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Filled to Be Emptied: The Path to Liberation for Privileged People
"Through a combination of in-depth Bible study and social analysis, this book invites readers to explore the Kenosis Hymn verse by verse and see Jesus' self-emptying example as a model for privileged people to see their advantages not "as something to be exploited" but as something to be laid aside to seek the good of others"--
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
9 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Brandan J. Robertson
24 books57 followersRev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, serving as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of DevOUT, a non-profit challenging far-right religious narratives in both digital and traditional media. He’s widely known as the "TikTok Pastor", with a vast digital reach of nearly 350k followers and 10 million views engaging his inclusive theological content across social media. His sermons can also be heard weekly on Star.FM in various states across the country.
A passionate writer, Robertson has authored, edited, or contributed to over twenty-seven books on spirituality, justice, and theology. Notably, his book "True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace" was recognized as an INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist. His writings have appeared in the pages of esteemed publications like TIME Magazine, The Huffington Post, NBC, and The Washington Post. He’s currently a columnist for Baptist News Global and for Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Progressing Spirit Newsletter. As a prominent voice in progressive faith discussions, his insights are regularly featured across global media outlets such as CNN, NPR, MSNBC, and The Washington Post. In acknowledgment of his significant influence, Rolling Stone Magazine listed him in its 2021 “Hot List” spotlighting top creatives shaping the future.
Annually, Robertson's sought-after perspective takes him to prestigious platforms like The White House, Westminster Abbey, Oxford University, and The Parliament of World Religions. He's taught seminars for institutions such as the San Francisco Theological Seminary, The Lakelands Institute, Disciples Seminary Foundation, and The Wisdom Centre (Canada). Robertson has also been an honored member of many vital advisory committees for entities like the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2020, he was named a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar and in 2023 was named a Senior Digital Ministry Fellow of Convergence.
A stalwart champion for LGBTQ+ rights, the Human Rights Campaign lauded him as a top faith-leader fervently advancing LGBTQ+ equality. His tireless efforts encompass collaboration with global political figureheads and activists to eradicate conversion therapy and advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities. In 2024, the LGBTQ+ Religious Archives Network honored Robertson for his prophetic leadership for queer inclusion in the Christian Church. Robertson is also a part of the Red Letter Christians Leaders Network, is a founding member of The Union of Affirming Christians, a Patron of One Body, One Faith (UK), and an advisor for The Center for Progressive Christianity, LOVEBoldly, and The Global Interfaith Commission on LGBTQ+ Lives.
In his academic pursuits, Robertson acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an Master of Theological Study from Iliff School of Theology, and an Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He's presently pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He currently resides in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 22, 2022
As an instructor of religious studies (primarily Judaism and Christianity) and as a queer theologian, I have followed the career of Brandan J. Robertson since he told the world that he was queer in Time magazine through his time as a pastor with Missiongathering Christian Church in San Diego, and as an activist. I have followed with great interest the trajectory of his thinking.
From Nomad to his latest work, Filled to Be Emptied, I’m inclined to think that the maturation and positive development process that he has gone through has sharpened his mind and his writing skills (which are significant). He has hit his stride, found his voice…however you want to put it.
Reverend Robertson draws on his own experience of privilege from his childhood through his adult life. This leads him to ask, “How could my whiteness be such a source of privilege when it doesn’t seem to have benefited my family all that much in my upbringing?” This exploration, in turn, leads him to explore what he calls the nuances and complexities of what privilege exactly is. And how he experienced it.
He writes, “Some of my ‘success’ may be attributed to my personality or personal fortitude (though I assure you, I am no beacon of psychological strength!)…part of my own personal success can rightly be attributed to the concept of privilege.”
Brandan then leads us on a deep exploration of what this privilege might just be and how it is lived out in our lives and society. He is quick to rightly recognize that the United States was, in a real sense, founded on the concept: “The privileging of certain people was intentionally built into the bedrock of our society.” And in his exploration, he rightly addresses the notion of implicit bias. In theological terms, presuppositions. These are those core worldview commitments forming us as individuals and as a society.
The core of the book takes us on a journey of discovery of the place our Christian faith has concerning the concept of privilege and our own experiences of privilege. “The subversive promise of Jesus is that when we are willing to give up our pursuit of our own benefits for the sake of others, that is when we truly receive the fulfillment that we are all longing for.” We are emptied, to be filled.
Robertson, as he concludes, again draws from his own experience as a way to illustrate as he discusses the notion of “fear” and calls us to revolutionary action. Acts of “revolutionary love” and of revolutionary faith. Indeed, he argues that “a revolution of faith” is the necessary first step. “…a revolution of faith — the belief in human potential, infused with divinity, to live the kenotic life and to re-create our systems and structures after the kenotic power of God.”
He calls us to make hard choices; to confront systemic racism, fear of strangers, sexism, classism, and Christian supremacy.”
A couple of observations, if you don’t mind. In his chapter on what he has termed “paradoxology” he references the early Jesus Movement, without calling it that, not taking into account the varieties of movements in those early days, critical studies of what Jesus may or may not have said, the suppression of the Jerusalem disciples (the Way, aka, the Jesus Movement), and the stark contrasts between what Jesus allegedly taught and what Paul taught. But that’s just the religious studies instructor talking.
For those of you who are interested in the re-formation of contemporary Christianity, interested in living out what the gospel writers said through the words of Jesus, interested in your transformation in the context of privilege and that of society, then get this book. Read it. Think deeply about what Robertson is saying.
It’s not The Good Book, but it is definitely a good book.
From Nomad to his latest work, Filled to Be Emptied, I’m inclined to think that the maturation and positive development process that he has gone through has sharpened his mind and his writing skills (which are significant). He has hit his stride, found his voice…however you want to put it.
Reverend Robertson draws on his own experience of privilege from his childhood through his adult life. This leads him to ask, “How could my whiteness be such a source of privilege when it doesn’t seem to have benefited my family all that much in my upbringing?” This exploration, in turn, leads him to explore what he calls the nuances and complexities of what privilege exactly is. And how he experienced it.
He writes, “Some of my ‘success’ may be attributed to my personality or personal fortitude (though I assure you, I am no beacon of psychological strength!)…part of my own personal success can rightly be attributed to the concept of privilege.”
Brandan then leads us on a deep exploration of what this privilege might just be and how it is lived out in our lives and society. He is quick to rightly recognize that the United States was, in a real sense, founded on the concept: “The privileging of certain people was intentionally built into the bedrock of our society.” And in his exploration, he rightly addresses the notion of implicit bias. In theological terms, presuppositions. These are those core worldview commitments forming us as individuals and as a society.
The core of the book takes us on a journey of discovery of the place our Christian faith has concerning the concept of privilege and our own experiences of privilege. “The subversive promise of Jesus is that when we are willing to give up our pursuit of our own benefits for the sake of others, that is when we truly receive the fulfillment that we are all longing for.” We are emptied, to be filled.
Robertson, as he concludes, again draws from his own experience as a way to illustrate as he discusses the notion of “fear” and calls us to revolutionary action. Acts of “revolutionary love” and of revolutionary faith. Indeed, he argues that “a revolution of faith” is the necessary first step. “…a revolution of faith — the belief in human potential, infused with divinity, to live the kenotic life and to re-create our systems and structures after the kenotic power of God.”
He calls us to make hard choices; to confront systemic racism, fear of strangers, sexism, classism, and Christian supremacy.”
A couple of observations, if you don’t mind. In his chapter on what he has termed “paradoxology” he references the early Jesus Movement, without calling it that, not taking into account the varieties of movements in those early days, critical studies of what Jesus may or may not have said, the suppression of the Jerusalem disciples (the Way, aka, the Jesus Movement), and the stark contrasts between what Jesus allegedly taught and what Paul taught. But that’s just the religious studies instructor talking.
For those of you who are interested in the re-formation of contemporary Christianity, interested in living out what the gospel writers said through the words of Jesus, interested in your transformation in the context of privilege and that of society, then get this book. Read it. Think deeply about what Robertson is saying.
It’s not The Good Book, but it is definitely a good book.
May 26, 2022
A great introduction to a Christian understanding of privilege using the language of the kenosis hymn of Philippians 2. Rather than base this talk of privilege in shame or condemnation, Rev. Brandan shows his pastoral nature utilizing a grace that inspires introspection and action. Robertson explores how to utilize whatever privilege we have (religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity) in the same way that Christ did—to the benefit of those around us and in an effort to subvert and change the systems that surround us. This book is an invitation both to examine who we are and to use whatever we have for the betterment of the world around us.
The author and I may have slightly different ways of reading and interpreting scripture, but as a pastor, I would absolutely use this book to spark dialogue and action in a congregation I serve. The discussion questions could be especially evocative for a group exploration of our call as Christians.
I also recommend the audiobook version so you can hear the passion that Rev. Brandan puts into his reading of the text.
Full disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book. I am also a Lutheran pastor and a gay man.
The author and I may have slightly different ways of reading and interpreting scripture, but as a pastor, I would absolutely use this book to spark dialogue and action in a congregation I serve. The discussion questions could be especially evocative for a group exploration of our call as Christians.
I also recommend the audiobook version so you can hear the passion that Rev. Brandan puts into his reading of the text.
Full disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book. I am also a Lutheran pastor and a gay man.
February 17, 2022
What an important, radical book that every single Christian in mainstream and progressive churches alike needs to read! Establishing what privilege is through clear illustration and interesting personal story, Robertson quickly shows that privilege isn’t a word that straight, white, Christians need to immediately resist and react to with outrage, but that it is a morally neutral word that just represents something inherently present in the systems that have been established to benefit those who established the systems. If the phrase white privilege causes you to immediately recoil and want to lash out, please consider that this book really will have something to offer you, especially if you are a seeking Christ-follower but weary from all the social and political conversation that feels personally threatening. And while written from the perspective of a white, male Christian to seemingly other white male Christians, the challenges and insights presented are very relevant and applicable to any person wanting to more closely live a life according to the precepts of Christ.
In addition to teaching how to follow Jesus through a hymn of the early church found in Paul’s letters, the author offers a fascinating new perspective of Paul, different from what is usually taught from traditional evangelical pulpits. The author’s insights also flesh out Jesus in a new, admirable way, making the reader yearn to sit at Jesus’ feet (reading the red letters highlighting Jesus’ words in the Bible) and learn his ways. Using Scripture, leading theologians’ quotes, and learned understanding of the Hebrew Bible and history, Robertson teaches in a way that is fresh and relevant, challenging and showing the reader how to read and understand the Scripture in a more accurate way—much like in “Saving the Bible from Ourselves” (IVP Books, 2016) by Glenn Paauw (President, Institute for Bible Reading).
“Filled to Be Emptied” radically teaches profound yet hard-to-face truths about the history and state of the current American church and Christianity that most mainstream pastors would be afraid to utter for fear of, at a minimum, alienating congregants and losing financial support, and at worst, receiving outrageous threats of harm. But the book’s purpose is not to insult and trigger, or to instill guilt and condemnation, leaving the reader to languish in their hopeless state. It is an encouraging lesson on how to change course now, to the benefit of every single person and our earthly home—redirection that will bless both those who now enjoy privilege and those oppressed and in need of mercy. We will all flourish, in the ways that count, when everyone has the chance to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Without judgement, Robertson calls us to choose—to become a part of the solution, to help draw in the kingdom of God, to help restore the world to the Edenic state of wholeness that the Creator intended. Will we make the radical shift necessary to become a true follower of Jesus? I plan to recommend this transformational book to every pastor I know, to anyone who teaches Sunday school classes, those who have home or life groups, and everyone I know of who has the desire to become a part of the solution and is willing to evolve into a more dynamic, restorative Christian. There are wonderfully meaty discussion prompts at the end of each chapter. The questions are probing, thought-provoking, and would work both for personal reflection and stimulating group discussion.
In addition to teaching how to follow Jesus through a hymn of the early church found in Paul’s letters, the author offers a fascinating new perspective of Paul, different from what is usually taught from traditional evangelical pulpits. The author’s insights also flesh out Jesus in a new, admirable way, making the reader yearn to sit at Jesus’ feet (reading the red letters highlighting Jesus’ words in the Bible) and learn his ways. Using Scripture, leading theologians’ quotes, and learned understanding of the Hebrew Bible and history, Robertson teaches in a way that is fresh and relevant, challenging and showing the reader how to read and understand the Scripture in a more accurate way—much like in “Saving the Bible from Ourselves” (IVP Books, 2016) by Glenn Paauw (President, Institute for Bible Reading).
“Filled to Be Emptied” radically teaches profound yet hard-to-face truths about the history and state of the current American church and Christianity that most mainstream pastors would be afraid to utter for fear of, at a minimum, alienating congregants and losing financial support, and at worst, receiving outrageous threats of harm. But the book’s purpose is not to insult and trigger, or to instill guilt and condemnation, leaving the reader to languish in their hopeless state. It is an encouraging lesson on how to change course now, to the benefit of every single person and our earthly home—redirection that will bless both those who now enjoy privilege and those oppressed and in need of mercy. We will all flourish, in the ways that count, when everyone has the chance to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Without judgement, Robertson calls us to choose—to become a part of the solution, to help draw in the kingdom of God, to help restore the world to the Edenic state of wholeness that the Creator intended. Will we make the radical shift necessary to become a true follower of Jesus? I plan to recommend this transformational book to every pastor I know, to anyone who teaches Sunday school classes, those who have home or life groups, and everyone I know of who has the desire to become a part of the solution and is willing to evolve into a more dynamic, restorative Christian. There are wonderfully meaty discussion prompts at the end of each chapter. The questions are probing, thought-provoking, and would work both for personal reflection and stimulating group discussion.
March 9, 2022
Filled to Be Emptied: The Path to Liberation for Privileged People
GRACE TO LIVE OUT PRIVILEGE
I reviewed this book expecting the same rhetoric and propaganda against white privilege that I have encountered in other books trying to force their ‘wokeness’ onto the church. I was pleasantly surprised as I started to read the Author’s position. Although he comes with ‘white male privilege,’ his personal story is not one of ‘privilege,’ which I could relate to as a woman. He uses the Kenosis Hymn (Philippians 2:5-7) as his thesis, which states that Jesus stepped down from his role of ‘privilege’ to become human and live like us.
The book is sensitively written, using Jesus as our example who came from a place of privilege and power to end up as a felon on the cross. This book is about living the Jesus Way. Salvation is not just for life beyond the grave but bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth to be lived out in the here and now. The Biblical truth that this Kenotic love casts out fear was the point where I was convinced that this is the only way justice can occur, by addressing fear in all groups of people before the focus on privilege and power can be shifted. People will take on the mindset of Christ. What I found most refreshing was that the book does not morally judge anyone but makes a sacred space where you can discuss these questions. Readers can open their hearts to being led by the Spirit to how they can embrace living the Christian life with the grace that they have been given as they examine their own lives in the light of the Kenosis Hymn.
I would recommend this book to anyone who genuinely wants social change but is unsure how to apply Scripture to the modern Christian way of life—a beneficial addition to any Library and personal collection of books on Spirituality and Social Justice.
GRACE TO LIVE OUT PRIVILEGE
I reviewed this book expecting the same rhetoric and propaganda against white privilege that I have encountered in other books trying to force their ‘wokeness’ onto the church. I was pleasantly surprised as I started to read the Author’s position. Although he comes with ‘white male privilege,’ his personal story is not one of ‘privilege,’ which I could relate to as a woman. He uses the Kenosis Hymn (Philippians 2:5-7) as his thesis, which states that Jesus stepped down from his role of ‘privilege’ to become human and live like us.
The book is sensitively written, using Jesus as our example who came from a place of privilege and power to end up as a felon on the cross. This book is about living the Jesus Way. Salvation is not just for life beyond the grave but bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth to be lived out in the here and now. The Biblical truth that this Kenotic love casts out fear was the point where I was convinced that this is the only way justice can occur, by addressing fear in all groups of people before the focus on privilege and power can be shifted. People will take on the mindset of Christ. What I found most refreshing was that the book does not morally judge anyone but makes a sacred space where you can discuss these questions. Readers can open their hearts to being led by the Spirit to how they can embrace living the Christian life with the grace that they have been given as they examine their own lives in the light of the Kenosis Hymn.
I would recommend this book to anyone who genuinely wants social change but is unsure how to apply Scripture to the modern Christian way of life—a beneficial addition to any Library and personal collection of books on Spirituality and Social Justice.
February 15, 2022
Filled to Be Emptied is a phenomenal book for Christians who have been struggling to reconcile what they read in the bible with what they see in American church culture. As a person who feels traumatized by the White Christian Nationalism that has been demonstrated so violently in the past few years, this book was a call to arms. Filled to Be Emptied reflects exactly how disenchanted I've become with the church from the local level to the global enterprise of modern Christianity. It perfectly captures the dissonance between Jesus's teachings and how the scripture is portrayed in our pulpits on Sunday morning. The idea of following Jesus in example and principle instead of blindly perpetuating the privilege and violent of white colonized Christianity is a concept that shouldn't be as radical as it is.
I enjoyed the author's perspective and his admission of conflict in challenging his own systems of privilege and prejudice. His research and clear language allowed me to draw on my own experiences with white privilege and church culture as I read the truths he unpacked. Filled to Be Emptied is a must read for anyone undergoing their own death and rebirth of faith in Jesus.
Most impactful quote:
Christianity today has become one of the most power ful tools to promote and protect racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Christian supremacy, and so much more. Christianity bears almost no resemblance to the Christ it claims to worship. If our world is to begin to experience the resurrection that we long for, it must begin with followers of Jesus being willing to abandon Christianity for the sake of following Jesus. If your faith is more concerned with doc trines, dogmas, and upholding traditions than with daily seeking to use your time, energy, and money to undo the damage that your own privilege has wrought, then can you truly claim to be following Jesus?
I enjoyed the author's perspective and his admission of conflict in challenging his own systems of privilege and prejudice. His research and clear language allowed me to draw on my own experiences with white privilege and church culture as I read the truths he unpacked. Filled to Be Emptied is a must read for anyone undergoing their own death and rebirth of faith in Jesus.
Most impactful quote:
Christianity today has become one of the most power ful tools to promote and protect racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Christian supremacy, and so much more. Christianity bears almost no resemblance to the Christ it claims to worship. If our world is to begin to experience the resurrection that we long for, it must begin with followers of Jesus being willing to abandon Christianity for the sake of following Jesus. If your faith is more concerned with doc trines, dogmas, and upholding traditions than with daily seeking to use your time, energy, and money to undo the damage that your own privilege has wrought, then can you truly claim to be following Jesus?
January 30, 2023
4.5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is a breath of fresh air amidst all the fear and oftentimes disgust in the church surrounding the word "privilege". This is a book I'd recommend to people on both sides of the spectrum of how conservative or progressive their church is, so long as the congregants are willing to listen to someone who may have opinions different from theirs. However, there are discussion questions, which provide adequate room for opinion giving and reflection (I didn't agree with everything or how Robertson exegeted certain material either, but the central points merit continued wrestling and reading). Robertson uses the example of Jesus, mostly through the Kenosis Hymn, Philippians 2:5-11 (as well as the Beatitudes in one chapter) that privilege itself is neutral--what you do with it and how you empower those who /have less/ is paramount to being the body of Christ. Privilege doesn't mean you haven't been dealt a rough hand at life, or haven't had to struggle to get by. It does mean that there are certain areas of life that the dominant society/system has been built around in favor of mostly unchangable (or, sometimes changable e.g. religion) identifiers of yourself/family. Robertson unpacks his own privilege as a cis white Protestant man but how his sexuality is limiting. However, because of his privilege within the US framework as well as the LGBT community, he can leverage his privilege in advocating for justice of the marginalized. Jesus goes even farther for us. Jesus enjoyed the ultimate privilege of /Godship/, yet didn't lord it over others or use it for his own gain. Rather, he used his power for the marginalized and dedicated his humanity towards the undoing of empire and unjust power. A beautiful example we can and should follow!
April 5, 2022
This is such a beautiful piece of writing. It is thoughtful, succinct and densely intertwined with scripture. A lot of books written in this sort of progressive/deconstruction genre have a lot to do with our hermeneutics or broader religious perspective, which can be great, but sometimes strays away from straight up Biblical exegesis. Filled to Be Emptied challenges modern evangelical interpretations while also walking side by side with scripture.
I particularly enjoyed the contextual analysis emphasizing the New Testament-era writings' view of "Kingdom" and "Lord" has something rooted in empire, and not some supernatural patriarchal deity. Language matters, and Brandan respectfully and eloquently pushes back against the way certain language has been hijacked to reinforce power systems.
I also absolutely loved the discussion questions at the end of the chapters. They were great to answer by myself, but really implore me to present these themes to others as well. I hope that this book can be a doorway for those who may have been raised in churches that reinforced fear-based renderings of the Christian faith.
I particularly enjoyed the contextual analysis emphasizing the New Testament-era writings' view of "Kingdom" and "Lord" has something rooted in empire, and not some supernatural patriarchal deity. Language matters, and Brandan respectfully and eloquently pushes back against the way certain language has been hijacked to reinforce power systems.
I also absolutely loved the discussion questions at the end of the chapters. They were great to answer by myself, but really implore me to present these themes to others as well. I hope that this book can be a doorway for those who may have been raised in churches that reinforced fear-based renderings of the Christian faith.
February 20, 2024
"Filled to be Emptied" is a study on Kenosis, taken from Philippians 2:5-11, and it is thought provoking, insightful, and worth your time. Although I do not agree with every angle mentioned by Robertson in this book, it truly was enlightening in many aspects and opened my eyes to the privilege sometimes not fully understood in Christian churches today, especially here in the USA. If you want to be challenged in your thinking and have a teachable mindset, this book is for you! Thank you to Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
A valuable perspective and interpretation of today with respect to Jesus's example and teachings. Refers often to the Kenosis Hymn from Philippians. Powerful, thought-provoking message.
February 24, 2022
Filled to Be Emptied is a phenomenal book for Christians who have been struggling to reconcile what they read in the bible with what they see in American church culture. As a person who feels traumatized by the White Christian Nationalism that has been demonstrated so violently in the past few years, this book was a call to arms. Filled to Be Emptied reflects exactly how disenchanted I've become with the church from the local level to the global enterprise of modern Christianity. It perfectly captures the dissonance between Jesus's teachings and how the scripture is portrayed in our pulpits on Sunday morning. The idea of following Jesus in example and principle instead of blindly perpetuating the privilege and violent of white colonized Christianity is a concept that shouldn't be as radical as it is.
I enjoyed the author's perspective and his admission of conflict in challenging his own systems of privilege and prejudice. His research and clear language allowed me to draw on my own experiences with white privilege and church culture as I read the truths he unpacked. Filled to Be Emptied is a must read for anyone undergoing their own death and rebirth of faith in Jesus.
Most impactful quote:
Christianity today has become one of the most power ful tools to promote and protect racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Christian supremacy, and so much more. Christianity bears almost no resemblance to the Christ it claims to worship. If our world is to begin to experience the resurrection that we long for, it must begin with followers of Jesus being willing to abandon Christianity for the sake of following Jesus. If your faith is more concerned with doc trines, dogmas, and upholding traditions than with daily seeking to use your time, energy, and money to undo the damage that your own privilege has wrought, then can you truly claim to be following Jesus?
I enjoyed the author's perspective and his admission of conflict in challenging his own systems of privilege and prejudice. His research and clear language allowed me to draw on my own experiences with white privilege and church culture as I read the truths he unpacked. Filled to Be Emptied is a must read for anyone undergoing their own death and rebirth of faith in Jesus.
Most impactful quote:
Christianity today has become one of the most power ful tools to promote and protect racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Christian supremacy, and so much more. Christianity bears almost no resemblance to the Christ it claims to worship. If our world is to begin to experience the resurrection that we long for, it must begin with followers of Jesus being willing to abandon Christianity for the sake of following Jesus. If your faith is more concerned with doc trines, dogmas, and upholding traditions than with daily seeking to use your time, energy, and money to undo the damage that your own privilege has wrought, then can you truly claim to be following Jesus?
March 9, 2022
GRACE TO LIVE OUT PRIVILEGE
I reviewed this book expecting the same rhetoric and propaganda against white privilege that I have encountered in other books trying to force their ‘wokeness’ onto the church. I was pleasantly surprised as I started to read the Author’s position. Although he comes with ‘white male privilege,’ his personal story is not one of ‘privilege,’ which I could relate to as a woman. He uses the Kenosis Hymn (Philippians 2:5-7) as his thesis, which states that Jesus stepped down from his role of ‘privilege’ to become human and live like us.
The book is sensitively written, using Jesus as our example who came from a place of privilege and power to end up as a felon on the cross. This book is about living the Jesus Way. Salvation is not just for life beyond the grave but bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth to be lived out in the here and now. The Biblical truth that this Kenotic love casts out fear was the point where I was convinced that this is the only way justice can occur, by addressing fear in all groups of people before the focus on privilege and power can be shifted. People will take on the mindset of Christ. What I found most refreshing was that the book does not morally judge anyone but makes a sacred space where you can discuss these questions. Readers can open their hearts to being led by the Spirit to how they can embrace living the Christian life with the grace that they have been given as they examine their own lives in the light of the Kenosis Hymn.
I would recommend this book to anyone who genuinely wants social change but is unsure how to apply Scripture to the modern Christian way of life—a beneficial addition to any Library and personal collection of books on Spirituality and Social Justice.
I reviewed this book expecting the same rhetoric and propaganda against white privilege that I have encountered in other books trying to force their ‘wokeness’ onto the church. I was pleasantly surprised as I started to read the Author’s position. Although he comes with ‘white male privilege,’ his personal story is not one of ‘privilege,’ which I could relate to as a woman. He uses the Kenosis Hymn (Philippians 2:5-7) as his thesis, which states that Jesus stepped down from his role of ‘privilege’ to become human and live like us.
The book is sensitively written, using Jesus as our example who came from a place of privilege and power to end up as a felon on the cross. This book is about living the Jesus Way. Salvation is not just for life beyond the grave but bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth to be lived out in the here and now. The Biblical truth that this Kenotic love casts out fear was the point where I was convinced that this is the only way justice can occur, by addressing fear in all groups of people before the focus on privilege and power can be shifted. People will take on the mindset of Christ. What I found most refreshing was that the book does not morally judge anyone but makes a sacred space where you can discuss these questions. Readers can open their hearts to being led by the Spirit to how they can embrace living the Christian life with the grace that they have been given as they examine their own lives in the light of the Kenosis Hymn.
I would recommend this book to anyone who genuinely wants social change but is unsure how to apply Scripture to the modern Christian way of life—a beneficial addition to any Library and personal collection of books on Spirituality and Social Justice.
May 12, 2022
FILLED TO BE EMPTIED - Brandan J. Robertson
I was sent this by Net Galley free for the purpose of review.
In reality I struggled to read this and be focused. While I agreed with some of his thoughts and tried to finish the book but the overarching of the term "Privileged" was negative and attacking.
Can I explain all the different circumstances of life? No, but rather than attack; how about focusing on gratitude for God's work in your own life and live that out.
#Net Galley #Goodreads #Filled to be emptied
I was sent this by Net Galley free for the purpose of review.
In reality I struggled to read this and be focused. While I agreed with some of his thoughts and tried to finish the book but the overarching of the term "Privileged" was negative and attacking.
Can I explain all the different circumstances of life? No, but rather than attack; how about focusing on gratitude for God's work in your own life and live that out.
#Net Galley #Goodreads #Filled to be emptied
April 23, 2022
I found this book to be timely, with important topics discussed. I did not agree with everything in this book, but I felt the author did presents his arguments well. I was grateful for the chance to read this book, despite the fact that there was a lot, I didn’t agree with.
February 23, 2022
This book was just okay. I didn't really get into it. I have done a lot of reading about these types of topics and this was not one of the best. I guess I was expecting more given the description.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews