I had just finished reading Migrations of the Holy on the plane as we were descending into DC. I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, the architecture and view is pretty impressive: the Capitol building, the Washington Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Potomac river. All muster up feelings that are best described as pride. Yet, my citizenship is in heaven—something that Cavanaugh's book is very good about.
How do we as Christians interact with the nation-state that we live in? I'm not sure Cavanaugh has it all right, but he is headed in the same direction I am. But, because of his high church background, I think he places too much emphasis on the Eucharist/Lord's Supper/Communion and baptism. And, I'm sure I don't agree with him about sin in the church! I'm far too Wesleyan/Anabaptist/Believer's Church to say that sin should be expected in the Church. Still, definitely worth the read, although strongly philosophical in content...
As I like to do when I can, I wondered the area a bit after setup. We're in the Woodley Park area, for those of you who know DC (I don't!). It's a nice neighborhood to walk around in. It reminds me of Hyde Park in Chicago, without the fear of being mugged :) I walked about 4 miles, stopping at a Safeway to pick up a few bananas and a micro-greens salad. There are supposed to be some good vegan restaurants in the area, but the one I had decided to eat at was having a reception that closed it to the public. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
I must say, CVS owns this neighborhood; I saw 3 of them, with a fourth one opening in late December. Sorry, Lonnie, not a single Walgreens to be seen...
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2 comments:
Yeah, Walgreens is in every state and most territories, but on the much of the East Coast we're still pretty sparse.
It's only been the last 10 years that I started stuggling with Christianity and nationalism in America. My suggested solution isn't as much a solution as a suggested approach. I do believe Christians/Christ followers should be involved in most areas of public and political practice. The problem is what should this look like. What public/political involvement look like right now has produced some terrible circumstances and issues.
My suggested course is that Christian/Christ followers first serve in ministries of the sort Christ himself upholds, i.e. serving the "least of these..." As we serve "the least of these" God will begin to open our eyes to see the real needs of people, and we can then as believers attempt to influence the government and private sector business arenas, with a Christ centered approach.
The problem with my approach is that it is untested and unproven. Basically I'm saying believers should apply Christ's teaching, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and the rest will follow." (My paraphrase). Do for God first, and allow him to fill in where we should work to influence business and politics.
Lonnie
Radical idea, that. Imagine, doing what Christ told us to do! You are only too correct that it is basically untried : (
James
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