EMBRACED AND ENGAGED

What do Joseph, Joab, Jeremiah, and the Beatitudes have to do with a Christian young person in American foreign policy? Can a Christian be a diplomat, a spy, a defense industry scientist? Can a Christian impact foreign affairs as a member of Congress? Amid counsels for Christians to withdraw from the worlds of government and its power and self-interest, Ron Kirkemo argues a person embraced by Gods grace should be engaged in the nations purposes and the movement of history. Through such engagement Gods children can impact history, but they will inevitably face ethical issues. This book is not about the policy of foreign policy, but about people conducting policy, the ethical issues they may and will face, and strategies for keeping ones First Love their first love. Is government ordained by God or history a movement of fate? If not, Gods grace becomes a central factor in life. Is America headed the way of Babylon? If not, or if maybe, then Christians need to engage the intellectual and operational aspect of policy to prevent that decline and prevail against enemies. Is there a disconnect between the traits for success in foreign affairs and the servant leadership model espoused by many Christian colleges and universities? Kirkemo engages these issues and urges students to consider the Rhodes Ideal for shaping their years in college. This book will at times provoke controversy, but it always hopes to inspire and enlighten as it interprets history and Scripture, describes professional life, gives insight, offers counsel, and affirms ones openness to God and growth in spiritual life. Based on a lifetime of theological reflection, scholarship, and experience, Ron Kirkemo offers timely wisdom based on timeless truths. His book is a passionate, nuanced, and original guide, grounded with equal depth in the Christian tradition and the policy world. For Christians, it will serve to inform current policy professionals and, one hopes, to inspire a new generation to faith