D. Castle-Shepard | Faith

November 24, 2007

Interview with D. Castle-Shepard [12:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

D. CASTLE-SHEPARD is a military chaplain, historian, and author. He speaks with us about Thanksgiving in Iraq, and about his concept of the militia at home. His new book Faith in the New Militia has been well-received across the country.

About Faith in the New Militia (from www.dcastleshepard.com)

In an age of terror and greed-based economics, not enough has been said about the place of faith in American society, or faith-based answers to real world problems. In essence the excessive globalization must be countered by new strategies at the local level. Conscience must be redefined after all of the distortions of moralizing and demonizing. Ultimately, people must learn to accept true community with the courage to uphold commitments, and overcome the fear of true intimacy.

About D. Castle Shepard (from www.dcastleshepard.com)

D. Castle-Shepard is a 27-year citizen-soldier (Lieutenant Colonel) and veteran of Iraqi-Freedom (2003). His education includes an M.Div and an MSW. He lives in a rural community with his wife and two children, and practices social work with low- income clients and their families.

Formerly a charter member of the Christian Coalition, Castle-Shepard still embraces radical ideas. But in post-9/11 America he has refined his perspective:

Grassroots militia are vital to American life in the 21st Century

His own white population is spiritually inferior to African Americans

Western capitalism is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus

Muslims are no less likely to enter heaven than Christians

Terror will not be defeated until global corporations are brought to accountability

All of this and more without abandoning his Evangelical Christian faith. With a primary focus on repentance, Castle-Shepard’s deepest convictions are centered around the believer’s need to recognize and renounce self-justifying tendencies. Faith calls all people to seek the glory of God, and refuse glory to the flesh. In his mind, Jesus taught us that people who justify themselves will not be justified by God. Therefore the believer must always grow deeper in awareness of self-righteous presumptions, and renounce them. Hope is in the light of God to expose these deceptions, and lead us to peace in His Truth.

Castle-Shepard’s book is available from the publisher at www.bloomingtwigbooks.com/shop

Posted by admin | Filed Under Thanksgiving, Religion, Politics, AUTHOR INTERVIEW, PODCAST