Emphasis Preaching Journal

In this passage Paul reflects on the implications of affiliation with the community of faith. One of the most fascinating stories to emerge in the wake of September 11 and the resulting military actions in Afghanistan was that of John Walker Lindh. The "American al-Qaeda" was charged differently than other prisoners taken in combat. The uniqueness of his circumstance revolved around the issue of his American citizenship. The courts reasoned that his possession of citizenship compelled him to loyalty to the nation. Consequently, though he enjoyed a right to dissent, he did not have the right to bear arms against his country -- that was treason. Certain affiliation implies that one will be associated with that group no matter what the venue.