Monday's thoughts

"The Murderer Was Captured By the Flag"

On the Sunday just after the fourth of July I have wanted to preach a sermon about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. That may be a strange topic for a sermon and yet there is something profoundly religious when we think about our political process and the way John Wilkes Booth violated it.

I want to explore the context in the country that led to the assassination; the motives of the assassin; and the impact of the deed on the future of the nation.

I want to have us look at what it means to be a Christian citizen and how we should express ourselves politically. I want to look at some of the dynamics of religion and politics.

This morning I read about Catholic Bishop Charles Chaput who has told the priests in his jurisdiction they are not to enter into political discussions. He told them they are not to endorse particular politicians. What is the role of the church when it comes to national or local elections?

How do we institute political change in our country and what is a citizen to do who maintains affiliation in a Christian community?

What do you think the obligation of Dr. Mudd should have been. Mudd was the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth after he fled from the Ford Theater having broken his leg a fall; having caught his boot on the American Flag.

Do you think the fact that the flag caused Booth to break his leg was a coincidence or an act of ultimate justice?

Sunday, July 6th the flags will be in the Sanctuary and we will think about our citizenship and our responsibility as Christian citizens.

If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net.
If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.


I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles