Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times

by Joerg Rieger

Although we loathe admitting it, Christians have often, through crusade, conquest, and commerce, used the name and power of Christ to promote and justify political, economic, and even military gain. Rieger's ambitious and faith-filled project chips away at the colonial legacy of Christology to find the authentic Christ - or rather the many authentic depictions of Christ in history and theology that survive our self-serving domestications. Against the seeming inevitability of globalized unfairness, Rieger holds up a "stumbling block" that confounds even empire.

Genres: Theology, History, Nonfiction, Religion, Social Justice

344 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2007

About the author

Joerg Rieger is Wendland-Cook Professor of Constructive Theology at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly one of my favorite books from my seminary education and I am not kidding when I say that I probably reference it in almost every paper I write. I recommend it to anyone wanting to dive deep into their view on theology and better understand the role empire plays in how people live out their faith.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ and Kingdom Challenges Empire

Interesting read looking at christology at various points in the Church’s history and how those understandings fit, to some extent are shaped by empire, and how they offer a surplus of understanding to subvert the empire(s) from within which they emerged.

[Derek Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched, and thorough. Could have used more methodological reflection. Lacan pops up in important places, but his contribution is never totally clear.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are nuggets (particularly chapter 1 and the conclusion) which make it worth the time. 3 stars mainly because it made me think and sharpened my own views more than anything else.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty academic and dense, but a must read for folks interested in Christianity and Christian history.