During this election cycle, I have been thinking of a hymn we sing frequently: “O God of Earth and Altar.” Did you know it was written by G.K. Chesterton? I’m posting it today in the hopes that it will sing through my mind whenever I think about this election – perhaps it will also be an encouragement to you.

O God of earth and altar,
bow down and hear our cry,
our earthly rulers falter,
our people drift and die;
the walls of gold entomb us,
the swords of scorn divide,
take not thy thunder from us,
but take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches,
from lies of tongue and pen,
from all the easy speeches
that comfort cruel men,
from sale and profanation
of honor, and the sword,
from sleep and from damnation,
deliver us, good Lord!

Tie in a living tether
the prince and priest and thrall,
bind all our lives together,
smite us and save us all;
in ire and exultation
aflame with faith, and free,
lift up a living nation,
a single sword to thee.

Additionally, have you seen this special series from Mars Hill Audio on Thinking Theologically About Politics?  It is well worth your attention.

“Against the disturbing backdrop of social and cultural fragmentation, the two principal candidates for the office seem to be equally divisive, so that whoever wins in November, Americans are certain to be living through a time of further discord and discontent. Meanwhile, American Christians have been perplexed about how to situate themselves in what seems to be an increasingly unwelcoming setting. With this in mind, Peter J. Leitharthas asked “Are campaigning and voting the be-all and end-all of Christian political action, or are we better off diverting some of those dollars and hours to less flashy projects that have the potential to leaven political culture over the long haul?”

That long-haul leavening is the rationale for the interviews featured below. MARS HILL AUDIO has selected a number of thoughtful philosophers, theologians, and political theorists to talk about the long-term trajectory that brought about our present condition, and the sorts of redefinitions, reconfigurations, and repentance necessary to navigate our future.