Embraced and Engaged: Grace and Ethics in American Foreign Policy

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 God's grace should be engaged in the nation's purposes and the movement of history. Through such engagement God's 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 one's First Love their first love. Is government ordained by God or history a movement of fate? If not, God's 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 one's openness to God and growth in spiritual life.

Ron Kirkemo is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Point Loma Nazarene University, and is currently Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. Among his published writings are An Introduction to International Law (1973), Between the Eagle and the Dove: The Christian and American Foreign Policy (1976), and "At the Lectern Between Jerusalem and Sarajevo: A Christian Approach to Teaching Political Science" (2002). He is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants, the Association for Intelligence Officers, the National Association of Fellowships Advisors, and the National Defense Industry Association.