Render Unto Gary Cooper What Is Alvin York's (or) Dual Loyalties Don't Necessarily Mutually Exclude [part I]

Buckle up, kids, I'm going to talk about a somewhat controversial subject: the left and the right.

(cue likely assumption that I mean politics)

In case my spontaneous use of snarky Spaniards doesn't reveal I'm not talking about the political "left" and "right," then either the world is too focused on politics or I've written too much about the topic myself.

As a very wise philosopher once said: "¿Por qué no tenemos ambos?"

But seriously, I wanna talk about the left and right.

A few months ago my wife and I traveled to Denver for a conference on the Two Kingdoms doctrine and the Three Estates.

...

I can tell by the crickets that some of you are unfamiliar.  That's okay, it is a bit of inside baseball.  The short version is there are two authorities ruling this world, but in very differing ways, and there are three entities by which these authorities interact with us.

So, a primer first.  And, yes, I'm stealing/borrowing from the Steadfast Conference and Dr. Luther's Small Catechism.

First, the Two Kingdoms: The Left (State/Secular) and the Right (Church/Spiritual).

Please don't assume that when I use the terms "left" and "right" I'm talking about what Americans mean politically.  In this context left does not mean "socialist/anarchist/communist/un-American/liberal," just as right does not mean "conservative/fascist/nationalist/patriot/capitalist."  The reasons for the left/right dichotomy is much simpler.  We just don't remember it in a post-monarchy western world.

Back in the day, to sit at the king's right hand was a place of authority and power.  Often the heir apparent sat there.  It didn't mean the left was a bad position, but the symbolism of being the king's "right hand" (which was often his dominant hand) was self-evident.  If you live in an era where the sword is the sidearm of choice, where do you want your most trusted advisor and warrior to sit, to represent that he (or she, if applicable) is your most powerful asset?

Not points for guessing the obvious answer, especially since giving the obvious answer is all teaching is.  (But that's beside the point.)

When Luther used the Left and Right, he wasn't making commentary on political policies.  Rather, he was showing how God uses both the State and the Church as His emissaries.  Left and Right are merely shorthand.

So, what is the difference between the two?

Well, first, to quote Yoda, you must unlearn what you have learned (at least a little).  You will need to see things from a more historic perspective, placing yourself in previous realities, not just viewing this from the lens of 21st century America (or wherever you hail from).  Why?  Because most of us living in a post-modern reality have this idea of how Church and State don't mix and mingle.  Of how there is this idea of religious liberty and tolerance of worship styles.  Now, these are not bad, but operating under a thought process that is influenced by this understanding will have the potential to lead this discussion astray.

Now, with that in mind, we will take a trip back in time.  We'll stop in the Middle Ages, in the Roman Empire, and in the Kingdom of Israel.  Why?  To see examples from each of how the State and the Church work side by side, and even interconnect.  Whether they should or shouldn't.

But, that will have to wait until tomorrow.