City Called Heaven

This is a time for frank talk about the ascendency of an authoritarian and abusive political culture in the United States of America. While Donald Trump is seen as the point person for this movement, and as President-elect is poised to implement these as U.S. government policy, these ideas are not new, and are not unique to a single leader, political party, demographic group or location. This is not a time for quiet acceptance, private complaints, and trying to ignore, work around, or accommodate to harmful acts and beliefs. Nearly two thousand years ago, the Roman empire dominated Europe and the Mediterranean by military force and oppression. The early Christian movement was by necessity a resistance movement, proclaiming a different kind of rule, governed by a God of mercy, where people shared so that all would have enough. Writing to the small community in Rome, at the seat of Caesar’s empire, the Apostle Paul counseled that these goals could not be achieved by domination and cont...

Veterans Day meant to recognize and honor those who have served our nation, these United States, through military service. While distinct from Memorial Day, we cannot remember our living veterans without also knowing that their service came with risk. Those who served in combat, close to combat, or in support roles too often know to well the price of making the commitment to their country. We know that our nation has not always used its military well. We also know that the willingness of those who accepted that call is worthy of honor and respect no matter when and where they served. Many bring home from their service more than memories and skills and relationships with their comrades. Trauma and loss is a often a price paid be our service members on behalf of our nation. The loving and respectful attention paid to the fallen ought also to be our attitude towards the living. Since the beginning we have known - or should have known that freedom is not free, but requires sac...