Hold fast to the good

Last week I shared some of my struggles with July 4 and patriotism. Then two days later, we published a new column by CC editor/publisher Peter Marty about “the good kind of patriotism”—one that incorporates loving criticism of our country. If you share some of my unease about the US (and I heard from many of you who do), don’t miss this one.

It is important to frame things positively when we can. It’s easy, and at times necessary, to say what something is not: good patriotism is not nationalism, xenophobia, etc. But I appreciate that Peter’s column wrestles with the question of what it actually is. Positive definitions and frames can help us hold fast to the good. Speaking of goodness, another new piece follows the international activity of Episcopal bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who became a broadly admired exemplar of the faith when she delivered a sermon at the National Cathedral that included a face-to-face address to the newly inaugurated US president.

There’s even more great content below. Our video of the week considers whether artificial intelligence is innately evil (for those who are tired of all the positivity). Plus scroll down for a celebration of daily cooking, a reflection on the retroactive irony of the Declaration of Independence, and more.

Jon Mathieu
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The good kind of patriotism

“To think critically about our nation’s history and to be excited about taking care of each other is the stuff of thoughtful citizenship.”

by Peter W. Marty

Bishop Budde among the Swedes

“Episcopal bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s speech at the Stockholm Cathedral will be highly unusual, as it is an honor normally reserved for a prominent member of Swedish society.”

by Gary G. Yerkey

VIDEO: Is all artificial intelligence evil?

Mac Loftin chats with Jon about AI, Karl Barth, Trump’s memes, the nature of evil, and more.

In the Lectionary for July 13 (Ordinary 15C)

“The question ‘Who is my neighbor?’ has always been countercultural.”

Cooking when the world is on fire

“The work I do in front of the stove, the daily care I take with meals—this isn’t just about sustenance, or leftovers, or being healthy. It is an expression of my morals and concerns, reminding me that the smallest of my actions is performed in a web of mutuality and care.”

by Alejandra Oliva

The United States owes King George an apology

“The Declaration’s ideas are still good. And our devotion to them, as Lincoln put it, can still be the difference between a brilliant, evolving American experiment and a short, brutal trip down the road ordained for all squalid fiefdoms.”

by Benjamin J. Dueholm