Is the church supposed to be the "conscience of society"? (churches, protestants)

[bawac34618]

In 2018 in the USA, this is a belief distinctive to white evangelical Christianity. Born-again Christians believe themselves to be the gatekeepers of what is moral and immoral and believe it's their duty to use secular government to impose that on society. The saying is "the church is the conscience of society." This idea and debate is pretty much the center or our political discourse today. And while other sects of Christianity have had this mindset in times past, in 2018, this worldview is pretty much limited to born-again, evangelical Christianity. Mainline Protestants and Catholics have backed away from it in recent decades.


The video below is a clear-cut example of what I am talking about.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2emBxDOY7g


So what are your thoughts. Is the church supposed to be the conscience of society? Are Christians supposed to use secular government to enforce their beliefs on what is right or wrong on society? Why or why not?

[nateswift]

A "conscience" may inform, but can NOT impel. So, iven if the church is to be a "conscience" it has no business being a policeman.

[phetaroi]

I think you could make a case for churches being "the conscience" of the country, but not in the current political climate. Their time has passed.

[MysticPhD]

Originally Posted by nateswift

A "conscience" may inform, but can NOT impel. So, even if the church is to be a "conscience" it has no business being a policeman.

Amen!

[mensaguy]

This is too close to a political issue.