There is a deep conflict between the Church and the State, but it is not the one that dominates political debates and media attention. The usual arguments are just people bickering over who gets to pretend to be in charge. I write instead of a deep idolatry that infests the Christian church. It must be addressed so it can be rejected, and so people can repent.
Is idolatry too strong a word? I think not. All over the world, people are taught that their various governments, created and administered by mortal men with no divine power or special authority, warrant special veneration and obedience. When their commands contradict reason and morality, their commands are to be obeyed first. The symbols they have created are worshiped like idols, and their documents are scriptures. Dead politicians are saints, the government administration buildings are temples, and the bureaucracy is a priesthood.
If you think this is an exaggeration, I challenge you to burn an American flag in any town square anywhere in the American "Bible Belt" and observe the outraged reaction. Other countries may have a more subdued public response to symbols of political authority, but patriotism and nationalism run deep nonetheless. In more secular states, I would argue that the State is the de facto state religion.
As Christians, we must remember that our kingdom is that of Christ, and not of this world. As the old gospel song reminds us, "This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through . . ." The institutions made by men seek to usurp His authority. Governments steal and murder as a necessary part of their operation as they claim territorial monopolies in violence. Men who would make their own "laws" do not exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit. They want to be gods themselves, meting out judgement and damnation.
Meanwhile "The earth is the Lord’s and all that it holds, the world and those who live in it." (Psalm 24:1, OEB) The Bible commands us directly to care for the poor, to give refuge to the alien, and to seek peace. We are not to steal or murder. Governments claim to provide charity, but only to buy obedience from the proceeds of robbery, not through noble altruism. Remember, there is nothing to render unto Caesar, because nothing is Caesar's. Most churches in America proudly fly the American flag, venerate parishioners in the military, call for obedience to the dictates of politicians, and generally display their true faith in words and deeds despite the veneer of Christ. They are lukewarm. But it is not our job to damn them to hell, only to call for repentance.
As I write this post in June of 2019, the most timely illustrations are immigration and war. If Donald Trump says, "build the wall," and God says, "welcome the foreigner," who do you obey? If the President says, "go wage war," and God says, "do not murder or steal," who do you serve? If you are reading this far in the future, or simply from a foreign country, a little thought will doubtless reveal similar conflicts between Church and State. Do everything in your power to reject political evils and condemn the government's commands. This will incur the wrath of government, and I cannot promise salvation from Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, but I can assure you that your conscience will be rewarded.