A relação entre a Igreja e o estado: um estudo sobre a influência da política partidária na pureza da Igreja

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between the Church and the State, focusing on the influence of party politics on the purity and unity of the Church, with emphasis on the context of Baptist congregations. The study is based on the hypothesis that party politics, when introduced into the ecclesial environment, can stain the Church’s purity and weaken its unity. Methodologically, the research was developed through a bibliographical review, drawing on contributions from Reformers, contemporary theologians and Baptist thinkers on religious freedom, church–state separation and secularism. Additionally, field research was conducted with 79 members and leaders of Baptist churches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, using an electronic questionnaire to identify believers’ perceptions regarding the impact of political polarization within church life. The results indicate that most respondents perceive the presence of tensions, conflicts and internal distancing related to political positions, even though most churches do not formally endorse candidates or parties. The historical analysis revealed that the Baptist tradition, since its beginnings, has defended religious freedom and the distinction between the spheres of Church and State, understanding that the instrumentalization of faith for political projects compromises Christian witness. From a pastoral perspective, the study highlights the need to preserve the centrality of the gospel, avoid the use of the pulpit as an electoral platform, respect the freedom of conscience of church members, and promote unity as an expression of the Church’s vocation—while maintaining firm convictions and influencing all areas of human life, including politics. The study concludes that political polarization represents a concrete challenge to the Church’s purity and unity, demanding biblical discernment and pastoral prudence in its relationship with the State and the public sphere.