Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
Tertullian is quoted saying, “All zeal in the pursuit of glory and honor is dead in us… nor is anything more entirely foreign to us than the affairs of state. We acknowledge one all-embracing commonwealth, the world”; what kind of “citizenship” and identity does that assume, and what would have to die in a Christian today for those words to be honest?
Another way to ask: If Tertullian says Christians don’t chase honor, avoid state affairs, and belong to the whole world, what kind of “citizenship” is that? What would you have to let die in yourself for you to say that honestly today?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript presents Tertullian’s words as assuming Christians belong to a different kingdom with a global identity, so ambition for status and investment in state power must die for that posture to be real today.
- The quote explicitly rejects political ambition: “All zeal in the pursuit of glory and honor is dead in us.”
- It describes politics as alien: “nothing more entirely foreign to us than the affairs of state.”
- It assumes a broader identity: “We acknowledge one all-embracing commonwealth, the world.”
- The speaker applies this as a summary: “Christians stayed out of the political issues of their day,” because their “citizenship” was in “another kingdom.”
- Dean and David reinforce this “two kingdoms” framework: “We’ve already got our kingdom… Why would we get involved in the affairs of this world?”