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Publication Date
11-21-2025
Description
The conversation between Dr. Kevin Golden and Dr. Joel Biermann focuses on Dr. Bierman’s book, "The Two Realms and the Separation of Church and State", published as part of the “Apropos” series from Concordia Publishing House. The book addresses the timely and perennial subject of the two realms and how the concept relates to the unique American experience and its political system. Dr. Biermann emphasizes that the "two realms" concept is much more expansive than just church and state; the temporal realm includes all of life—family, work, friends, neighbors, and government—while the spiritual realm is defined by one's relationship with God. The discussion highlights two traditional pitfalls Christians fall into regarding the two realms: either collapsing them together (known historically as Constantinianism, or modern movements like Christian nationalism/Integralism) or over-separating them, leading to quietism and a failure to serve the neighbor in the temporal realm. Drawing heavily on a Lutheran perspective, the book asserts that Luther’s theology, rooted in scriptural truths, remains relevant today, stressing that the true Christian life leads believers *into* the temporal world with confidence, not out of it, ultimately compelling them to be socially involved and active in the world to serve their neighbors.
Keywords
luther, church, world, state, realm, separation, lutherans, christians, quietism, neighbors, theology
Disciplines
Practical Theology
Submission Type
Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep
Submission Audience
Laity; Ministers; Scholars
Submission Cost
Free
Recommended Citation
Biermann, Joel and Golden, Kevin, "106. Book Blurbs Joel Biermann, ap·ro·pos: The Two Realms and the Separation of Chuch and State" (2025). Concordia Journal Currents. 106.
https://scholar.csl.edu/cjc/106
