American Christianity stands at a crossroads.  The echoes of a bygone era resonate with unsettling clarity, urging us to revisit the enduring question of faith’s role amidst political discord.  From the shadows of Nazi Germany emerges the prophetic call of the Barmen Declaration, a testament to the fight for Christian autonomy in the face of totalitarian intrusion.  An intrusion that could erode the vital principle of religious equality and freedom of faith, any faith, within America.
 
Our faith can and should inform us as Christian citizens, but we should not allow ourselves to be manipulated by internal or outside forces supporting an unchristian agenda.  Instead, our work as Christians is to shape systems of authority impacting our community, nation, and the world and to prevent the rise of powers and principalities that dehumanize and threaten all of humanity under the gaze of God and heaven.  We must remember to embrace Christ's two greatest commandments with fierce passion.
 
Hear what our Lord Jesus saith:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets.    Matthew 22:37-40
 
Drafted in 1934, the Barmen Declaration 1 —was more than a theological treatise; it was a clamorous – brilliantly bright call for the sanctity of the Church from the grasping hand of the state.  The rise of the German Christians, 2  advocating the unholy alliance of church and Nazi ideology, epitomized the perilous dance between religious faith and political power.  This movement, intent on purging Christianity of its Jewish heritage and bending it to the will of the Nazi regime, stood in stark contrast to the resolute stance of the Confessing Church. 3   Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Niemöller – these champions of the Confessing Church – affirmed Christ’s Lordship over the Church, rejecting the totalitarian grip of any earthly doctrine.
 
Karl Barth, a leading architect of the declaration, stood firm against idolatry in all its forms, including the deification of the state.  His voice continues to resonate today, a stark warning against the problematic fusion of God’s kingdom with earthly power.  In an age where political figures drape themselves in the cloak of piety to further their agendas, the Barmen Declaration’s insistence on Jesus Christ as the sole divine word rings truer than ever.
 
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s emphasis on the cost of discipleship and the perils of “cheap grace” enriches this discourse.  His life, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice against Hitler’s tyranny, serves as a stark reminder of the ethical imperative to confront injustice.  His example compels us to see through the empty piety of contemporary political figures who cloak themselves in a veneer of Christianity without embodying its true tenets.
 
Martin Niemöller’s lament 4  — “ First they came…” on the silence of the clergy in the face of rising Nazi evil serves as a cautionary tale for our own time.  His words urge us to remember our responsibility to the marginalized and resist the coopting of our faith for oppressive ends.
 
The Barmen Declaration’s call for a clear separation between church and state is as relevant today as ever.  This principle, both a constitutional safeguard and a theological imperative, guards against the state’s idolatry and the Church’s corruption.  The blurring of lines between contemporary society’s religious and political spheres – the co-optation of Christian symbols and narratives for political gain – underscores the dangers of such entanglement to the integrity of faith and the health of our democracy.
 
The Barmen Declaration compels us to assess our allegiances critically.  In an era of deep divisions and entrenched identities, the allure of marrying the Church to partisan agendas threatens to silence the prophetic voice of Christianity.  The declaration calls us to a discipleship that transcends political divides by reminding us of Christ’s preeminence over earthly affiliations.  This discipleship advocates for justice, peace, and love of neighbor.
 
The theological legacies of Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Niemöller offer invaluable guidance for navigating the complex relationship between church and state in 21st-century America.  Their unwavering witness against the allure of power and fidelity to the Gospel message serve as beacons for Christians committed to justice and integrity.  As we face the challenges of our own time, let us draw inspiration from these figures who dared to affirm the light of Christ in the face of encroaching darkness.
 
The legacy of the Confessing Church and the lessons learned after the Holocaust remain ever-relevant.  While significant progress has been made in Christian-Jewish relations, the disturbing rise of antisemitism in 2024 compels us to a renewed vigilance.  The old strains of hatred, often disguised in new rhetoric, slither back into our societies.  In these troubling times, the unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the inherent dignity of every person – the very principles championed by Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Niemöller – are potent guides for Christians today.  
 
Combating antisemitism demands not just theological reflection but concrete action.  Interfaith dialogue, educational initiatives, and a resolute public stand against all forms of bigotry are essential weapons in this ongoing struggle.  By remembering the past and living out the core tenets of our faith, Christians can play a vital role in ensuring that the light of understanding triumphs over the darkness of antisemitism or other movements of dehumanization within the world. 5  A renewed vision where we come to witness, as Christians, the need to embrace and respect interfaith awareness, appreciation, acceptance, and engagement in a pluralistic world.

 
—Ron Starbuck
Publisher/CEO/Executive Editor
Saint Julian Press, Inc. © 2024
 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Bishops Issue Pastoral Letter about Trump’s Rhetoric
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

It is critical to pay attention to information these days. This is a New York Times article on misinformation in 2024. Misinformation is false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by planting rumors) to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. 

This issue, which many poets and writers are facing now, is another type of censorship on social media. This article addresses the dynamics involved. 

​New York Times Article:
​
www.nytimes.com/2024/03/17/us/politics/trump-disinformation-2024-social-media.html
​

​Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

​The year 2024 looms large, a potential turning point in history.  We stand at a crossroads, and our choices will determine how future generations perceive our time.  Martin Buber, the 20th-century philosopher, offers profound insights into leadership that resonate deeply in this critical juncture.
 
Buber warns against leaders wielding “negative charisma,” a seductive power devoid of authenticity.  These egocentric figures exploit anxieties for personal gain, stripping away freedom and dismantling the foundations of a just society.  Their self-absorption closes their eyes to a higher purpose, a connection to something greater than themselves.
 
Such leaders are so thoroughly egotistical and narcissistic that they are devoid of any real connection to others, to the people, to themselves, and to the divine.  They do not see themselves as being answerable to a higher power.  They see themselves as the ultimate subject, covered in an armor of self-perpetuating clusters of thoughts and self-adulating fantasies that cannot be open to the “hidden light” of the divine.  1
 
Buber, however, doesn’t just diagnose the problem; he prescribes a solution.  He champions the “I-Thou” relationship, which emphasizes genuine connection and mutual respect.  Leaders who embody this ideal foster dialogue and collaboration, drawing strength from shared purpose and a commitment to the collective good.
 
This positive form of charisma, rooted in integrity and empathy, starkly contrasts its manipulative counterpart.  Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify this ethical approach.  Their visionary leadership, fueled by moral convictions, mobilized people toward a brighter future.
 
This dichotomy extends into Buber’s nuanced critique of “negative charisma,” a concept highlighting the ethical pitfalls of leadership that exploits societal fears and anxieties rather than fostering authentic connections and mutual growth.  Buber’s insights, emerging from the tumultuous context of the 20th century marked by wars and political upheavals, remain alarmingly relevant in today’s digital era, where media and social networks can amplify the influence of leaders who manipulate emotions for personal or political gain.
 
Contrasting “negative charisma” with “positive charisma”—the latter characterized by inspirational leadership rooted in moral integrity and genuine connections—highlights the transformative potential of ethical leadership.  In contrast, figures who exploit and amplify public fears for political advantage embody the dangers of negative charisma, emphasizing the need for critical vigilance in our engagement with leaders.
 
Understanding the dynamics of negative charisma in contemporary settings, especially in light of the pervasive influence of digital media, is crucial for navigating the ethical challenges of leadership and authority.  Recognizing and resisting the manipulative strategies of leaders who exploit division and fear demands a collective commitment to promoting leadership models that prioritize authenticity, dialogue, and ethical integrity.
 
Such an engagement and practice (praxis) not only counter the divisive impact of negative charisma but also foster a societal fabric enriched by genuine connections, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.  In embracing these ideals, we reaffirm the enduring relevance of Buber’s philosophy, championing a vision of leadership and community that uplifts and unites, embodying the highest potential of human connection and collaboration.
 
Servant Leadership
 
The concept of servant leadership, first coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, dovetails remarkably with Martin Buber’s philosophical distinctions between negative and positive charisma, enriching the discourse on ethical leadership.  At its core, servant leadership emphasizes the leader’s role as primarily serving the needs of others—putting the growth, well-being, and empowerment of followers above the leader’s self-interest or the mere attainment of organizational goals.  This approach to leadership resonates with Buber’s “I-Thou” relationship, where the leader engages with followers in a manner that recognizes their full humanity, fostering genuine connections and mutual respect.
 
Servant leadership naturally aligns with the concept of positive charisma by prioritizing the development and flourishing of individuals within the community or organization.  Leaders embodying this style demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles, empathy, and active listening, aiming to inspire and mobilize their followers toward collective goals through shared values and visions.  Such leaders reflect Buber’s ideal of leadership based on authentic relationships and moral integrity, where power and influence are used not to manipulate or exploit but to uplift and serve.
 
Integrating the principles of servant leadership with Buber’s insights on charisma provides a nuanced understanding of how leadership can alienate, unify, manipulate, or empower.  While negative charisma divides and exploits, servant leadership, and positive charisma unite and nurture, embodying a different aspect of Buber’s “I-Thou” and “I-It” dichotomy.
 
This synthesis highlights the importance of intentionality in leadership—the choice between viewing and engaging with others as objects to be used or as fellow beings with whom to forge meaningful, reciprocal relationships.  It underscores the transformative power of leadership that seeks to serve, echoing Buber’s call for authenticity, mutual recognition, and cultivating a community bound by shared purpose and respect.
 
Martin Buber’s Challenge
 
Buber’s philosophy serves as a stark warning in our current political climate.  His description of totalitarian leaders exploiting charisma for personal gain resonates deeply.  Leaders consumed by ambition and devoid of genuine connection can dismantle the very foundations of a free society.
 
Buber also offers hope.  By embracing the “I-Thou” ideal in leadership and fostering authentic relationships within communities, we can counter the corrosive effects of negativity.  The choice is ours: to succumb to the seductive power of manipulation or to forge a path built on empathy, shared purpose, and a commitment to the collective good.
 
In remembering Buber’s admonishment, we are reminded that leadership is not a right but a responsibility.  It is a call to serve, uplift, and build a world where all can flourish.  This is the challenge and the opportunity that lies before us.
 
As citizens, we, the people, not just individuals in positions of power, must answer this call.  We must hear the message of our time, unflinching in the face of its difficulties.  We must answer through our actions for the sake of ourselves, our communities, and the world we share.  There is no room for reduction; the hour demands our full attention and a commitment to building a better future.
 
Speaking of The Single One in Responsibility, Buber writes:
 
“It cannot be that the relation of the human person to God is established by the subtraction of the world.  The Single One must, therefore, take their world, what of the world is extended and entrusted to them in their life, without any reduction into their life’s devotion; they must let their world partake unabated of its essentiality.
 
It cannot be that the Single One finds God’s hands when they stretch their hands out and away beyond creation.  They must put their arms around the vexatious world, whose true name is creation; only then do their fingers reach the realm of lightning and grace.  It cannot be that the spirit of reduction reigns in the relation of faith as well.  The Single One who lives in their relation of faith must wish to have it fulfilled in the uncurtailed measure of the life they live.  
 
— They must face the hour which approaches them, the biographical and historical hour, just as it is, in its whole world content and apparently senseless contradiction, without weakening the impact of otherness in it.  They must hear the message, stark and untransfigured, which is delivered to them out of their hour, presented by their situation as it arrives.
 
— Nor must they translate for themself its wild and crude profaneness into the chastely religious: they must recognize that the question put to them, with which the speech of the situation is fraught—whether it sounds with angels’ or with devils’ tongues—remains God’s question to them, of course without the devils thereby being turned into angels.  It is a question wondrously tuned in the wild crude sound.  
 
— And they, the Single One, must answer, by what they do and do not do, they must accept and answer for the hour, the hour of the world, of all the world, as that which is given to them, entrusted to them.  Reduction is forbidden; you are not at liberty to select what suits you, the whole cruel hour is at stake, the whole claims you and you must answer—God.
 
You must hear the claim, however unharmoniously it strikes your ear, and let no one interfere; give the answer from the depths, where a breath of what has been breathed in still hovers, and let no one prompt you. 
 
This arch-command, for whose sake the Bible makes its God speak from the very time of creation, defines anew, when it is heard, the relation of the Single One to their community. 
 
The human person belongs, whether they want to acknowledge it and take it seriously or not, to the community in which they are born or which they have happened to get into.  But they who have realized what destiny means, even if it looks like doom, and what being placed there means, even if it looks like being misplaced, know too that they must acknowledge it and take it seriously.  
 
But then, precisely, they note that true membership in a community includes the experience, which changes in many ways and can never be definitively formulated between person and person the boundary of their membership.  
 
If the Single One, true to the historic-biographical hour, perceives the word, if they grasp the situation of their people, their own situation, as a sign and demand upon them, if they do not spare themself and their community before God, then they experience the boundary.  They experience it in such agony as if the boundary-post had pierced their soul.  The Single One, the human being living in responsibility, can carry out their political actions as well—and of course, omissions are also actions—only from that ground of their being to which the claim of the fearful and kind God, the Lord of their story and our Lord, wishes to penetrate.” 2
 
Reduction is forbidden...the whole cruel hour is at stake...and you must answer...
 
 
In Conclusion
 
Consider again Martin Buber’s words.  Buber describes totalitarian leaders as persons – who take over the organs of the state through “negative charisma,” stripping absolute freedom and judgment from the ruled, and who are immersed in the political ends of attaining and retaining power.  Such leaders are so thoroughly egotistical and narcissistic that they are devoid of any real connection to others, to the people, to themselves, and the divine.  They do not see themselves as being answerable to a higher power or to “the rule of law.”
 
In writing about our “I and Thou” relationship with God and creation, Martin Buber gives us this sacred admonishment when considering our place, communities, relationships, and responsibilities within the world and across creation. 
 
“We must hear the message, stark and untransfigured, delivered to “us” out of this hour, presented by this situation as it arrives.  And “we” must answer by what “we” do and do not do.  “We” must accept and answer for the hour of the world, of all the world, as that which is given to us, entrusted to us.
 
Reduction is forbidden; we cannot choose what suits us.  The cruel hour is at stake, the whole claims us, and we must answer Him (God).” 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

The American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
 
We must consider this in the context of America’s long history and the honorable intentions of our Founders.  Today, Donald J. Trump is acting as an emperor or the man who would be king.  His hold and control over the Republican Party is antagonistic and anathema to our heritage as a democratic republic and endangers our national security and global leadership.  His comments on NATO alarm our European allies.  His favored bias towards Putin (Russia) and against aid to Ukraine is evident.  This is a dangerous path for the nation; it is a 1939 historical moment that concerns the nation.  We must not ignore this moment in our history.
 
Trump’s recent actions and rhetoric on NATO, and dictating to Republican Congressional members that the bipartisan border security–asylum reform bills and assistance to Ukraine must not be passed, is beyond alarming.  Simply because he wants to run his 2024 campaign on these issues betrays the nation.  Like decrees from an emperor’s throne directing what legislation to support or not, such actions erode our democratic values and norms.  His dictatorial power goes unquestioned by his base and Republican legislatures alike in most instances, with a few rare exceptions challenging his rule.  

The Republican Party, which once saw our global leadership as critical to the welfare of the nation, is fading away.  The GOP is no longer guided by consensus but by the indiscriminate whims of a narcissistic autocrat who does not know what true strength of character is. Someone who is enamored by and beholden to the bullies and strongmen of the world. 
 
Forget quaint tea parties and dusty parchments.  America's birth wasn't a polite disagreement with the Crown but a psyche-shredding rebellion.  In the Age of Enlightenment, our nation’s Founders, haunted by the specter of royal shadows, didn't just swap out a king for a fancier hat; they upended the entire notion of divinely ordained rule.  This is the rawest, realest truth etched into our national DNA.  We must remind ourselves, and “Citizen Trump,” of this noble rebellion and heritage by denying him, once again, access to the Oval Office.  
 
Donald Trump is not a divine savior ordained or anointed by a higher power. He is a man without a higher vision or greater wisdom. As Proverbs 29:18 states: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
 
Take a moment.  Imagine the Federalist Papers, not as bedtime stories for law students but as fiery pamphlets lobbed against the gilded cage of monarchy.  Think Hamilton and Madison, our intellectual rockstars, conjuring a government where power wouldn't be some glittering crown jewel but an aggressive, three-headed beast, each head chomping at the others' ambitions.  And where they warned us time and time again of narcissistic despots and demagogues.  For Americans in revolutionary times, this was their middle finger to the King and all who desired to be king; a rebellion still echoed in their bones.
 
Scholars and filmmakers like Burns and Novick have delved deeper and shown us the Founder’s tightrope, walking between two abysses.  They craved a steady hand, a captain to steer the ship of state, but not some emperor in shining armor.  So, they built a contraption of checks and balances, like one of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions, designed to ensure power wouldn't mutate into a king-sized fist.  Trump has already shown the nation that he would erase all checks and balances.  His desire for autocratic power is unquenchable; it is an emulation of the strongmen authoritarians he so admires and hopes to imitate.
 
Ditching monarchs and emperors wasn't about efficacy; it was about exploring the very idea of inherited power.  The American Revolution wasn't a fancy dress party gone wrong; it was an “I-told-you-so” to the whole “divine right of kings” elitist model.  The Founders envisioned a nation where authority dripped down, not from some bloodline's whim, but from the very people, the rabble, the you-and-me.  We, the people.  They built a republic, a messy, beautiful tapestry woven from individual rights and the audacity of self-rule.
 
Remember those dire warnings in the Federalist Papers about the mob's fickle finger?  The Founders weren't just king-phobic; they were wary of unchecked power.  Whether it perched on a throne or swayed with the whims of a crowd, they saw it as a recipe for disaster.
 
The Constitution wasn't legalese for dummies; it was a middle finger to both king and mob rule.  It was a nuanced tango with power, informed by the scars of absolute authority.  This is the bedrock of our national identity, the ever-evolving story of liberty, a testament to the Founders' foresight and our ongoing struggle to be, well, we the people.  
 
Our culture wars and extremist political polarity have become a threat to our national security and global leadership. We must, through our voices and votes, reject all forms of authoritarianism and autocracy. We must assist Ukrainians in their fight for freedom against Putin. Otherwise, America and our global democratic allies will live in a world that displaces all our values and freedoms. America's international influence will decline. The nation and the world depend upon us as American citizens for our democratic resilience and strength. We must save democracy for future Americans and the world.  

Let us renew our dedication to serving this nation and the world in the cause of freedom and liberty. This is our heritage, a heritage benefiting all of humanity. We must continue to resist and not give in to our political fatigue and exhaustion. Today, let us renew our resolve and resistance, passing the tea and the torch to a new generation of Americans; this American revolution is far from over.  
​

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

 
In Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, delivered on March 4, 1865, he offered these words of unity to a nation torn asunder: 
 
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
 
In a carefully coordinated effort, the majority of Presidential Foundations and Centers issued a joint statement last September (09/07/2023) concerning the future of our nation. In a thoughtful declaration, they reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the democratic values on which our republic was founded.  Reaffirming our original democratic republic's core foundational values designed by the founders in the Age of Enlightenment and Reason.
 
In a world continuously tested by division and disagreement, it is rare to see multiple, sometimes divergent, forces come together in unity.  Yet, the statement released by thirteen presidential centers, representing the legacies of presidents across a broad spectrum of American history, is a reminder that certain ideals remain sacrosanct — even in the tumultuous arena of American politics.
 
The underpinning principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—eloquently enshrined in the Declaration of Independence—are not just mere words.  They are the guiding stars, the threads woven into a tapestry of American identity over the centuries.  From the suffrage movement to the civil rights era, these principles have been both a beacon and a benchmark.  They illuminate the heights America can achieve and expose the chasms it sometimes slips into.
 
America's strength lies not in its homogeneity but its ability to embrace diversity.  It is a nation of myriad backgrounds and beliefs, yet united under the grand canopy of democracy.  This canopy, rooted in the rule of law, has sheltered the country through storms of disagreement and debate, ensuring all rights remain protected. As the statement suggests, living within such a vibrant community underscores the vital need for compassion, tolerance, and respect.
 
But democracy is not a spectator sport.  It demands the active participation of its citizenry.  When thirteen presidential centers, each with distinct viewpoints and priorities, rally around the cause of democracy, it underscores an elemental truth: differences in perspective can coexist harmoniously, provided they are grounded in democratic principles.
 
The tumultuous terrain of politics thrives on debate and disagreement.  Yet, as emphasized in the statement, civility must remain its heartbeat.  The discourse must be respectful, even during an election year's heat.  Words can wound as much as they can heal.  When the world looks upon the United States, it should see a house and a home united despite disagreements.
 
There's an outward dimension to this unity, too.  As the statement astutely notes, a free society abroad can contribute to security and prosperity at home.  But to export democracy, America's heart must be free from turmoil.  The world, with its rapid pace of transformation, cannot wait, making it imperative for America to heal at home while extending support abroad simultaneously.
 
The duty of nurturing and preserving this democracy doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of elected officials, though their role is paramount.  Every citizen from every walk of life has a part to play.  Participating in civil dialogues, respecting democratic institutions, ensuring elections remain untainted, and contributing to the collective betterment of society are duties incumbent upon every American.
 
The joint declaration by these presidential centers serves as more than just a statement—it's a clarion call to rally around the principles that gave birth to a nation.  A call to protect freedoms hard won.  A call to recognize and respect fellow citizens.  America finds its strength and soul in such unity, becoming an enduring beacon of hope in a fracturing world.
 
The act of these 13 foundations coming together is a testament to the enduring power of democracy.  As the nation's history has shown, when America unites, it does not just progress—it inspires and thrives.   

Indeed, America's essence--its binding tie—is our democracy and our commitment to unity amidst diversity in a pluralistic society.  The unwavering call for unity remains through the din of differing voices and the cacophony of evolving times across all generations.  The coalition of these presidential centers is but a manifestation of our unyielding spirit as Americans.  As Lincoln once beckoned, the task before America is to strive to bind up the nation's wounds, cherishing a just and lasting peace.
 
This singular act will undoubtedly stand tall in the corridors of history and the annals of politics.  Not as a testament to political unanimity but a reminder of an unyielding commitment to democratic principles and the delicate threads that have bound, and will continue to tie and bind, the American fabric together.  This is who we are as a nation and a people.
 
These times, rife with division and uncertainty, beckon every American to return to the foundations, to remember the threads that have intricately woven the nation's story.  In heeding this call, America does not merely survive—it thrives, renews, and leads.   American politics must step back from the present trend to embrace a religious fundamentalist autocracy and theocracy based on only one faith, denomination, and interpretation of scripture. We must reaffirm and rededicate our commitment to America as a democracy and democratic republic seeking a more perfect union.

Our pluralism across America should be valued for all the talents and resources it offers the nation.   We must remember this heritage.  It is one that honors and embraces E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

​Imagine a nation birthed from reason, not revelation.  Where individual liberty trumped blind obedience, and the echoes of ancient Athens resonated through bustling colonial towns.  Fueled by the Enlightenment's potent brew of skepticism and scientific inquiry, this utopian vision profoundly shaped the American experiment.  In this crucible, Christian and Jewish thought shed their dogmatic cloaks, embracing the ideals of reason and individual rights championed by thinkers like John Locke and Moses Mendelssohn.
 
Let us begin by delving into the fascinating tapestry woven from Enlightenment ideals, classical liberalism, and religious reform, exploring their profound impact on the American republic's genesis.  We'll then turn a critical lens to the contemporary landscape, where shadows threaten to eclipse the democratic ideals enshrined in the nation's founding documents.  Finally, we'll consider the vital role of poets and writers in rekindling the embers of civic engagement and reminding us of the enduring power of the American experiment.
 
The Enlightenment wasn't just a philosophical movement but a cultural earthquake.  It shook loose the grip of rigid dogma, prompting religious scholars to reexamine their faiths through the lens of reason.  Figures like John Locke argued for a natural law preordaining individual rights, which resonated deeply with Christian and Jewish thinkers yearning for a more just and tolerant society.  This intellectual ferment paved the way for classical liberalism, a philosophy emphasizing individual liberty, limited government, and the separation of powers – principles that would become the bedrock of American democracy.
 
The Founders weren't just politicians but avid readers of Enlightenment classics.  The Constitution, a testament to their intellectual lineage, meticulously enshrined the separation of powers to prevent the concentration of tyranny.  This document, echoing the critiques of absolute monarchy prevalent during the Enlightenment, aimed to create a balance of power to safeguard individual freedoms.
 
But the story continues after quill and parchment.  The often-overlooked influence of Masonic lodges deserves a spotlight.  These fraternal societies, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity, provided fertile ground for the cultivation of Enlightenment ideals.  Within their walls, social barriers dissolved, and the pursuit of reason, scientific inquiry, and questioning authority flourished.  Founders like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were active members, and their commitment to these principles shaped the very fabric of the developing nation.
 
Fast forward to today, and the American landscape starkly contrasts the ideals that birthed it.  Partisan gridlock, erosion of trust in institutions, and attacks on the free press threaten the very foundation of a functioning democracy.  These challenges are stark reminders that the lessons of the Enlightenment – of reason, tolerance, and civic engagement – are more relevant than ever.
 
But where can we find the strength to rekindle this flame?  Look no further than the wordsmiths, poets, and writers who have always served as society's conscience.  From the biting satire of Jonathan Swift to the powerful verses of Phillis Wheatley, literature has the power to move hearts, challenge injustice, and inspire change.  Today's writers can play a crucial role by reflecting the diversity of the American experience, critiquing inequality, and envisioning a more just and inclusive society.
 
The American experiment, born from Enlightenment ideals, religious reform, and classical liberalism, is a testament to the transformative power of reason and individual liberty.  Yet, the challenges of the present demand a renewed commitment to these principles.  Through literature, civic engagement, and a collective reflection on our shared heritage, we can honor the legacy of the Enlightenment and strive towards a more perfect union where the ideals of reason, justice, and equality continue to illuminate the path forward.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

 
From the dusty plains of Galilee to the echoing halls of Jerusalem, Jesus’s teachings resonated with a radical message: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NRSV, Matthew 22:39).  We can find similar teachings across history in all the core faiths of humankind.  For Christians, these words are more than something once said and written down; the words are part of the two greatest commandments of Christianity.
 
 
Hear what our Lord Jesus saith:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great
commandment.  And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets.    Matthew 22:37-40 (KJV).
 
 
This wasn’t mere piety but a compassionate call for social justice, echoing through the ages and finding a stark counterpoint in today’s headlines.  While the term “social justice” gained specific usage in the 19th and 20th centuries, the underlying principles of advocating for the marginalized, challenging unjust systems, and promoting equality find their roots in the teachings of Christ and the earliest Christian communities.  Early Christians, often facing persecution themselves, actively practiced radical hospitality, advocated for the poor and oppressed, and challenged the Roman authorities’ injustices.
 
This message of radical love and social justice remains strikingly relevant today.  Millions are on the move, driven from their homes by war, conflict, climate change, failing harvests, and economic despair.  In this tumultuous landscape, Jesus’s vision of compassion and justice offers hope, urging us to confront the root causes of global conflict and mass migrations and to embrace our shared humanity.  For Christians, no matter our faith-based affiliation or political leaning, this is a call to live by the tenets of our faith.
 
The parallels between Jesus’s teachings and current events are chilling.  Just as Jesus condemned the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy, we witness conflicts fueled by resource scarcity and unequal access to power.  His admonishment of religious leaders prioritizing legalism over compassion resonates with the plight of refugees caught in political machinations and bureaucratic hurdles.  His embrace of the marginalized resonates deeply with the faithful and the millions who risk dangerous journeys for safety and dignity.
 
Acting as the Good Samaritan transcends our cultural divides, urging readers to consider the humanity of the “other,” regardless of background.  Today, this parable compels us to see those seeking safety and refuge as our neighbors, echoing Jesus’s teachings on who our neighbor is.  (NRSV, Luke 10:36).  The answer, defying expectation, is not bound by nationality or ethnicity but by our shared responsibility to alleviate human suffering.
 
Equally relevant is the Cleansing of the Temple, where Jesus disrupts the exploitation of power.  This act resonates with contemporary debates about conflict within the world and climate change, where inaction by powerful nations forces millions from their homes due to war, rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather events.  Jesus’s call to accountability resonates with the need for urgent action on international conflicts and human violence, global warming, and climate change, recognizing our shared responsibility for the planet and its inhabitants.
 
But Jesus wasn’t just critiquing; he offered a vision of a more just world.  The Beatitudes, emphasizing peacemaking, challenge us to build a society based on empathy and shared humanity.  This vision translates into concrete action: welcoming refugees, addressing the root causes of conflict, and promoting sustainable practices that combat climate change and ensure food security.
 
The Judgment of the Nations, where Jesus identifies with the suffering and marginalized, compels us to see their faces in the crowds of migrants and refugees, calling us to act with compassion.  (NRSV, Matthew 25:46).  The Parable of the Sheep and Goats underscores the idea that true discipleship involves faith and action, particularly in caring for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society.  The “sheep” are praised for feeding the hungry, providing water to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners.  The “goats,” on the other hand, are condemned for their failure to do these things.  Jesus concludes the parable by saying that those who performed these acts of kindness to the least of his brothers and sisters did it unto him, while those who neglected to do so neglected him.
 
39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
 
44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.”
 
This parable, and countless others, form the bedrock of a Christian call to social justice.  While the concept of social justice itself may be recent, the underlying principles – advocating for the vulnerable, challenging unjust systems, and promoting equality – are woven into the very fabric of the faith.  Jesus’s message isn’t confined to a distant past; it’s a living testament to the power of love and compassion, a call to action that resonates across cultures and generations.  
 
As Christians committed to amplifying diverse voices and tackling critical social issues, we find relevance and inspiration in the radical vision and love of Jesus.  In a world grappling with the chaos of war, human violence, and mass migrations, this vision is a reminder that pursuing justice and embracing our shared humanity isn’t just a moral imperative but also a peaceful and equitable future for all humankind.  As Jesus declared, “Seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” (NRSV, Micah 6:8).  All Christians, as Christ’s followers, are encouraged to build up and uphold the Reign of God here on earth.
 

 
—Ron Starbuck, Publisher/CEO
Saint Julian Press, Inc. © 2024
​

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

 
A Deeper Dive into Projection, Transference, and Populist Politics
 
In the labyrinth of psychological intricacies lies the captivating interplay of projection and transference, two concepts often relegated to the realm of the arcane.  Yet, their significance reverberates far beyond the confines of academic discourse, permeating the fabric of our socio-political landscape.
 
Decoding Projection: Picture this, an individual burdened by their own inadequacies, unwittingly casting shadows of doubt onto others.  This phenomenon, aptly termed projection, serves as a psychological defense mechanism, wherein internal conflicts are externalized onto external entities.  In simpler terms, one might accuse another of incompetence when grappling with feelings of unworthiness themselves.
 
Transference Unveiled: Delving deeper, we encounter the enigmatic terrain of transference, where emotions once reserved for one figure are clandestinely redirected onto another.  Think of it as the subconscious replaying of past relational dynamics onto present interactions.  Clients often project feelings onto their therapists in therapeutic settings, blurring the boundaries between past and present relationships.
 
The Political Ploy: Turning our gaze to the political arena, we uncover the Machiavellian tactics employed by populist demagogues.  Projection becomes a potent weapon, wielded to deflect attention from personal failings onto convenient scapegoats.  By projecting their own shortcomings onto political adversaries or marginalized groups, these leaders craft a narrative of righteous indignation, rallying support under the guise of saviorhood.
 
The Emotional Alchemy: Simultaneously, transference emerges as a tool of emotional manipulation as populist leaders tap into the collective psyche of their supporters.  They foster an emotional symbiosis by evoking primal fears and desires, wherein personal grievances are transmuted into political fervor.  In this alchemy of emotion, loyalty is forged amidst the tumult of societal discord.
 
Navigating the Quagmire: Yet, amidst the din of political theatrics, lies a sobering truth: the erosion of democratic ideals.  When emotions usurp reason, and loyalty trumps critical inquiry, the very foundations of democracy tremble.  It is imperative to discern the puppetry at play and reclaim the narrative from the clutches of demagoguery.
 
The Path Forward: As torchbearers of intellectual integrity, we must arm ourselves with the beacon of critical thinking.  Through rigorous analysis and discernment, we dismantle the veils of manipulation, exposing the fallacies that shroud political discourse.  In our pursuit of truth, we uphold the sanctity of democracy, safeguarding it against the encroaching shadows of authoritarianism.
 
Parting Reflections: In the words of Martin Buber, we are reminded of our existential imperative to engage authentically with the world.  In the crucible of our collective consciousness lies the power to transcend the illusions of projection and transference, forging a path toward genuine connection and ethical stewardship.
 
We Must Hear the Message – Reduction is Forbidden
 
Over the last decade, many journalists, writers, and poets have warned the public about the language and rhetoric of fear and manipulation.  The danger of populism to democracy and our democratic institutions.  I am reminded of these powerful words from the 20th-century Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, paraphrased with “we.”
 
Buber describes totalitarian leaders as persons – who take over the organs of the state through “negative charisma,” stripping absolute freedom and judgment from the ruled, and who are immersed in the political ends of attaining and retaining power.  Such leaders are so thoroughly egotistical and selfish that they are devoid of any real connection to others, the people, themselves, and the divine.  
 
They do not see themselves as being answerable to a higher power.  And they are often elevated by their base as being ordained by the divine, becoming idols of admiration, and becoming addicted to that admiration.  And whatever novel ideology they are espousing becomes an idol, too.
 
In writing about our “I and Thou” relationship with God and creation, Martin Buber gives us this sacred admonishment when considering our place, our communities, our relationships, and our responsibilities within the world and across creation. 
 
“We ... must hear the message, stark and un-transfigured, which is delivered to “us” out of this hour, presented by this situation as it arrives.  — And “we” must answer, by what “we” do and do not do, “we” must accept and answer for the hour, the hour of the world, of all the world, as that which is given to us, entrusted to us.
 
Reduction is forbidden; we are not at liberty to select what suits us, the whole cruel hour is at stake, the whole claims us, and we must answer — Him (God).” 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

 
When Americans reflect on our religious roots and the First Amendment's five freedoms, understanding the historical and social origins that shaped these fundamental democratic values is crucial.  The First Amendment, ratified in 1791, underscores the importance of freedom in religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitioning the government.
 
The quest for religious freedom, central to the Puritan migration led by John Winthrop, was deeply rooted in the religious conflicts of Europe, notably the Reformation.  This era of upheaval challenged the Catholic Church's authority and led to devastating religious wars.  The establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony by Winthrop and his fellow Puritans marked a significant movement towards practicing faith freely, without persecution.
 
The Enlightenment and Age of Reason further influenced American foundational principles, emphasizing reason, freedom, and democracy.  These periods fostered ideas of religious toleration and the separation of church and state, ideals that directly informed the First Amendment’s guarantees.
 
John Winthrop's vision for America as a “City Upon a Hill,” articulated in his “A Model of Christian Charity” sermon, has resonated through centuries.  This vision underscored America's potential as a beacon of hope and democratic values.  It has been echoed by U.S. Presidents, from John F. Kennedy's invocation of being a city upon a hill to Ronald Reagan's depiction of America as a shining city on rocks stronger than oceans.  These references celebrate American exceptionalism and remind us of the pluralistic society that America aspires to be.
 
President-Elect John F. Kennedy invoked Winthrop’s words when he delivered a speech on January 9, 1961, known as the “City Upon a Hill” speech.
 
“I have been guided by the standard John Winthrop set before his shipmates on the flagship Arbella three hundred and thirty-one years ago, as they, too, faced the task of building a new government on a perilous frontier.
 
“We must always consider,” he said, “that we shall be as a city upon a hill--the eyes of all people are upon us.”
 
Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us--and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, state, and local, must be as a city upon a hill--constructed and inhabited by men aware of their great trust and their great responsibilities.”
 
Then, in his 1961 inaugural address, he invoked once again the idea of America as a “City Upon a Hill” when he offered.
 
“We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as change.  For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago. 
 
The world is very different now.  For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.  And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. 
 
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.  Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. 
 
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.  This much we pledge—and more.”
 
 
President Ronald Reagan referenced Winthrop’s concept on many occasions.  On November 3, 1980, he referred to it in his Election Eve Address, “A Vision for America.”
 
“I have quoted John Winthrop's words more than once on the campaign trail this year—for I believe that Americans in 1980 are every bit as committed to that vision of a shining city on a hill, as were those long-ago settlers ... These visitors to that city on the Potomac do not come as white or black, red, or yellow; they are not Jews or Christians; conservatives or liberals; or Democrats or Republicans.  They are Americans awed by what has gone before, proud of what for them is still… a shining city on a hill.”
 
President Reagan would reference it again in his January 11, 1989, farewell speech to the nation:
 
“I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it.  But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity.  And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.  That's how I saw it, and see it still.”
 
 
In contemporary times, the ideals and challenges articulated by Winthrop and later presidents remain relevant.  America's identity as a nation upholding freedom and democracy faces tests both within and abroad.  The rise of authoritarian movements, political polarization, and challenges to fundamental freedoms call for a recommitment to the principles that define us.
 
As we navigate these challenges, the First Amendment's protections remind us of the pluralistic foundation upon which America was built.  Our commitment to being a “City Upon a Hill” requires reverence for these freedoms and active engagement in safeguarding them.  It is through unity, respect for diverse beliefs, and a dedication to democratic values that America continues to embody the vision set forth by its early settlers and enshrined in its founding documents.
 
E Pluribus Unum — Out of Many, One.  This motto encapsulates the essence of America's strength: a diverse nation united by shared values and a common purpose.  Living up to this ideal remains our collective responsibility as we look to the future.

​Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

America's Role as a Global Leader: Past, Present, and Future
 
Republican Senator John McCain offered these thoughts and words to the American People in his final days.  In doing so, he reminded Americans of our ongoing role as the leader of the free world.  He reminded us how that role benefited the world and ensured America’s economic prosperity and future.
 
“We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil.  We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world.  We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history.  We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.
 
We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe.  We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.”
 
—Senator John McCain’s final words to the American people.
 
In the annals of American postwar history, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the founding of eminent institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank emerged as cornerstone efforts that propelled the United States to the helm of the free world.  The pages of this intricate narrative tell us how these actions bolstered American prosperity and catalyzed a harmonious global order.
 
With its generous flood of dollars into war-shattered European economies, the Marshall Plan wasn’t just about revitalizing economies and restoring jobs—it was also about cementing a stable, thriving Europe as a bastion against potential threats, intertwining European success with American security and economic agendas.
 
When discussing containment, the Truman Doctrine’s pledge to thwart communism’s tendrils offers a salient example.  By extending financial and military aid to nations on the brink of Soviet influence, it ushered in an era of diplomacy over destructive warfare, championing a tranquil world paradigm.  The same is true today with emerging forms of totalitarianism.
 
Moreover, establishing the IMF and World Bank was more than just a mere economic maneuver.  It was a visionary step towards knitting the world into a collaborative economic tapestry, amplifying global growth and, in turn, reverberating benefits across American shores.
 
Esteemed publications, including Benn Steil’s “The Marshall Plan: A Turning Point in History” and David McCullough’s “The Truman Doctrine: A History”, delve deeper into this narrative.  They posit that America’s role as the free world’s guardian has been instrumental in fortifying its affluence and ensuring its safety.  By fervently endorsing democracy, global economic ascent, and peace, America has indeed set the stage for a world order conducive to both its enterprises and its populace.
 
Still, it is imperative to recognize the discordant notes within this history.  Critics have pointed out America’s occasionally overzealous foreign interventions and its propensity to prioritize its interests, sometimes overshadowing its allies’ needs or the greater global good.  Imperfections in our policies have, at times, distorted our best intentions.
 
Yet, the undeniable fact remains: The U.S. is a colossal force on the world stage.  The Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the IMF and World Bank pillars are the keystones upon which America’s influential global stance rests, profoundly impacting American affluence, peace, and the international order.
 
Navigating a Changed World:
 
The world stage today presents both challenges and opportunities.  The ongoing war in Ukraine highlights the need for strong alliances and strategic leadership.  The Israel-Hamas War has thrown the Middle East into turmoil and presented diplomatic challenges we must meet with moral clarity.  America's response, including military and humanitarian aid, underscores its commitment to upholding international norms and supporting democracies under threat.  Then there is China, where navigating the complex relationship with them and balancing economic interdependence with strategic competition remains a delicate dance.
 
Globally, rising populism and nationalism challenge the existing world order, potentially hindering America's global leadership.  A leadership role the world still desires and seeks.  Addressing these concerns requires open dialogue, demonstrating the benefits of international cooperation, and upholding shared values like democracy and human rights.
 
The Biden Administration’s era ushers in a renewed global focus.  Reaffirming our nation’s commitment to global covenants like the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization reassures our allies and ensures America’s continued dedication to international camaraderie.
 
Biden’s strategical moves—whether in bolstering foreign aid with an emphasis on democracy and human rights, rekindling alliances that were frayed, or leading the charge against climate change—have not only reasserted America’s global leadership but also ensured a win-win for global prosperity and American economic vitality.
 
But it’s not just about rekindling old ties.  The administration, with astute vision, has extended its hand towards emerging partners in regions like Southeast Asia while attempting to restore faith among allies who might have felt sidelined in the recent past.
 
The dividends of these meticulous maneuvers are manifold.  Expanded markets for American products, surges in foreign investments, and a more predictable, peace-laden global landscape promise a rejuvenated American economy, with the middle-class standing to reap substantial benefits.  America’s economy is the strongest in the world, and our standard of living and median household income (~$75K) reflect this economic strength. 
 
Reconsidering Foreign Policy:
 
America's foreign policy must evolve to address contemporary concerns.  While acknowledging criticisms of past interventions, let's focus on learning and improving.  We can prioritize diplomacy and multilateralism while ensuring greater accountability and effectiveness in foreign and military aid programs.  Addressing concerns about unilateralism involves actively seeking consensus and building coalitions for shared goals.
 
The Biden Administration’s renewed focus on global outreach and collaboration underscores a conscious effort to reaffirm America’s indispensable role in international leadership.  It’s a stark departure from a previously insular stance, emphasizing a profoundly interconnected America, valuing democracy, human rights, and economic liberty and striving for a more just, equitable, and peacefully interdependent world.
 
The foundation of America’s leadership is its bipartisan consensus.  Throughout history, Republicans and Democrats have played critical roles in asserting the nation’s global position.  President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, for example, led the country during the closing years of the Cold War.  His role in precipitating the fall of the Iron Curtain and facilitating arms reduction agreements with the then-Soviet Union resonates with America’s commitment to a more peaceful and open world.  On the other side of the aisle, Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt spearheaded the creation of the United Nations, aimed at fostering global peace and cooperation, further showcasing that commitment is universally American and not just confined to a particular party.
 
It’s also important to note that bipartisan support has been evident in Congressional decisions.  Whether it was the funding of the Marshall Plan, the approval of NATO, or the formation of critical trade agreements, leaders from both parties frequently came together for the nation’s more extensive interests.  This cross-party consensus reflects the understanding that America’s role on the global stage is not just an external exertion of power but also an integral part of its domestic policy, affecting job creation, technological innovation, and overall economic health.
 
Furthermore, the collaboration between Republicans and Democrats goes beyond formal decisions.  The work of non-governmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and even cities in international spaces has often been supported by leaders from both parties.  The belief that America benefits from a world where freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity flourish is shared across the spectrum.
 
America’s bipartisan approach to its global leadership role indicates a mature democracy.  Even in times of internal strife and polarized politics, the understanding that the nation’s global responsibilities transcend party lines has been a stabilizing force.  While administrations may shift and policies might undergo revisions, the underlying ethos of America’s commitment to a free, prosperous, and peaceful world remains consistent, regardless of the party in power.  This collective responsibility, owned and upheld by both Republicans and Democrats, is what sets America apart and reinforces its position as a leading global player.
 
Looking Ahead:
 
The future presents exciting possibilities, and America's leadership is crucial in shaping the global order of tomorrow.  Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence necessitate collaboration on ethical guidelines and responsible development.  Rebuilding trust with allies and partners requires demonstrably upholding shared values and addressing their concerns.
 
A United Call for Bipartisan Leadership:
 
Abraham Lincoln's words about preserving national unity resonate deeply today.  Just as the "mystic chords of memory" held America together during its darkest hour, our collective commitment to a just and peaceful world can bridge present divisions.  Reinvigorating bipartisan consensus on global leadership is essential. This collective responsibility, owned and upheld by Democrats and Republicans alike, will ensure America continues to play a constructive role on the world stage.
 
In closing, please consider the words of President Abraham Lincoln, who understood the great need to preserve our national unity and a greater vision of who we are as a nation and as a people. 
  
“We are not enemies, but friends.  We must not be enemies.  Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.  The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
 
—Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861
  
We must consider how it is past time for us to let the better angels of our nature rule our hearts and minds as Americans.  And we should ask the same of our leaders and those we have elected to represent us and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.  
 
Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." Let us embrace a shared vision of a world where freedom, democracy, and opportunity flourish, guided by the better angels of our nature.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

Forthcoming Labor Day Holiday 2023 — Saving American Democracy

 
John Winthrop's famous “City Upon a Hill” sermon has been referenced and quoted by many U.S. Presidents throughout history to support American core values as a classical liberal democracy and the idea of America as a beacon of hope and a shining example to the world. These presidential references to the ideal of America as a “City Upon a Hill” reflect a belief in American exceptionalism, the idea that America is a unique and exceptional nation with a special role in the world.  
 
This view of America has been used to support the idea of America as a pluralistic society where different faiths and religious beliefs, or no religious beliefs, may coexist.  In the remaining months of 2023 and into 2024 let us take time individually to reassess the value of good journalistic standards that aid democracy instead of inflaming our politics and the culture wars.  
 
Entertainment news models and politicians who inflame our worst fears for profit and contributions must stop.  As citizens, we must not allow this model to manipulate us further. Instead, we must heed the concluding words of Abraham Lincoln from his 1862 - Annual Address to Congress.  We must disenthrall ourselves from this pattern of self-destruction.  
 
“We can succeed only by concert. . . . The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.  The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion.  As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.  We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.
 
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history.  We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves.  No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us.  The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.” — Abraham Lincoln's, December 1, 1862, Annual Message to Congress
 
Many people have seen the cultural wars and extreme politics in the United States as contributing to the erosion and dismantling of American values and ideals and a threat to American democracy.  Our “cultural wars” refer to the political and social conflicts in the United States over academic freedom, education and history, immigration reform, abortion and women's healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, race relations, and religious freedom.  Unfortunately, these conflicts have too often been characterized by intense partisanship, polarization, and a lack of compromise or cooperation between political factions.
 
Many have argued that the extreme rhetoric and political polarization associated with the cultural wars have contributed to a breakdown in civil discourse and a loss of trust in democratic institutions.  The rise of conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns has further eroded confidence in the democratic process and the ability of citizens to make informed decisions based on reliable information.  America has become a dysfunctional democracy because too many people do not value our plurality or diversity of belief, and our different worldviews and philosophies, which have always existed.  We must protect the rights of humanity and being human as a democracy.
 
Many have argued that the extreme politics associated with far-right and far-left factions within both the Republican and Democratic parties have contributed to a lack of consensus on important policy issues, and a failure to address some of the pressing challenges facing the United States, such as immigration reform, climate change, economic inequality, and healthcare reform.
 
Many have argued that the rise of authoritarian and anti-democratic movements, illiberalism, and anti-intellectualism within and abroad has been facilitated by the erosion of American values and ideals and the failure of democratic institutions to address the needs and concerns of all citizens. But something else is taking place that we must address.  America's global adversaries, authoritarian and autocratic governments, actively interfere in our society and politics to reduce our influence in the world as a democracy.  Democracy matters - it matters a great deal, 
 
What will we see and hear in the 2024 election cycle?  Which candidates will remember and invoke once again Winthrop’s metaphor of America as a shining city upon a hill or individual Americans as shining points of light?  Who will you look toward in American leadership to end this disunity and remind us of who we are as a people?  Who and what do you value?  Where do you look for leadership that fosters efforts and governs in a bipartisan fashion and model?
 
We might do well to remember these words from Carl Sandburg’s poem — The Long Shadow of Lincoln: A Litany.  The refrain “We must disenthrall ourselves” echoes Lincoln's call for a new way of thinking and acting in his 1862 message to Congress.  Sandburg uses this phrase to urge readers to break free from dogma and tradition and to embrace change and progress.  The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the image of a “whitesmoke ghost” representing Lincoln and the dream of a world where all people are equal and free.
 
“The Long Shadow of Lincoln: A Litany” is a moving tribute to those who sacrificed for a better world while acknowledging our ongoing challenges and difficulties.  Sandburg's vivid imagery, repetition, and call-and-response structure create a powerful sense of communal remembrance and solidarity.
 
“with the low healing song of time, / the hush and sleep murmur of time.  / Make your wit a guard and cover.”
 
“There are wounds past words.  / There are cripples less broken / than many who walk whole.”
 
 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

As cited in this July 17, 2023, New York Times article. Donald J. Trump and his allies are reportedly planning to expand presidential power if he is re-elected in 2024 and takes office in 2025.  This would be dangerous for American democracy and must be met with fierce resistance.
 
The potential plans of Donald J. Trump and his collaborators to extend presidential powers, should he secure re-election to the presidency in 2025, could endanger the core tenets of American democracy.  The U.S. was conceived on the principle of limited governance and the separation of powers across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, serving as a bulwark against autocracy.  If Trump's objectives come to fruition, he could rule as a king would by decree, bypassing the checks and balances of Congress and the judiciary.
 
This deviation would significantly depart from U.S. history and its foundational norms.  The Founding Fathers were wary of centralizing power, designing a governance system to ensure no single person or branch becomes excessively influential.  The president's role, in their view, was not that of an authoritarian but a servant of the public.  Our Constitution restricts the president's powers and mandates accountability to Congress and the judiciary.
 
Granting Trump enhanced presidential authority could have several adverse effects on American democracy.  First, it would make holding the government accountable more challenging.  If the president can act as he wishes, unchecked power could pave the way for abuses.  Second, it could steer us toward an authoritarian regime.  With unchecked power, Trump could silence opposition and consolidate his power.  Third, it could harm America's global standing as a democracy.  Setting a precedent where the president rules by decree could dangerously influence other nations.
 
Americans should resist any plans to extend presidential power.  We must prevent the transformation of our democracy into a dictatorship.  We must demand respect for the Constitution and the rule of law and hold our elected representatives accountable for preserving our democratic values.  We must deny the man who would be king the office of the presidency.
 
Our democracy's future hangs in the balance.  We cannot allow Trump to encroach upon our hard-earned freedoms.  We must uphold and defend our rights as Americans.
 
In addition to the negative impacts above, Trump's proposed expansion of presidential power harbors further risks.  It could enable manipulation of elections by allowing control over federal election bodies, potentially obstructing opponents’ voting efforts and easing their path to victory.  It also makes potential human rights violations more feasible.  With the ability to disregard the judiciary and Congress, Trump could act freely against political adversaries, potentially leading to their unjust imprisonment or even death.
 
Trump's plans for presidential power expansion pose a grave risk to our democracy.  We must mobilize to prevent these plans from becoming a reality and fight to protect our rights.
 
In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton wrote about the perils of despots and demagogues:  “History will teach us that the former [despotism] has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter [demagogy], and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.”
 
Hamilton's words, expressing concern about the dangers of centralized power and the manipulative tactics of demagogues, still resonate today as we observe similar figures rising to power worldwide.  These demagogues often incite fear and hatred to divide societies and secure support while undermining democratic institutions like the media and judiciary.
 
We must remain vigilant about the threats such demagogues pose and staunchly defend our democratic values.  We must not let them infringe upon our hard-earned freedoms.  Our democracy and rights are worth defending.
 
The Age of Enlightenment, commencing in 17th-century Europe and later spreading to the Americas, was a time of significant intellectual and philosophical shifts.  This period fostered an increased focus on reason and science and a growing skepticism of traditional authority.  Enlightenment paved the way for substantial political and social changes, including the advent of democracy.
 
Among the Enlightenment’s most influential concepts was the belief in natural rights, positing that every individual is born with inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  This idea was a significant catalyst for the American Revolution and is encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence.
 
The Wars of the Reformation; religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics during the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in millions of fatalities and a severe curtailing of liberties.  The devastation of these wars incited skepticism about the church’s and the state’s authority, contributing to the rise of democracy.  America was not founded as a wholly and exclusive Christian nation.
 
Americans today must remember that colonial religious backgrounds and beliefs were sundry and often held conflicting visions and values.  Founded during the 17th century, the American colonies were established by individuals and groups seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.  Informed by Enlightenment ideals, they sought to create a government to protect their rights, leading to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States, a democratic republic.  America was a diverse and pluralistic society that valued coexistence.
 
Although the U.S. has been a beacon of democracy since its inception, it has not always upheld these principles.  Instances of government overreach and periods of political instability have occurred.  Despite these challenges, America has consistently reassigned its commitment to democratic values.  We must do so once again in this generation, at this moment in human history.
 
American democracy's history is often stressed, challenged, and tangled but ultimately showcases progression.  From its foundation to today, America continues pursuing a “more perfect union.” Enlightenment ideals inspire individuals globally, serving as a roadmap for creating a fair and equitable society.
 
As a nation, we must not betray these founding principles of American democracy.  We must meet any challenge to our core ideals and values with intelligence and fierce resistance just as prior generations upheld them to the last full measure, in the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address.
 
“—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

An Open Letter to Congress - Part II


​The United States of America has long been seen as a beacon of hope and freedom, a “shining city upon the hill,” as John Winthrop described it. Yet, in recent years, the nation's immigration policies have come under scrutiny, with many advocating for reform that addresses both border security and the needs of those seeking refuge within the country's borders.
 
The flow of illegal drugs across the border is a serious issue that must be addressed. It has contributed to a devastating opioid epidemic and increased crime and violence in communities across the country.   Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine.

The responsibility of Congress to act in a bipartisan fashion to address this issue cannot be overstated. The need for common-sense solutions that balance ensuring national security and respecting immigrants' rights cannot be ignored.  Congress must act now!
 
It is equally important to recognize the United States' moral obligation as a free world leader to assist those seeking refuge from economic hardships or the devastating effects of climate change. As Martin Buber wrote, “The hour of the world, of all the world, is the hour of our compassion.” The United States must not repeat our past mistakes when the nation failed to grant aid and comfort to refugees during World War II and dehumanized them as a people.
 
With this sense of urgency and compassion, Congress must act to introduce and pass immigration reform legislation that prioritizes border security while also aiding those in need. The nation must live up to its reputation as a “shining city upon the hill” and set a high example for the rest of the world in terms of how it treats those seeking refuge and a better life.

Holding hearings and grilling Department of Homeland Security executives and staff produces little results, and fails to create the partnerships we need. Harsh political rhetoric and attacks offers the American people no value. The best leaders great opportunities for partnership and progress. This is what the American people need from Congress today, now, immediately. The grandstanding and interrogations in congressional-committee hearings needs to be transformed into position actions.
 
Immigration reform and border security are complex and multifaceted issues that require the collective efforts of the entire nation. Congress must act in a bipartisan way to address these global issues, guided by a sense of urgency and a moral obligation to assist those in need. The United States must continue to strive towards a future where it upholds its reputation as a beacon of hope and freedom and serves as a shining example for the rest of the world.

Congress must act now, without hesitation or rancor, and without enmity and caustic rhetoric to gain cheap political points from their electoral base. As Jewish philosopher, Martin Buber once wrote, “The only answer to evil is good.” In this context, the U.S. must approach immigration reform and border security with a greater sense of urgency, compassion, and common sense.  This means recognizing the root causes of immigration, including economic hardship and the effects of climate change, and responding with a moral obligation to assist those fleeing these conditions.
 
In writing about our “I and Thou” relationship with God and creation: Martin Buber gives us this sacred admonishment when considering our place, our communities, our relationships, and our responsibilities within the world and across creation. 
 
“We must hear the message, stark and un-transfigured, which is delivered to “us” out of this hour, presented by this situation as it arrives. — And “we” must answer, by what “we” do and do not do, “we” must accept and answer for the hour, the hour of the world, of all the world, as that which is given to us, entrusted to us.
 
Reduction is forbidden; we are not at liberty to select what suits us, the whole cruel hour is at stake, the whole claims us, and we must answer — God.”

• George W. Bush Institute on Immigration 

​

 
PART I
An Open Letter to…
Senator John Cornyn & Senator Ted Cruz
And to the 118th United States Congress
Members of the House & Senate
 
 
“We can succeed only by concert. . . . The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.  The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion.  As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.  We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.
 
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history.  We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves.  No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us.  The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.” — Abraham Lincoln's, December 1, 1862, Annual Message to Congress.
 
Congress must act to pass immigration & asylum reform and enhance border security significantly.  Both efforts are critical.  It is time for Congress to work together in a bipartisan fellowship to address this issue.  It is past time.  Do not let the ugly partisan politics of the day or moment discourage you from this cause.
 
Reasonable minds must take appropriate actions; the harsh rhetoric and dysfunctional politics must stop in Congress.  In a bipartisan effort, CONGRESS must now take up immigration & asylum reform and border security to manage the latest humanitarian crisis.  Unfortunately, members of Congress across both parties have used immigration issues for decades to gain political points.
 
It has become unreasonable not to consider reasonable bipartisan actions.  Congress must act.  Democratic and Republican lawmakers have failed for decades to create a functioning immigration system.  The inflammatory rhetoric, ugly speech, open hostility, and enmity must cease.  You must meet upon the level and the square to do your best. Please do what you were sent to Washington to do: legislate and govern.
 
The Department of Homeland Security is straining to manage a new influx of migrants.  They need more funding, resources, technology, and facilities that only Congress can approve.  Congress needs to act immediately.  They can no longer ignore these issues out of political inconvenience, passing on the responsibility to each Presidential administration and blaming whoever sits in the White House or DHS from either party.
 
American citizens deserve better governance from Congress.  As a whole, Americans must seek the support and action of Congress and hold them accountable for any inaction.  We need effective and responsible leaders to step up and lead through bipartisan efforts that take the country beyond all political motivations.
 
Building walls along the border will never work in a world where mass migrations are driven by economic inequity and climate change.  Walls will not stop the flow of illegal drugs causing an epidemic of deaths across America.  Instead, we need a higher level of sophisticated technology and more resources to protect the border.  In addition, we need to make Marshal Plan investments in the home countries of migrants so that they can live safely and securely within their country’s borders, offering them opportunities at home.
 
And we must write and pass reasonable legislation to address immigration and asylum reform.  Finally, we must create a path for Dreamers, educated in America at American schools, colleges, and universities.  The talents of Dreamers must not be wasted and lost; they are Americans and part of America's future.  For the nation's sake, you must act now, for taking no action is unacceptable to the nation.  Nor should the last administration's intentionally cruel policies and actions be repeated; they are anathema to who we are as a people of faith and as Americans.  We must disenthrall ourselves from this past.


Sincerely,
 
Ron Starbuck
Publisher – CEO
Saint Julian Press, Inc.
Houston, Texas 77008
 
http://www.saintjulianpress.com/index.html
 

George W. Bush Institute on Immigration 

​

December 29th is the Fifth Day of Christmas. In the Episcopal Church and Greater Anglican Communion, it is a lesser feast and fast day celebrating Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was martyred in 1170.
 
“BECKET’ or “The Honour of God” is a play originally written by Jean Anouilh, with the  screenplay by Edward Anhalt. The play tells the story of the tumultuous relationship between King Henry II and his friend-turned-adversary, Thomas Becket. The play explores themes of friendship, loyalty, power, and the conflict between individual conscience and societal expectations.
 
In 1964 the screenplay written by Edward Anhalt was made into a successful film starring Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton with John Gielgud, Donald Wolfit, and Martita Hunt. Edward Anhalt wrote additional scenes for the film. Anhalt won an Academy Award for his screenplay. In  my senior year of high school, I presented parts of the play as a dramatic interpretation for a drama class assignment.

Throughout the play, both Becket and Henry II struggle with the desire for power and the responsibilities that come with it. For Becket, his rise to the position of Archbishop is marked by a series of personal and moral struggles as he grapples with the demands of his faith and the expectations of the King. Similarly, Henry II is torn between his desire to assert his authority as a ruler and his love for Becket, his former friend, and advisor.
 
His relationship with the King tests Becket's loyalty to the Church and God, and he ultimately must choose between the two. Similarly, Henry II is faced with the dilemma of balancing his loyalty to Becket with his duty to the Crown and the needs of the state. The play portrays the ongoing struggle between the church and state for power and influence. The tension between Becket and Henry II is a microcosm of this more significant conflict in today's society, as the two men represent the opposing forces of spiritual authority and temporal power. And how we too often blur America’s separation of church and state. As an allegory for the 21st century, the play provides an insightful view. The dialogue throughout the play is powerful and poignant.  There is a tragic sense of sadness and grief at play, which questions and reveals the complexity of our human emotions.



BECKET
The Honour of God

Play by Jean Anouilh
Screenplay by Edward Anhalt
Anhalt won an Academy Award for his screenplay.
Dialogue from the screenplay.


HENERY II & THOMAS BECKET 

(men singing in Latin)
(bell ringing)
(chanting in Latin)

Well, Thomas Becket, are you satisfied?
Here I am stripped, kneeling at your tomb
while those treacherous Saxon monks
of yours are getting ready to thrash me.
Me, with my delicate skin.
I bet you'd never have done the same for me.
But I suppose I have to do this penance and make my peace with you.
Hmm. What a strange end to our story.
How cold it was when we
last met on the shores of France.
Funny, it's nearly always been cold,
except at the beginning when we were friends.
We did have a few fine summer
evenings with the girls.
Did you love Gwendolen,
Archbishop?
Did you hate me the night
I took her from you, shouting,
"I am the king"?
Perhaps that's what you
could never forgive me for.
Look at them lurking there, gloating.


Oh, Thomas, I'm ashamed
of this whole silly masquerade.
All right, so I've come here
​to make my peace with their Saxon hero,
because I need them now,
those Saxon peasants of yours.
Now I'll call them my sons,
as you wanted me to.
You taught me that, too.
You taught me everything.
Those were the happy times.
Do you remember?


​I made you a nobleman.
Why do you play at being my valet?
I'm your servant in the council chamber,
or here in the bath.
My Norman barons resent it.
They feel it's your Saxon way
of mocking their nobility.
Nobility lies in the man,
my prince, not in the towel.
Have you any idea how much
trouble I took to make you noble?
I think so. I recall you pointed a finger and said,
"Thomas Becket, you are noble."


The queen and your mother
became very agitated.
(chuckles)
They're always agitated.
No, I mean trouble from the barons.
They hate you, you know?
​Of course. One always hates what one wrongs.
When you Normans invaded England, you seized our Saxon land,
burned our Saxon homes, raped our Saxon sisters.
Naturally, you hate Saxons.


Don't include me. It was my great grandfather
William who was called "The Conqueror."
- I'm an old resident.
- I did not mean you.
Didn't you?
You know, when I took you
into my service,
everyone predicted you'd
put a knife in my back.
- And did you believe them?
- No. I assured them that
you were a man of honor
... and a collaborator.
That was accurate of you.
- How do you combine the two?
- My Lord?
Honor and collaboration.
I don't try.
I love good living,
and good living is Norman.


A NEW ARCHBISHOP

- Are you listening to me, Thomas?
- I'm listening, My Prince.
We need a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
I think there is a man we can rely on.
No matter who it is,
once the archbishop's miter is on his head,
he will not longer be on your side.
But if the archbishop is my man,
if Canterbury is for the king,
how could his power possibly get in my way?
My Lord, we know your bishops.
Once enthroned at Canterbury,
every one of them
will grow dizzy with power.
Not this man.
This is someone
who doesn't know
what dizziness means,
someone who isn't afraid of God.

​
I'm sorry to deprive you
of the French girls
and the other spoils of victory, but...
- Are you listening to me, Thomas?
- Mm-hmm.
- You're leaving for England tonight.
- On what mission, My Prince?
You are going to deliver
a letter to all the bishops of England.
Uh-huh. My royal edict nominating you,
Thomas Becket,
Primate of England,
Archbishop of Canterbury.

(laughing)

Shut up. Thomas, I'm in deadly earnest.
My Lord, don't do this.
You have an odd way of taking good news.
I should think you'd be triumphant.

But I... I'm not even a priest.
You're a deacon.
You can be ordained priest
and consecrated archbishop the next day.
Have you considered what the Pope would say?
I'll pay his price.
My Lord, this frightens me.
I thought you had God in
​the palm of your hand, Thomas.
I beg of you, do not do this.


BECKET BEFORE BECOMING ARCHBISHOP

Oh, no, Folliot.
I'm simply enjoying all of this.
I'm beginning to believe he's not
a sad God after all. Forgive me,
I fear my inexperienced methods
will never meet with your approval.
I know that you cast the only vote against me.
In the end I gave way to the king's wishes.
I don't blame your reluctance.
As Bishop of London and senior churchman,
you should've been archbishop.
Now to have to consecrate me instead
and place the miter on my head. I
have no choice. I'm only
performing my function as bishop.


I see you still wear the seal
of the King's Chancellor.
Yes. I will continue to wear it
- that and the archbishop's ring.
You do not find this inconsistent?
No. God is best served when
the two rest side by side in harmony.
These excessive acts of humility will not
compensate for subservience to the crown.
Thank you. We are both aware
of the delicacy of my position.
Let us trust that God will find a solution for it.


HENRY & BECKET

Becket, I'm bored.
My Prince, I wish I could help you.
What are you waiting for?
For the honor of God and the honor
of the king to become one.
That may take long.
Yes, that may take long.
I'm the King, Thomas,
and so long as we are on this earth,
you owe me the first move.
I'm prepared to forget a lot of things,
but not the fact that I am king.
- You yourself taught me that.
- Never forget it, My Prince.
You have a different task to do.
You have to steer the ship.
And you - what do you have to do?
To resist you with all my might
when you steer against the Lord God.
What do you expect of me then?
Are you hoping I'll weaken?
No. I'm afraid we must only do,
absurdly,
what it has been given to us to do
right to the end.


And I'm cold.
I feel cold, too... now.
You never loved me, did you,
Thomas?
Insofar as I was capable of love, yes, I did.
Did you start to love God?
You mule!
Answer a simple question!
Yes. I started to love
... the honor of God.
I should never have seen you.
It hurts too much.
- My Prince.
- No, no pity. It's dirty.
This is the last time I shall come
begging to you.
Go back to England.
Farewell, My Prince.
I sail tomorrow.
I know that I shall
never see you again.
How dare you say that
when I've given my royal word?


THE CONSECRATION VOWS

And now, since humility seems to be
a little hard on the knees,
I trust you will be comfortable
under our roof, My Lord Bishop.
Dear Lord,
I wish there was something
I really regretted parting with so that
I might offer it to you.
But forgive me, Lord.
It's like going on a holiday.
I've never enjoyed myself
so much in my whole life.

Lord,
are you sure you're not laughing at me?
It all seems far too easy.
(chanting in Latin)
It is a bishop's duty
to pass judgment,
to interpret,
to consecrate,
to ordain,
to offer sacrifice,
to baptize and to confirm.

Let us pray, beloved brother.
Let the goodness of Almighty God,
providing for the well-being of his church,
may bestow upon this bishop elect
the abundance of his grace
through Christ our Lord.

(all) Amen.

(chanting in Latin continues)

May these hands be anointed
with hallowed oil,
with the chrism that sanctifies.
Even as Samuel anointed David
king and prophet,
so may these hands
be anointed and consecrated.

(chanting in Latin continues)

Take this ring,
token of the pledged word.
Yours it is,
donned with unshakable fidelity
to preserve and guard,
in unblemished honor,
God's bride, the Holy Church.

(chanting in Latin continues)

Lord, on the head of this bishop
and champion of thine,
I put the helmet of defense
and salvation,
that with forehead thus adorned,
head armed with the horns
of both testaments,
he may appear fearsome
to the enemies of truth.

TO THE ENEMIES OF TRUTH