The role of the church in society has long been debated across Christian denominations. At the core of this doctrine lies the question: should the church actively engage with cultural, political, and social issues, or should it primarily focus on spiritual matters and personal salvation? Some argue for active societal involvement, citing the church’s mission to be salt and light in the world, while others emphasize separation, spiritual purity, and non-involvement with worldly affairs. The scriptures provide support for both perspectives, making it a complex theological discussion.
Scriptures Supporting Active Societal Involvement by the Church
- Matthew 5:13-14 (KJV) – “Ye are the salt of the earth… Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
Interpretation: Christ commands His followers to be both preservers (salt) and illuminators (light) in the world.
Theological View: The church is called to influence society morally and spiritually, standing out as a beacon of righteousness. - Proverbs 31:8-9 (KJV) – “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.”
Interpretation: God’s people are called to defend the rights of the oppressed and those who cannot speak for themselves.
Theological View: This supports the church’s role in advocacy and social justice. - James 1:27 (KJV) – “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…”
Interpretation: Caring for the vulnerable is not just charity but true religion.
Theological View: Encourages a church actively involved in addressing social needs. - Isaiah 1:17 (KJV) – “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
Interpretation: God’s people are to pursue justice and protect the vulnerable.
Theological View: A prophetic mandate for societal involvement and reform. - Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV) – “And seek the peace of the city… and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”
Interpretation: Even in exile, God instructs His people to seek societal peace and welfare.
Theological View: Suggests the church should contribute to the wellbeing of the broader community. - Micah 6:8 (KJV) – “…what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Interpretation: Justice and mercy are central to God’s expectations.
Theological View: Social justice and humble service are integral to faith. - Romans 13:1-4 (KJV) – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers… the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Interpretation: Christians are to respect government as God’s institution, implying involvement and influence within it.
Theological View: Legitimizes engagement with political systems. - Luke 10:36-37 (KJV) – “…Go, and do thou likewise.”
Interpretation: From the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus commands practical compassion.
Theological View: The church is expected to practice mercy across social and cultural boundaries.
Scriptures Opposing or Warning Against Worldly Involvement
- John 18:36 (KJV) – “My kingdom is not of this world…”
Interpretation: Christ emphasizes the spiritual nature of His kingdom.
Theological View: The church should not be entangled in worldly systems. - 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) – “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…”
Interpretation: A call to distinctness from worldly culture.
Theological View: Advocates ecclesiastical separation from societal affairs. - James 4:4 (KJV) – “…whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Interpretation: Friendship with the world equates to enmity with God.
Theological View: Discourages societal compromise or political alliances. - 1 John 2:15 (KJV) – “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…”
Interpretation: The Christian’s primary allegiance is spiritual.
Theological View: Engagement in worldly structures may corrupt spiritual purity. - Philippians 3:20 (KJV) – “For our conversation is in heaven…”
Interpretation: Believers are citizens of heaven, not earth.
Theological View: Focus should be on eternal matters, not temporal ones. - 2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…”
Interpretation: A soldier of Christ avoids worldly distractions.
Theological View: The church must remain spiritually focused, avoiding entanglement. - Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”
Interpretation: Prioritize spiritual pursuits over social or political ones.
Theological View: The church’s mission is to evangelize, not civil reform. - Revelation 18:4 (KJV) – “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins…”
Interpretation: A call to separate from corrupt worldly systems.
Theological View: Avoidance of worldly entanglements is necessary for holiness.
Translation, and Theological Debates Surrounding the Doctrine of ‘The Role of the Church in Society’
I. Foundational Scriptures and Language Sources (KJV)
The doctrine of the Church’s role in society is built upon a wide range of scriptures, originally penned in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). The King James Version (KJV), a 17th-century English translation, remains foundational for many Christian traditions. It reflects translation choices that deeply influence doctrine and practice.
II. Hebrew Textual Considerations (Old Testament)
- Isaiah 1:17 (KJV) – “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
- Hebrew Word Study:
- “Relieve the oppressed” – Hebrew: יַאְשְׁרוּ חָמוֹץ (ya’ashru chamots)
- The root ʿshr can imply “make straight,” “lead to righteousness,” or “give justice.”
- Translation Challenge: Some manuscripts read differently (e.g., DSS), leading to variations such as “correct the oppressor” or “seek justice.”
- “Relieve the oppressed” – Hebrew: יַאְשְׁרוּ חָמוֹץ (ya’ashru chamots)
- Theological Impact: If interpreted as correcting the oppressor vs. relieving the oppressed, it shifts responsibility toward systemic reform or charitable action.
- Hebrew Word Study:
- Micah 6:8 (KJV) – “…to do justly, and to love mercy…”
- “Do justly” – Hebrew: עֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּט (asot mishpat) = performing justice, not merely legal fairness but divine righteousness.
- Theological View: Emphasizes active participation in societal ethics; justice is a divine expectation.
III. Greek Textual Considerations (New Testament)
- Matthew 5:13-14 (KJV) – “Ye are the salt of the earth… Ye are the light of the world…”
- “Salt” – Greek: ἅλας (halas); not just seasoning but a symbol of preservation and covenant (cf. Lev. 2:13).
- “Light” – Greek: φῶς (phōs); linked to divine revelation and witness.
- Translation Nuance: The Greek supports a dual role: moral preservation and revelatory illumination.
- Romans 13:1 (KJV) – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers…”
- Greek: ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις (exousiais hyperechousais) – “governing authorities” or “superior powers”
- Debate: Does this refer to all political power (including oppressive regimes) or only legitimate, moral governments?
- Some early church fathers read this with caution, understanding Paul’s context in Roman occupation.
IV. English Translation (KJV) – Historical and Doctrinal Implications
- The King James Version (1611) was based on the Textus Receptus (a Byzantine Greek manuscript family) and the Masoretic Text (Hebrew).
- Translation committees often infused Anglican ecclesiology into word choices.
- Example: “Church” (Greek: ἐκκλησία ekklēsia) was retained over the more accurate “assembly” or “congregation,” partly for political-religious unity under the Church of England.
Example:
Matthew 16:18 (KJV) – “…upon this rock I will build my church…”
- Greek: ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian) = assembly, not a specific institution
- Theological View: This supports hierarchical church structures when translated as “church” vs. decentralized assembly.
V. Translation Controversies in Theological Interpretation
- John 18:36 (KJV) – “My kingdom is not of this world…”
- Greek: ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (ek tou kosmou toutou)
- Some scholars argue it means “not sourced from this world,” rather than “not involved in this world.”
- Implication: Some groups, like Jehovah’s Witnesses, interpret this as total societal withdrawal. Others read it as a distinction in origin, not activity.
- Philippians 3:20 (KJV) – “For our conversation is in heaven…”
- Greek: πολίτευμα (politeuma) = commonwealth, citizenship
- Translation Issue: “Conversation” in 17th-century English meant behavior or way of life, not mere speech. Modern readers misunderstand.
- Theological View: Properly rendered, this supports spiritual-political identity that doesn’t negate earthly involvement.
VI. Greek Translation Accuracy and Limitations
- Greek NT (Koine) is highly reliable, especially through early manuscripts like Codex Vaticanus and Sinaiticus.
- The Septuagint (LXX) – a Greek OT used in Jesus’ time – differs from the Hebrew Masoretic Text in key areas (e.g., Jeremiah, Psalms).
- LXX Isaiah 1:17 emphasizes “judging rightly” more than “relieving” the oppressed.
- Modern scholars note Hebraic idioms often suffer in Greek and English (e.g., “walk humbly” = live a life in submission, not mere emotion).
VII. Theological Debates Across Denominations
- Literalists (e.g., many Evangelicals, Baptists): Prefer KJV or literal translations, caution against paraphrases. They often resist social gospel approaches.
- Mainline Protestants (e.g., Methodists, ELCA Lutherans): Embrace dynamic equivalence translations (e.g., NRSV) and use broader social interpretations.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses: Use the New World Translation, inserting their theology into the text (e.g., John 1:1 – “a god”).
- Roman Catholic Church: Uses the Vulgate historically, influencing doctrinal framing (e.g., inclusion of apocryphal books that support charity and almsgiving as meritorious).
Summary
The doctrine of “The Role of the Church in Society” hinges not only on theology but also translation. Hebrew texts emphasize justice and covenantal responsibility. Greek brings clarity to roles like “light” and “citizenship,” but its interpretation depends on syntax and idioms. The KJV, while majestic, contains 17th-century English that modern readers often misinterpret without guidance. Translation choices shape theology—whether ecclesial structure, political involvement, or personal piety. Denominations vary based on which texts and interpretations they prioritize, with some leaning into societal activism, and others championing separation for spiritual purity. Understanding the linguistic roots and historical context is essential to applying this doctrine today.
Denominational Views
1. Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church sees the Church as both a spiritual and temporal authority, responsible not only for the salvation of souls but also for shaping society according to divine law. Drawing from its long-standing tradition, including papal encyclicals like Rerum Novarum, Catholicism teaches the necessity of social justice, the dignity of work, and care for the poor. It holds that the Church should influence political systems for the common good.
- View For Societal Involvement:
Proverbs 31:8-9 (KJV) – “Open thy mouth for the dumb… judge righteously.”
Hebrew Word: “צֶדֶק” (tsedeq) – righteousness or justice.
Interpretation: Justice is not optional; it’s mandated. Catholic theology views this as part of natural law and divine command.
Theological View: The Church must be a moral compass in society, advocating for human rights and dignity. - Debate on Translation:
Latin Vulgate translated “tsedeq” as iustitiam, emphasizing legal justice. Critics argue this overly legalizes a broader Hebrew term involving relational and covenantal faithfulness. - View Against Societal Entanglement:
John 18:36 (KJV) – “My kingdom is not of this world…”
Greek Word: “ἐκ” (ek) – out of, denoting source.
Interpretation: Though engaged, the Church must never forget its divine origin and heavenly priority.
2. Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodoxy centers its ecclesiology around theosis (deification) and views the Church as a sacramental presence that transforms society through spiritual life rather than direct political activism. It leans into community-based transformation through liturgy, icons, and moral witness.
- View For Societal Transformation:
Micah 6:8 (KJV) – “…to do justly, and to love mercy…”
Hebrew Word: “חֶסֶד” (chesed) – steadfast love, mercy.
Interpretation: Social transformation is a by-product of divine communion.
Theological View: The Church reflects God’s mercy in the world, drawing society to holiness. - Debate on Greek Translation in Liturgy:
Greek versions often translate chesed as “ἔλεος” (eleos), which can mean “mercy” but lacks the covenantal strength of the Hebrew. Orthodox theologians emphasize the communal, enduring nature of chesed. - View Against Political Involvement:
2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…”
Greek Word: “ἐμπλέκεται” (empleketai) – to be entangled or entwined.
Interpretation: The Church avoids direct state entanglement to preserve spiritual mission.
3. Evangelical
Evangelicals vary but generally emphasize personal conversion and biblical authority. Many engage culturally, especially on moral issues, while others adopt a “two kingdoms” theology to separate gospel from politics.
- View For Societal Engagement:
Matthew 5:14 (KJV) – “Ye are the light of the world…”
Greek Word: “φῶς” (phōs) – light, often symbolic of divine truth.
Interpretation: Christians are to publicly radiate God’s truth.
Theological View: Evangelicals support moral advocacy and evangelism in politics and society. - Debate on English Renderings:
Some Evangelicals criticize modern versions for downplaying sin and righteousness, preferring KJV’s consistent use of “righteousness” (dikaiosynē) over softer terms like “justice.” - View Against Societal Overreach:
James 4:4 (KJV) – “…friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Greek Word: “κόσμος” (kosmos) – world system, often corrupted.
Interpretation: Cultural assimilation is spiritual danger.
4. Protestant (General)
This category includes Reformed, Anglican, and other historic churches. Views range from Kuyperian activism to spiritual isolationism. Many support the Church’s prophetic role in society but caution against becoming a political institution.
- View For Involvement:
Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV) – “Seek the peace of the city…”
Hebrew Word: “שָׁלוֹם” (shalom) – peace, wellbeing, holistic prosperity.
Interpretation: Christians are to seek the common good.
Theological View: Society benefits when Christians live missionally. - Translation Debate:
KJV faithfully renders “shalom” as “peace,” but deeper meanings like wholeness and welfare are often lost. Protestants debate whether translations should preserve such connotations. - View Against Politicizing the Church:
1 John 2:15 (KJV) – “Love not the world…”
Greek Word: “ἀγαπᾶτε” (agapate) – love, deeply committed affection.
Interpretation: Over-attachment to social systems distorts gospel mission.
5. Baptist (Southern, Independent, etc.)
Baptists strongly uphold the separation of church and state. They emphasize individual soul liberty and congregational autonomy, typically avoiding institutional social reform while promoting personal virtue and evangelism.
- View For Personal Social Witness:
James 1:27 (KJV) – “Pure religion… visit the fatherless and widows…”
Greek Word: “θρῆσκος” (thrēskos) – religious, devout.
Interpretation: Faith must manifest in social compassion.
Theological View: Christians as individuals should live justly, but churches should avoid political roles. - Translation Preference:
KJV is upheld for preserving doctrinal purity; Baptist movements often reject dynamic equivalence methods for introducing ambiguity. - View Against Institutional Involvement:
2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) – “Be ye separate…”
Greek Word: “ἀφορίσθητε” (aphoristhēte) – to mark off, exclude.
Interpretation: Corporate purity requires boundary-setting from worldly politics.
6. Methodist (United, AME, etc.)
Methodism has a legacy of social activism—from abolitionism to healthcare and education. The Wesleyan tradition unites holiness with social reform, seeing both as fruit of sanctification.
- View For Societal Change:
Isaiah 1:17 (KJV) – “…plead for the widow.”
Hebrew Word: “רִיב” (riv) – contend, advocate.
Interpretation: Active justice is required.
Theological View: Love of neighbor demands systemic and personal reform. - Translation Notes:
The Hebrew “riv” implies legal advocacy, not passive care, supporting Methodist activism. Critics argue this has sometimes led to theological liberalism. - View Against Losing the Gospel in Social Action:
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “Seek ye first the kingdom…”
Greek Word: “πρῶτον” (prōton) – first in priority.
Interpretation: Evangelism and discipleship remain the primary mission.
7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)
Lutherans stress vocation—God works through believers’ everyday lives to bless society. While ELCA tends toward activism, the Missouri Synod is more spiritually focused.
- View For Passive Societal Influence:
Romans 13:1 (KJV) – “…the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Greek Word: “τεταγμέναι” (tetagmenai) – appointed, arranged.
Interpretation: Christians influence society by obeying and working within civil structures. - Translation Debate:
Greek here supports divine ordination of governments, but debate persists whether Paul refers to all regimes or just just ones. - View Against Church Activism:
Philippians 3:20 (KJV) – “Our conversation is in heaven…”
Greek Word: “πολίτευμα” (politeuma) – citizenship.
Interpretation: Earthly systems are secondary to spiritual identity.
8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)
Pentecostals emphasize Holy Spirit empowerment and evangelism. Social ministries are secondary to revival, but many groups engage in compassion ministries and moral advocacy.
- View For Moral Witness:
Luke 10:37 (KJV) – “Go, and do thou likewise.”
Greek Word: “πορεύου” (poreuou) – go forth, act.
Interpretation: Pentecostals see healing and compassion as gospel signs.
Theological View: Transform society by spirit-filled action. - Translation Issue:
Spirit-driven translation is emphasized over formal equivalence. Many Pentecostals use dynamic translations alongside the KJV. - View Against Political Reliance:
Revelation 18:4 (KJV) – “Come out of her…”
Greek Word: “ἐξέλθετε” (exelthate) – depart completely.
Interpretation: Spiritual separation from Babylon-like systems.
9. Jehovah’s Witnesses
They believe God’s Kingdom is not part of this world and reject all political involvement. They use the New World Translation, which is criticized for theological bias.
- View Against Societal Engagement:
John 17:16 (KJV) – “They are not of the world…”
Greek Word: “ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου” (ek tou kosmou) – out from the world.
Interpretation: Total neutrality is obedience.
Theological View: Any social involvement defiles Christian witness. - Translation Issue:
NWT translates logos in John 1:1 as “a god,” altering Trinitarian theology. Critics argue this disrupts divine identity and gospel clarity.
10. Mormonism (LDS)
Mormons teach that Church and state can align for moral betterment. They promote civic duty and see America as divinely blessed. Their scriptures supplement the Bible and influence their interpretation.
- View For Engagement:
D&C 134:1 (LDS scripture) aligns with Romans 13:1 (KJV) – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers…”
Interpretation: Government is divinely sanctioned; believers should serve society. - Translation Issue:
KJV is official, but interpretations are guided by LDS prophets. The term “church” often implies institution rather than assembly (ekklēsia). - View Against Worldliness:
1 Nephi 2:16 warns against pride of the world. LDS maintain spiritual separation within active civic roles.
11. Seventh-day Adventist
Adventists stress religious liberty and health reform but avoid partisan politics. They promote holistic gospel, including education and disaster relief.
- View For Public Good:
Matthew 5:16 (KJV) – “Let your light so shine…”
Greek Word: “λάμψει” (lampsēi) – shine forth.
Interpretation: Faith must be visible.
Theological View: Social engagement through service, not dominance. - View Against Over-Political Church:
Revelation 14:4 (KJV) – “…not defiled with women…”
Interpretation: Symbolizes purity from corrupted systems, including religious-political unions.
Conclusion
The role of the Church in society, as reflected through the lens of language, translation, and theological interpretation, varies widely across denominations. While many denominations agree that the Church should play a transformative role in society, the scope and nature of that engagement are debated. Language—both the original Hebrew and Greek texts and the English KJV translation—shapes how different groups understand their duty to engage with or withdraw from societal systems. For example, some denominations, such as Roman Catholics and Methodists, emphasize social justice, while others, like Jehovah’s Witnesses and some Baptists, stress separation from worldly systems. Translation choices, such as rendering “ekklēsia” as “church” rather than “assembly,” also impact how the doctrine is applied. Understanding these debates requires careful examination of both scriptural foundations and the linguistic nuances behind them.
Table 1: Denominations’ Views on The Church’s Role in Society
| Denomination | View | Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic Church | Active role in social justice and moral guidance | The Church must influence society for the common good. | Isaiah 1:17 (KJV) – “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” |
| Eastern Orthodox Church | Reflects God’s mercy in society through communal holiness | The Church’s social impact comes from spiritual transformation. | Micah 6:8 (KJV) – “…to do justly, and to love mercy…” |
| Evangelical | Engage morally but avoid full political entanglement | Christians are to be salt and light, affecting culture. | Matthew 5:14 (KJV) – “Ye are the light of the world…” |
| Protestant (General) | Seek peace and wellbeing in society, but avoid excessive political influence | The Church’s role is moral, not political. | Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV) – “Seek the peace of the city… and pray unto the LORD for it…” |
| Baptist | Focus on individual action, avoiding institutional political involvement | Personal witness to society; no political authority. | James 1:27 (KJV) – “Pure religion and undefiled before God… visit the fatherless and widows…” |
| Methodist | Advocate for social justice through the gospel | The Church has a duty to work for the common good and moral society. | Isaiah 1:17 (KJV) – “…plead for the widow.” |
| Lutheran | Passive influence through living out God’s will in daily life | Christians impact society by fulfilling their vocations. | Romans 13:1 (KJV) – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers…” |
| Pentecostal | Active moral witness, driven by the Holy Spirit | Christians should actively live out their faith, affecting culture. | Luke 10:37 (KJV) – “Go, and do thou likewise.” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Complete separation from worldly systems | The Church avoids political involvement to remain pure. | John 18:36 (KJV) – “My kingdom is not of this world…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | Engage civically, but only in alignment with divine principles | The Church supports civil authority as ordained by God. | Romans 13:1 (KJV) – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers…” |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Engage in public good through service, not political activism | The Church focuses on health reform and humanitarian service. | Matthew 5:16 (KJV) – “Let your light so shine before men…” |
Table 2: Denominations’ Arguments Against Societal Engagement
| Denomination | View Against Societal Engagement | Argument Against Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic Church | Concern over the Church becoming too politically involved | The Church must remain spiritually pure. | John 18:36 (KJV) – “My kingdom is not of this world…” |
| Eastern Orthodox Church | Church should not get entangled in worldly affairs | Active political engagement risks compromising the spiritual mission. | 2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…” |
| Evangelical | Should avoid complete political entanglement | The Church is a witness to the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world. | 1 John 2:15 (KJV) – “Love not the world…” |
| Protestant (General) | Need to prioritize spiritual mission over political matters | Cultural engagement must not detract from gospel proclamation. | Philippians 3:20 (KJV) – “For our conversation is in heaven…” |
| Baptist | Keep church and state separate | The Church’s mission is spiritual, not political. | 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) – “Be ye separate…” |
| Methodist | Maintain the gospel’s priority over social activism | Social engagement must not overshadow the gospel message. | Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…” |
| Lutheran | Avoid over-politicizing the gospel | Over-engagement in politics can undermine the gospel’s message. | Philippians 3:20 (KJV) – “For our conversation is in heaven…” |
| Pentecostal | Spiritual separation from worldly systems | Political involvement risks distracting from the spiritual mission. | Revelation 18:4 (KJV) – “Come out of her, my people…” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Complete avoidance of political entanglement | Political involvement defiles Christian identity. | John 17:16 (KJV) – “They are not of the world…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | Avoid the Church becoming politically powerful | Politicizing the Church could diminish its spiritual mission. | 1 Nephi 2:16 (LDS Scripture) – Warns against worldliness. |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Avoid mixing politics with the gospel | The Church should focus on spiritual mission, not political power. | Revelation 14:4 (KJV) – “These are they which were not defiled with women…” |
Summary:
The role of the Church in society is a subject of significant variation among Christian denominations, each influenced by theological, historical, and linguistic factors. Some groups emphasize the Church’s active involvement in promoting social justice and moral reform, while others advocate for separation from political systems to preserve spiritual purity. Key scriptural texts such as Matthew 5:14 (“Ye are the light of the world”) and Romans 13:1 (“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers”) provide theological backing for both positions, but translation issues (e.g., rendering Greek ekklēsia as “church” rather than “assembly”) complicate interpretation. While some denominations, like Roman Catholics and Methodists, promote active societal involvement, others, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Baptists, emphasize spiritual separation. Ultimately, the translation of Hebrew and Greek words and the application of those words in English scripture, particularly in the KJV, shape each denomination’s approach to the Church’s mission in the world.