2008-01-22 issue:
Civil disobedience by wise men
by John K. Stoner, Akron, Pa.
Mike Clymer’s fine article on our hopes and fears and the wise men (All Our Hopes and Fears,” Dec. 18, 2007) failed to mention—along with most commentaries on that drama—that the story ends in an act of civil disobedience. The decision of the wise men not to return by Jerusalem was in direct violation of King Herod’s command, which made it a straightforward act of civil disobedience.
We need more people who can hear a dream and obey it after the civil authority has had its say. Wise men still seek him, and wise men still disobey kings. This, more than once, has been the path toward hope and faithful witness.
Associated Issue: New ways to celebrate Christmas - Dec. 18, 2007
Associated Article: All our hopes and fears
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