Carolina Greenhouse Podcast

October 29, 2020

Citizens of Heaven in Worldly Politics: An Augustinian View

<p>We find ourselves immersed in an increasingly polarized and ever-threatening world. Even the most mature among us often feel confused and afraid. How are we to preserve our identity as Image Bearers as so many conflicting forces vie for our loyalty? How are we as pastors and ministry leaders to equip the saints to live wisely in this climate?</p> <p>Perhaps we can&nbsp;learn from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/road-saint-augustine-doubts-james-ka-smith/">an ancient church father to navigate our modern anxieties.</a></p> <p>Augustine’s political and theological reflections encourage us to walk with hope as pilgrims in a world divided and fear-filled.&nbsp;Whatever the proverbial Barbarians at the Gate – whether 5th century Germanic hordes, or 21st century facemasks, social distancing measures, Trump, Biden, climate change, the economy, or the corona virus – none of these threats can take away or add a single day to the number that God has allotted each of us. Augustine instructs the saints to face each day with hope, and the courage hope engenders, rather than fear.</p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>About the Speaker:</strong></p> <p>Glenn Gentry has twenty years experience in teaching philosophy and is presently at the University of South Carolina. Glenn specializes in the History of Philosophy and in particular Augustinian thought. With a specialty in both political and early church thought, Glenn has spoken at the American Philosophical Association and published articles in Oxford Press journals. When not in a university setting Glenn can usually be found with his wife, Michelle, on their small acreage tending either their hospitality Airbnb business or their hobby vineyard.<br> </p>