In Philippians 3:20 Paul tells us that our commonwealth is in Heaven and yet here we are, in Asheville. If we are citizens of heaven then we are aliens in Asheville.

This is how theologian Stanley Hauerwas and Retired Methodist Bishop Will Willimon think about the Christian predicament.  Together In 1989 these two friends published the book “Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony”  It addresses the idea of living in the world and yet as a Christian not being of the world.  

Twenty-five years ago the book received high praise and was popular with academics and general readers.  The book is still so highly thought of that a new 25th anniversary edition has been published.  “Resident Aliens” may be even more important today than it was when it was first published.  In our culture, where Christian faith is being pushed more to the margins, how do we continue to be faithful to God who made himself known in the crucified and risen Christ?