A key question might be to put it this way: do we American Christians see ourselves as American Christians, or as American Christians? Do we fundamentally envision ourselves as U.S. citizens who espouse the “Christian religion,” or as disciples of Jesus who happen to live in the United States? What is our fundamental identity? Citizens of our nation-state, or citizens of the kingdom of God? (p.48)

… since the time of the Reformation, it has been assumed that “religion” is “private,” and that matters of the “state” are “public.” Or, to put it differently, it begins to be assumed that the church worries about souls, and the state worries about bodies. (p.49)

The way of the kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the way of the kingdoms of this world, though the kingdoms of this world desperately seek to sanction their interests in the name of God. (p.55)

There is not merely “one nation under God,” but all nations and people are under God, whether they accept his rightful reign or not. (p.57)

… it is not our task to make things turn out right, but instead to be faithful witnesses. We will have to trust that God will be God, and do what God has promised. (p.59)

Sin is not a cul-de-sac, nor is guilt a final trap. Sin may be washed away by repentance and return, and beyond guilt is the dawn of forgiveness. The door is never locked, the threat of doom is not the last word. (quoting Abraham Heschel, p.71)