I love this! “it’s wild that a subversive text like this would turn into some invitation to cosplay empire.” So true. Thanks for bringing clarity to this passage!
Thank you for putting words to the internal conflict that came up when reading this passage of scripture … if we are a people of peace and reconciliation why are we preparing for “battle”?!? Your words were so helpful to read these now as preparation for resistance to domination and unjust systems through communion, truth, justice, and peace … works of mutual flourishing 🙏🏽
I especially appreciate the swap in the translation of the Greek word as "righteousness" with another legitimate meaning as "justice." It pulls us from the navel-gazing focus on ourselves, when instead we should be working together, seeking justice for all, particularly those on the margins of society.
I appreciated this point of translation SO much! Also, when you invoked "bases, bombs and borders," I read that as the unholy trinity of empire. It's incredibly helpful to be clear about the heresies we are confronting, so thanks for that alliterative aid.
unholy trinity of empire!!!! yes. and i agree 100% about being clear about the heresies we're confronting and the ideologies/theologies behind them! thanks, Lauren!!!
I love this! “it’s wild that a subversive text like this would turn into some invitation to cosplay empire.” So true. Thanks for bringing clarity to this passage!
You’re welcome! It’s wild how some things just become “normal” and we’ve been trained to think a certain way without even realizing it
Oh, and thanks for being here, Bobby!
Another beautiful and enlightening article.
Thank you, Kim! Grateful you’re here
I remember signing that song in VBS. Now it sickens me.
Enjoyed this very much. I'm currently reading and very much enjoying your book Sacred Belonging. I look forward to your next book as well.
Laura, this means so much! Thanks for reading Sacred Belonging. I think you’ll enjoy Liturgies for Resisting Empire!
Thank you for putting words to the internal conflict that came up when reading this passage of scripture … if we are a people of peace and reconciliation why are we preparing for “battle”?!? Your words were so helpful to read these now as preparation for resistance to domination and unjust systems through communion, truth, justice, and peace … works of mutual flourishing 🙏🏽
I especially appreciate the swap in the translation of the Greek word as "righteousness" with another legitimate meaning as "justice." It pulls us from the navel-gazing focus on ourselves, when instead we should be working together, seeking justice for all, particularly those on the margins of society.
Yes!!! I think this detail in translation is HUGE!!!
I appreciated this point of translation SO much! Also, when you invoked "bases, bombs and borders," I read that as the unholy trinity of empire. It's incredibly helpful to be clear about the heresies we are confronting, so thanks for that alliterative aid.
unholy trinity of empire!!!! yes. and i agree 100% about being clear about the heresies we're confronting and the ideologies/theologies behind them! thanks, Lauren!!!