After a spell of illness, let's get back to Walter Brueggemann's observations about Babylon and the U.S.
I propose this parallel between ancient Babylon and the contemporary United States in order to ask a question: is this sense of privilege and entitlement, bolstered by an uncritical joining of Bible and flag and underwritten by military and economic dominance, a proper legacy to leave coming generations in the United States? I ask this question cognizant of the fact that political discourse in the United States, in a variety of modes, is essentially a conversation about how to sustain this "God-given" advantage in the world. I say this, fully mindful of evidence of dissenting reality:(he notes 9/11 as a savage protest against hegemony, the crisis of global warming - living standard, rise of Islam - tied to oil supply, rise of Chinese economy as challenger)
The signs of challenge to the present hegemony are everywhere. Empires rarely notice such challenge in time, nor do they concede anything to those who mount the challenge. Thus the prospect, as with Babylon until Cyrus the Persian arrived, is that the U.S. sense of entitlement and control will continue to drive public discourse and policy formation long after the facts on the ground indicate otherwise.
So, what is to come and what role do we play in the churning and turning of the world scene? More and more we must be willing to listen to other voices that attempt to opening up the painting of the world and the ways things are moving. Unfortunately, we are - for many - the empire that will never end. Therefore, why think of another way to be in the world. Many times I think the blending of flag and prayer is one that turns us away from any movement toward peace, reconciliation, conversation, and shared responsibility. As long as the U.S. sees itself destined by God to lead the world, are we any different from the ancient powers that call upon their gods to create their might and then sustain them against their enemies. Unfortunately, none of them were sustained - we dig up fragments of their greatness. And yet, Scripture keeps calling God's people to be a light to the world. Not a new power - a light. The light is not afraid to see the truth - that is what light does - it shines and uncovers and opens up life. Is there room in our empire for an alternate way - and how will that way spring to life?
Connection: Listen to the voices of some who attempt to paint us a picture of what we due. Some movements within the U.S. today long for another day. A day when in their imagination, we were a city on a hill. When was that? When is an empire ever a light on a hill - except when one empire is overwhelming another. that is when we tell stories of our invincibility and blessedness.
O God, continue to open our hearts and make us a people who are not afraid to witness to your shalom in the world. Amen.
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