Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84Plough Quarterly • Winter 2017 25 from all unnaturalness and artificiality. This is why the work done in the church community ought to be in keeping with the simplicity of Christ, for example architecture and tableware. By the same token, voluntary poverty belongs to the embodiment of Christ, especially if it arises out of love. Because we as the church are called to serve the whole world, especially those in need, we must live as simply as possible in order to help as many people as we can. The Church’s Politics It is a widespread error to mix this specific task of the church with public affairs. As Paul shows very clearly, the church, with its task of being the embodiment of Christ, is thrust in among the nations as a unique anticipatory presence which points forward to the coming of the kingdom on earth (Col. 3:1–4; Eph. 1:9–14). Accordingly, it is not the task of the body of Christ to attain prominence in the political power structure of this world (1 Cor. 1:26–29; 2:6–8; 2 Cor. 4:7–10). Thus, according to the apostolic teaching, there is no such thing as a Christian state. A Christian church fights neither for the interests of the state nor against them. No head of a state can legitimately wield the sword in the name of Christ, William Blake, The Nativity, tempera on copper, 1799–1800 In this symbolic painting showing the miraculous significance of Jesus’ birth, Joseph supports Mary while her child springs forth into the world. He is welcomed by Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, whose own child, John the Baptist, rests in her lap. A cross glows in the window as if reflected in the light of the star of Bethlehem. Artwork from Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania. Gift of Mrs. William Thomas Tonner, 1964 / Bridgeman Images