Is there — or better — should there be common ground for Christians working toward societal improvement as ‘elect exiles’ and ‘ambassadors?’ This paper will argue in the affirmative through three sections.
First, the paper will survey some distinct insights for Christians rooted in the Adamic covenant/commission while gleaning from the ‘Tao’ of C. S. Lewis, in his Abolition of Man. The foundation of the Biblical story is the basis for constructing a theology of ongoing implications of the covenant with Adam and of the structure of creation itself. Additional insights will be derived from Augustine’s City of God, all to understand the core principles for Christians living today as ‘elect exiles’ and ‘ambassadors.’ This survey will result in a summary of a prescriptive, even universal, core of activities and attitudes that would encompass all ‘tongues, tribes, and nations.’
Second, the paper will provide a defense of potential objections to the core activities and attitudes. For example, how does one distinguish between distinction commands in Scripture and ‘good and necessary’ implications from Scripture? Also, how does a common core for all intersect with God’s intended diversity derived from the multitude of cultures?
Third, the paper will develop brief implications for Christians living faithfully in our fractured world, including family and work, culture and politics, even addressing recent discussions surrounding ‘Christian Nationalism.’