Sometime ago I posted excerpts from a John Milbank essay critiquing the secular nation-state; returning to that topic, I want to share excerpts from this William Cavanaugh paper that addresses the problem clearly and penetratingly. You should read the full essay when you have the time; for now, read these selections, all of which are [...]
Archive for August, 2008
Christian Political Responsibility: William Cavanaugh on the Nation-State and the Church
Posted in Uncategorized on August 30, 2008 | 6 Comments »
Spiritual Warfare § 5: Jesus’ Victory
Posted in Uncategorized on August 28, 2008 | 9 Comments »
I argued before that public condemnation, scourging, and crucifixion at the hands of the Jewish and Roman religio-political powers was the only possible – though not the fated – end for Jesus’ career. Given what it was he was attempting to do, no other death would have been fitting. Given that, I want to attempt to [...]
Further Reflection on Christian Political Responsibility via Paul Tillich’s Understanding of Justice
Posted in Uncategorized on August 27, 2008 | 56 Comments »
I’ve been enjoying our discussion on the Christian’s political responsibility;I hope that we’re only beginning. Lately, the conversation has turned to issues of violence and coercive power vis-a-vis Bonhoeffer’s involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler. While I’m in basic agreement with all of you, I do want to offer the following for your consideration: [...]
Spiritual Warfare § 4: Identifying the Powers, cont.
Posted in Uncategorized on August 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
In his work on the Incarnation, St Athanasius asks why it was necessary for Jesus to suffer such a horrific and ghastly and humiliating death by public crucifixion? “Surely,” he speculates, “it would have been more suitable for Him to have laid aside His body with honour than to endure so shameful a death.” Why did Jesus [...]
Spiritual Warfare § 3: Identifying the Powers
Posted in Uncategorized on August 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
Behind the powers of the world, the religio-political institutions that dominated life in the ancient world, some of the Hebrew prophets (the apocalyptics) discerned the influence of invisible, heavenly powers. For example, Isaiah (24.21) prophecies that in the “day of the Lord” YHWY will punish
the powers in the heavens above
and the kings on [...]
