. Faith is a gift of God that comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). A person compelled by the law to profess a religion has not believed.

Pili, Kristo peke yake ni Bwana wa dhamiri. Paulo anauliza, "Wewe u nani umhukumuye mtumishi wa mwenzako? Kwa bwana wake mwenyewe yeye husimama au huanguka" (Warumi 14:4). Muumini anawajibika kwa Mungu, na hakuna mtawala anayesimama katikati.Second, Christ alone is Lord of the conscience. Paul asks, "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls" (Romans 14:4). The believer answers to God, and no ruler stands between.

Tatu, Yesu alipa dola na Mungu kila mmoja eneo lake. "Basi, mpeni Kaisari yaliyo ya Kaisari, na Mungu yaliyo ya Mungu" (Mathayo 22:21). Dola ina kazi halisi, ambayo ni kuweka utulivu na kuadhibu uovu. Haikupewa mamlaka juu ya roho.Third, Jesus gave the state and God each their own sphere. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). The state has a real task, which is to keep order and punish evil. It has not been given authority over the soul.

Nne, Agizo Kuu linatumia ushawishi na si kulazimisha. Paulo aliandika kwamba tunawashawishi watu (2 Wakorintho 5:11).Fourth, the Great Commission uses persuasion and not coercion. Paul wrote that we persuade men (2 Corinthians 5:11).

Uhuru wa Dini Unamaanisha NiniWhat Religious Liberty Means

Kwa uhuru wa dini Wabaptisti wanamaanisha uhuru wa kuamini, kuabudu, kufundisha, kuchapisha, kukusanyika na kubadilisha dini ya mtu, kulingana na dhamiri na bila adhabu kutoka kwa dola. Mambo mawili yanaitofautisha mtazamo wa Kibaptisti.Baptists mean by religious liberty the freedom to believe, to worship, to teach, to publish, to gather and to change one's religion, according to conscience and without penalty from the state. Two features set the Baptist view apart.

Kwanza, Wabaptisti wanaomba uhuru huu kwa kila mtu, si kwa ajili yao wenyewe tu. Hiki ni kipimo kigumu. Ni rahisi kuomba uhuru tunapokuwa wachache na ni rahisi kuusahau tunapokuwa wengi. Kanuni ya Dhahabu inatumika (Mathayo 7:12).First, Baptists ask for this freedom for everyone, not for themselves alone. This is a hard test. It is easy to ask liberty when we are the minority and easy to forget it when we are the majority. The Golden Rule applies (Matthew 7:12).

Pili, Wabaptisti wamefundisha kutenganishwa kwa kanisa na dola. Kanisa halitawali dola, na dola haitawali kanisa. Dola isichague wachungaji wa kanisa, isiandike mafundisho yake wala kukusanya sadaka zake kwa nguvu. Kanisa lisitumie dola kulazimisha imani zake. Wabaptisti wa Marekani walimwandikia Rais Jefferson mwaka 1801 walipoogopa kwa ajili ya uhuru wao, naye alijibu mwaka 1802, akizungumza juu ya ukuta wa kutenganisha kati ya kanisa na dola. Msemo huo umeeleweka kwa njia nyingi.Second, Baptists have taught the separation of church and state. The church does not govern the state, and the state does not govern the church. The state should not choose a church's pastors, write its doctrine or collect its offerings by force. The church should not use the state to enforce its beliefs. Baptists in the United States wrote to President Jefferson in 1801 when they feared for their liberty, and he answered in 1802, speaking of a wall of separation between church and state. The phrase has been understood in many ways.

Wabaptisti hawakubaliani wote kuhusu kutenganisha huko kunapaswa kwenda umbali gani kwa vitendo. Baadhi ya wanaotenganisha kwa ukali wanakataa fedha zozote za serikali kwa shule au kazi ya misaada inayohusiana na kanisa. Wengine wanakubali fedha za umma kwa huduma kama kulisha maskini, mradi kanisa linahifadhi uhuru wake wa kufundisha. Wote wanatetea kanuni hiyo.Baptists do not all agree on how far separation should go in practice. Some strict separationists refuse any government funds for church-related schools or relief work. Others accept public money for services such as feeding the poor, provided the church keeps its freedom to teach. Both defend the principle.

Kuitii Dola, na Mipaka ya UtiiObeying the State, and the Limits of Obedience

Paulo anaandika, "Kila mtu aitii mamlaka iliyo juu yake" (Warumi 13:1), na anafundisha kwamba watawala ni watumishi wa Mungu kwa mema, wanaobeba upanga kuzuia uovu (Warumi 13:1-7). Petro anasema vivyo hivyo (1 Petro 2:13-17), na Paulo anaomba dua zifanywe kwa ajili ya wafalme na wote wenye mamlaka (1 Timotheo 2:1-2). Wajibu wa kawaida wa muumini ni kutii sheria, kulipa kodi, kuwaheshimu maafisa na kuwaombea.Paul writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1), and teaches that rulers are God's servants for good, who bear the sword to restrain evil (Romans 13:1-7). Peter says the same (1 Peter 2:13-17), and Paul asks that prayers be made for kings and all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The believer's ordinary duty is to obey the law, pay taxes, respect officials and pray for them.

Hata hivyo Biblia hiyo hiyo inaweka mpaka. Baraza lilipowaamuru Petro na Yohana waache kunena kwa jina la Yesu, walijibu kwamba hawawezi kuacha kunena yale waliyoyaona na kuyasikia (Matendo 4:19-20). Baadaye mitume walisema, "Imetupasa kumtii Mungu kuliko wanadamu" (Matendo 5:29). Danieli alimwomba Mungu licha ya amri ya mfalme (Danieli 6), na rafiki zake watatu walikataa kuiabudu sanamu ya dhahabu (Danieli 3).Yet the same Bible sets a limit. When the council ordered Peter and John to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, they answered that they could not help speaking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20). Later the apostles said, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Daniel prayed to God despite the king's decree (Daniel 6), and his three friends refused to worship the golden image (Daniel 3).

Tunashikaje kweli zote mbili pamoja? Jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina ni hili. Muumini anaitii dola katika mambo yote yasiyomtaka atende dhambi. Dola inapoamuru kile ambacho Mungu anakataza, au inapokataza kile ambacho Mungu anaamuru, anamtii Mungu. Hata hapo anatenda kama Danieli na mitume walivyofanya: waziwazi, kwa heshima, bila jeuri, na tayari kukubali adhabu. Hachukui silaha dhidi ya serikali kwa sababu hakubaliani nayo. Wabaptisti hutofautiana juu ya baadhi ya visa vigumu, kama utumishi wa kijeshi na mipaka ya kutotii sheria kwa dhamiri, na waumini wanapaswa kuvumiliana mahali Maandiko hayasemi waziwazi.How do we hold both truths together? The conservative Baptist answer is this. The believer obeys the state in all things that do not require him to sin. When the state commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, he obeys God. Even then he acts as Daniel and the apostles did: openly, respectfully, without violence, and ready to accept the penalty. He does not take up arms against the government because he disagrees with it. Baptists differ about some hard cases, such as military service and the limits of civil disobedience, and believers should be patient with one another where Scripture does not speak plainly.

Mchungaji na SiasaThe Pastor and Politics

Mchungaji mara nyingi huuliza anaweza kusema kiasi gani juu ya maswali ya umma. Maandiko yanatoa kielelezo na pia onyo.A pastor often asks how far he may speak on public questions. Scripture gives both a pattern and a warning.

Kielelezo ni nabii anayesema na wenye nguvu. Nathani alimwambia Mfalme Daudi, "Wewe ndiwe mtu huyo!" (2 Samweli 12:7). Yohana Mbatizaji alimwambia Herode kwamba si halali kwake kuwa na mke wa ndugu yake (Marko 6:17-18). Mchungaji anayehubiri shauri lote la Mungu wakati mwingine atagusia haki ya mahakama, utunzaji wa maskini, serikali ya uaminifu na utakatifu wa uhai, kwa sababu Maandiko yanasema juu ya mambo haya.The pattern is the prophet who speaks to the powerful. Nathan told King David, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7). John the Baptist told Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife (Mark 6:17-18). The pastor who preaches the whole counsel of God will sometimes touch on the justice of the courts, the care of the poor, honest government and the sanctity of life, because Scripture speaks to these things.

Onyo ni kwamba mimbari ni ya Neno la Mungu na si ya chama cha siasa. Mchungaji hapaswi kuliambia kanisa jinsi ya kumpigia kura mgombea fulani. Washiriki wana uhuru wa dhamiri ambao Wabaptisti wanautetea, na wanaweza kuhukumu kwa njia tofauti juu ya vyama na programu huku wakimpenda Bwana yule yule. Mchungaji anayefanya upendeleo wake kuwa kipimo cha ushirika analigawanya kanisa juu ya mambo ambayo Maandiko hayayamalizi.The warning is that the pulpit belongs to the Word of God and not to a political party. A pastor should not tell the church how to vote for a particular candidate. Members have the liberty of conscience that Baptists defend, and they may judge differently about parties and programs while loving the same Lord. A pastor who makes his preference a test of fellowship divides the church over matters Scripture does not settle.

Wengine wanashikilia kwamba kanisa linapaswa kusema mambo ya kiroho tu. Wengine wanashikilia kwamba lazima lisema kwa ujasiri juu ya kila swali la umma. Jibu la Kibaptisti la kihafidhina liko katikati: sema yale Maandiko yanasema, kwa uwazi na kwa upole, juu ya mambo ambayo Maandiko yanayashughulikia; uwe mwepesi wa kunyamaza pale Wakristo wenye hekima wanapotofautiana; kamwe usitumie jina au mali ya kanisa kwa chama.Some hold that the church should speak only of spiritual things. Others hold that it must speak boldly on every public question. The conservative Baptist answer sits between them: speak what Scripture says, plainly and gently, on the matters Scripture addresses; be slow to speak where wise Christians differ; never use the church's name or property for a party.

Tahadhari ya vitendo: nchi nyingi zinaweka mipaka juu ya yale ambayo wahudumu wa dini wanaweza kufanya katika siasa za vyama. Kabla ya hatua yoyote ya hadharani, mchungaji anapaswa kujifunza sheria na kuchukua ushauri kutoka kwa chama cha makanisa au wakili anayeaminika.A practical note: many countries limit what ministers may do in party politics. Before any public action, the pastor should learn the law and take counsel from the association or a trusted lawyer.

Maadili Wanayofundisha WabaptistiThe Ethics Baptists Teach

Baptist Faith and Message 2000 ina vifungu kuhusu Mkristo na utaratibu wa kijamii, kuhusu uhuru wa dini na kuhusu familia. Mchungaji anapaswa kuzijua kauli kama hizo, lakini lazima afundishe kutoka kwenye Biblia. Tunatoa masuala matano makuu.The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 has articles on the Christian and the social order, on religious liberty and on the family. A pastor should know such statements, but he must teach from the Bible. We give five main concerns.

Utakatifu wa uhai. Maandiko yanafundisha kwamba Mungu humuumba kila mtu. Daudi alimsifu Mungu aliyemuumba tumboni mwa mama yake (Zaburi 139:13-16). Kwa hiyo Wabaptisti wa kihafidhina wametetea uhai wa wasiozaliwa, wanyonge na wazee. Kanisa linalosema kwa ajili ya wasiozaliwa lazima pia limsaidie mama mwenye uhitaji, wagonjwa na wazee.The sanctity of life. Scripture teaches that God forms each person. David praised God who formed him in his mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-16). Conservative Baptists have therefore defended the life of the unborn, the weak and the aged. A church that speaks for the unborn must also help the mother in need, the sick and the elderly.

Ndoa na familia. Mungu alianzisha ndoa wakati wa uumbaji, wakati mwanamume anapomwacha baba yake na mama yake na kuambatana na mke wake, nao wawili wakawa mwili mmoja (Mwanzo 2:24). Yesu alithibitisha hili (Mathayo 19:4-6). Waebrania 13:4 inasema kwamba ndoa na iheshimiwe na watu wote. Ndoa ni zawadi ya Mungu, agano la maisha yote la mume na mke, na nyumbani ndipo mahali pa kwanza ambapo watoto hujifunza imani. Paulo analinganisha upendo wa mume na mke na upendo wa Kristo kwa kanisa (Waefeso 5:22-33). Mchungaji hutumikia jamii vizuri anapofundisha furaha na wajibu wa ndoa, anapowaandaa wanandoa kabla ya harusi, anapowaimarisha wanandoa walio katika shida, na anapowaonyesha huruma wale wanaoteseka kwa talaka au ujane.Marriage and the family. God instituted marriage at creation, when a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Jesus affirmed this (Matthew 19:4-6). Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage is honorable among all. Marriage is God's gift, the lifelong covenant of husband and wife, and the home is the first place where children learn faith. Paul compares the love of husband and wife to Christ's love for the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). A pastor serves society well when he teaches the joys and duties of marriage, prepares couples before the wedding, strengthens couples in trouble, and shows compassion to those who suffer from divorce or widowhood.

Maskini na wahitaji. Yakobo anasema kwamba dini safi isiyo na unajisi mbele za Mungu ni kuwatazama yatima na wajane katika dhiki zao (Yakobo 1:27). Mithali 31:8-9 inatuambia tufumbue vinywa vyetu kwa ajili ya wasio na sauti na kutetea shauri la maskini. Kanisa hulisha, huvika na hufundisha, na wakati mwingine husema kwa ajili ya maskini mbele ya mamlaka.The poor and the needy. James says that pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit orphans and widows in their trouble (James 1:27). Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to open our mouths for the voiceless and to plead the cause of the poor. The church feeds, clothes and teaches, and sometimes speaks for the poor before the authorities.

Uaminifu na haki. Maandiko yanalaani rushwa, mizani za udanganyifu na mahakama zilizoharibika. Makanisa yanapaswa kuwa mfano wa hesabu za uaminifu na mazungumzo ya haki. Wabaptisti wengi pia hufundisha kujiepusha na pombe na kuonya dhidi ya kamari, wakitaja Mithali 20:1 na Waefeso 5:18, ingawa si Wabaptisti wote wanaokubaliana jinsi ya kutumia kanuni hiyo.Honesty and justice. Scripture condemns bribery, false weights and corrupt courts. Churches should be examples of honest accounts and fair dealing. Many Baptists also teach abstinence from alcohol and warn against gambling, citing Proverbs 20:1 and Ephesians 5:18, though not all Baptists agree on how to apply the principle.

Usawa wa rangi. Mungu alifanya kila taifa la watu kutokana na damu moja (Matendo 17:26). Katika Kristo kuta kati ya watu zimebomolewa (Wagalatia 3:28; Waefeso 2:14). Yakobo 2:1-9 inakataza kuonyesha upendeleo. Wabaptisti lazima waikabili historia yao wenyewe hapa. Kozi ya 1 inasimulia jinsi Southern Baptist Convention ilivyoundwa mwaka 1845 katikati ya mzozo wa utumwa. Mwaka 1995 Southern Baptist Convention iliungama kwamba utetezi wake wa zamani wa utumwa ulikuwa dhambi. Mchungaji leo anapaswa kufundisha waziwazi kwamba kila mtu ameumbwa kwa sura ya Mungu (Mwanzo 1:27) na kuwakaribisha watu wote kanisani.Racial equality. God made every nation of men from one blood (Acts 17:26). In Christ the walls between peoples are broken down (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14). James 2:1-9 forbids showing partiality. Baptists must face their own history here. Course 1 tells how the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845 amid the slavery dispute. In 1995 the Southern Baptist Convention confessed that its past defense of slavery was sin. The pastor today should teach plainly that every person is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and welcome all peoples into the church.

Kuitumikia JamiiServing Society

Wabaptisti hawajasema tu; wametumikia. Katika nchi nyingi makanisa ya Kibaptisti yameanzisha shule, zahanati, madarasa ya kusoma na kuandika na kazi za misaada. Huduma kama hiyo haichukui mahali pa injili, lakini inaonyesha injili (Mathayo 25:35). Kanisa linalowatumikia majirani zake linapata kusikilizwa miongoni mwao.Baptists have not only spoken; they have served. In many lands Baptist churches have started schools, clinics, literacy classes and relief work. Such service does not replace the gospel, but it shows the gospel (Matthew 25:35). The church that serves its neighbors earns a hearing among them.

Pingamizi na MajibuObjections and Answers

Pingamizi la 1: "Yesu alisema ufalme wake si wa ulimwengu huu, kwa hiyo Wakristo wasijihusishe na maisha ya umma." Mstari huo ni kweli, lakini unasema kwamba ufalme haushindi kwa upanga, si kwamba waumini hawana kazi na jamii. Bwana yule yule alituita chumvi na nuru, na tumetumwa ulimwenguni (Yohana 17:15-18).Objection 1: "Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world, so Christians should stay out of public life." The verse is true, but it says that the kingdom does not advance by the sword, not that believers have nothing to do with society. The same Lord called us salt and light, and we are sent into the world (John 17:15-18).

Pingamizi la 2: "Watu wa Kikristo wanapaswa kuwa na sheria za Kikristo zinazopendelea dini ya kweli. Uhuru wa dini unaruhusu uongo kuenea." Wakristo wengi wa dhati wameshikilia hili, wakiwemo makanisa ya dola yaliyowatesa Wabaptisti wa kwanza. Jibu la Kibaptisti ni kwamba kanisa lina silaha bora kuliko sheria, ambayo ni ukweli unaosemwa kwa upendo. Imani ya kulazimishwa si imani. Dola yenye nguvu ya kuchagua dini ya kweli haitachagua daima kwa usahihi, na kanisa linaloomba nguvu hiyo leo linaweza kuteswa nayo kesho. Wakristo wanaweza kutafuta sheria zinazolinda uhai, haki na maadili ya umma kwa wote, lakini si sheria zinazolazimisha ibada au imani.Objection 2: "A Christian people should have Christian laws that favor the true religion. Religious liberty lets error spread." Many sincere Christians have held this, including the state churches that persecuted early Baptists. The Baptist answer is that the church has a better weapon than the law, which is truth spoken in love. Forced faith is not faith. A state with power to choose the true religion will not always choose rightly, and the church that asks for that power today may be persecuted by it tomorrow. Christians may seek laws that protect life, justice and public morals for all, but not laws that compel worship or belief.

Pingamizi la 3: "Kujali jamii ni injili ya kijamii. Inalitoa kanisa kwenye kuokoa roho." Mwanzoni mwa karne ya ishirini baadhi walihubiri ujumbe wa kijamii mahali pa injili, na wahafidhina walipinga kosa hilo. Injili inatangulia: hitaji kubwa la kila mtu ni msamaha kupitia Kristo. Lakini Maandiko hayaweki uinjilisti na rehema kuwa vinapingana. Tito 3:8 inawataka waumini wadumu katika matendo mema, na Yakobo 2:15-16 inaonyesha kwamba maneno bila msaada kwa wenye njaa ni matupu.Objection 3: "Social concern is the social gospel. It distracts the church from saving souls." Early in the twentieth century some preached a social message in place of the gospel, and conservatives resisted that error. The gospel comes first: the greatest need of every person is forgiveness through Christ. But Scripture does not set evangelism and mercy against each other. Titus 3:8 asks believers to maintain good works, and James 2:15-16 shows that words without help for the hungry are empty.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mchungaji Andrés (mfano wa kubuni) anaongoza kanisa la watu wapatao tisini katika mji mdogo. Mambo mawili yanatokea katika mwezi mmoja. Afisa wa mahali anamwomba atangaze kutoka mimbarini kwamba kanisa linamuunga mkono mgombea katika uchaguzi ujao, na anamwambia kwamba kibali cha kanisa cha kukutana kinaweza kupitiwa upya mwaka ujao. Katika mwezi huo huo, anasikia kwamba familia ya imani nyingine katika mtaa wake imetishiwa na majirani wanaotaka waondoke.Pastor Andrés (a fictional example) serves a church of about ninety in a small city. Two things happen in the same month. A local official asks him to announce from the pulpit that the church supports a candidate in an upcoming election, and tells him that the church's permit to meet may be reviewed in the coming year. In the same month, he hears that a family of another faith in his street has been threatened by neighbors who want them to leave.

Andrés anaomba na kukutana na mashemasi wake na wakili kutoka chama cha makanisa ili kujua sheria inasema nini kuhusu hali ya kanisa lake na yale ambayo mhudumu anaweza kusema. Anamshukuru afisa kwa adabu, anasema kwamba anamwombea, na anaeleza kwamba kanisa haliungi mkono wagombea. Katika mahubiri yake anafundisha Warumi 13 na Matendo 5:29 na kuwaambia washiriki wapige kura kulingana na dhamiri zao mbele za Mungu. Kisha anatembelea familia iliyotishiwa pamoja na shemasi, na anawaomba majirani waiache kwa amani, akiwakumbusha kwamba dhamiri ni ya Mungu. Hawezi kusema kibali kilipitiwa upya vipi. Anajua tu kwamba alisema kweli, aliheshimu sheria na alitetea uhuru wa jirani yake.Andrés prays and meets with his deacons and a lawyer from the association to learn what the law says about his church's status and about what a minister may say. He thanks the official politely, says that he prays for him, and explains that the church does not endorse candidates. In his preaching he teaches Romans 13 and Acts 5:29 and tells members to vote according to their conscience under God. He then visits the threatened family with a deacon, and asks the neighbors to leave them in peace, reminding them that conscience belongs to God. He cannot say what became of the permit review. He knows only that he spoke the truth, honored the law and defended his neighbor's liberty.

MuhtasariSummary

Kanisa ni chumvi na nuru, na lazima liepuke kujitenga na kuchukua madaraka ya kisiasa. Wabaptisti wanatetea uhuru wa dini kwa sababu imani haiwezi kulazimishwa, Kristo peke yake ni Bwana wa dhamiri, dola na Mungu wana maeneo tofauti, na injili inaendelea kwa ushawishi. Wanaomba uhuru kwa wote, ikiwa ni pamoja na wale wanaotofautiana nao. Muumini anaitii dola, anaiombea na analipa kodi yake, lakini anamtii Mungu dola inapoamuru dhambi, na anafanya hivyo waziwazi, kwa heshima na bila jeuri. Mchungaji anasema yale Maandiko yanasema juu ya mambo ya umma, lakini hageuzi mimbari kuwa jukwaa la chama. Wabaptisti wamefundisha utakatifu wa uhai, heshima ya ndoa na familia, rehema kwa maskini, uaminifu na haki, na usawa wa watu wote kwa sura ya Mungu.The church is salt and light, and must avoid both withdrawal and takeover. Baptists defend religious liberty because faith cannot be forced, Christ alone is Lord of the conscience, the state and God have separate spheres, and the gospel advances by persuasion. They ask liberty for all, including those who differ from them. The believer obeys the state, prays for it and pays his taxes, but obeys God when the state commands sin, and does so openly, respectfully and without violence. The pastor speaks what Scripture says on public matters, but does not turn the pulpit into a party platform. Baptists have taught the sanctity of life, the honor of marriage and the family, mercy for the poor, honesty and justice, and the equality of all peoples in God's image.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• Thomas Helwys, A Short Declaration of the Mystery of Iniquity (Tamko Fupi juu ya Siri ya Uovu) (1612).• Thomas Helwys, A Short Declaration of the Mystery of Iniquity (1612).

• Roger Williams, The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution (Fundisho la Umwagaji Damu la Mateso) (1644).• Roger Williams, The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution (1644).

• Isaac Backus na John Leland, maandishi yaliyochaguliwa kuhusu uhuru wa dini.• Isaac Backus and John Leland, selected writings on religious liberty.

• E. Y. Mullins, The Axioms of Religion (Kanuni za Dini) (1908).• E. Y. Mullins, The Axioms of Religion (1908).

• Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (Imani na Ujumbe wa Kibaptisti 2000), vifungu kuhusu Mkristo na utaratibu wa kijamii, uhuru wa dini na familia.• Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the articles on the Christian and the social order, religious liberty and the family.

• Kozi ya 1, Kipindi cha 5 (Wabaptisti Amerika), Kozi ya 1, Kipindi cha 8 (mabishano ya karne ya ishirini), na Kozi ya 2, Kipindi cha 6 (uhuru wa dini na kutenganishwa kwa kanisa na dola).• Course 1, Unit 5 (Baptists in America), Course 1, Unit 8 (twentieth-century controversies), and Course 2, Unit 6 (religious liberty and separation of church and state).

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (Mihadhara kwa Wanafunzi Wangu).• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students.

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