Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology

The Bible has more to say about urban landscapes than it does about green pastures and still waters. Moreover, scripture uses certain agricultural images to impart a compelling vision of the city and, more broadly, what it means to live in community before God.

Our secular cities are burdened with problems of class conflict, crime, and sprawl. Jerusalem has all these problems, too, but it bears an extra burden as well. It is holy.

Throughout history, the city has measured our capacity to live together and create a just way of life. The church in the city today is faced with enormous challenges and opportunities in its ministry to persons in need, from finding new sources of funding to responding to tectonic shifts in the urban social landscape.

The story of Richmond, Virginia is a window to the American urban experience. The political challenges this city faces can serve as a call to action to effect reconciliation across the lines that divide the metropolitan family.

More than ever, the city needs congregations with an urban, metropolitan vocation. As suburban sprawl continues, we are invited by our own scriptures to be faithful to the city.

The successful city of the future must do more than simply foster economic growth. It must also impart a moral, even spiritual, vision that can transcend all racial and social divisions.