Dear Caldwell,
It is good to be back in the office this week after taking care of some things with my mother in Atlanta last week. What a blessing it is to know that so many aspects of life here lie in such capable hands. While I was away, the First Summer Nights at Caldwell came off as a smash hit and, from what I hear, worship Sunday was its usual blessing (with a special touch by our Davidson-Stapleton interns). Thanks to all who live into their callings as leaders and disciples here.
As I write, a large part of America is glued to the World Cup match between America and Belgium. Whatever the outcome, our team has provided a rally point for our nation. That will carry over to all of the events leading up to the Fourth of July. Plenty of American flags will get a good workout this week, accompanied by no small amount of patriotic rhetoric.
As people of faith, we have dual citizenship. As Americans, we are blessed to live in a country of such abundance, rich resources, sound government, a firm economy and opportunity for many (but surely not all). But we are also citizens of God, called by our faith and by Christ to define our lives by values that transcend any national code or creed, even when those values come into conflict with what some might think of as “the American way.”
At times, our faith convictions also draw us into international affairs. Over the weekend, you may have read some coverage and commentary in the Observer about an action taken by our PC(USA) General Assembly to divest financial holdings in three U.S. companies that profit from Israel’s military occupation of Palestine. For some, this kind of activism by investment is a hallmark of the life of faith, a statement that we count nothing out of the realm of the life of faith. Others may say the decision won’t make any difference at all and that the companies affected will do little more than shrug and move on “performing for their shareholders” regardless of the consequences.
Meantime, the daily news reminds us of just how profoundly complex and volatile world affairs have become. There are very real “hot spots” on almost every continent, each with the potential to flare out of control in short order under the right circumstances.
It’s not easy, this life of dual citizenship, how we live responsibly as Americans and, at the same time, bear witness to the Kingdom of God, ushered in by Christ. In this week when sports, national heritage, patriotism, military conflict and life as Presbyterians all converge, I will be thinking about all of this in relation to worship this Sunday. I invite your thoughts.
It’s now half-time in the U.S.-Belgium match. Go USA!
In Christ,
John