Colossians Remixed

We covered the first ethic (ethic of secession) a few days ago. The second ethic in Colossians Remixed is the “ethic of community.” Walsh and Keesmaat quote Rodney Clapp, who states that the early Christians “were about creating and sustaining a unique culture…and they were determined to be a culture, a quite public and political culture, even if it killed them and their children” (p. 179; emphasis mine). The last line sticks with the reader. Losing one’s own life for a cause is difficult to perceive but to also put one’s children in harm’s way is seemingly inconceivable. The writer of the paper is indifferent about this statement, but it makes the reader think about his or her family’s commitment to the cause of Christ. The Jesus painted by much of American Christianity, frankly, is not worth dying for and especially not worth putting one’s children in harm’s way.

Walsh and Keesmaat speak of peacemaking as part of the community’s ethic. The authors define peace, “Peace is not simply the absence of war; it is the presence of well-being and justice in social and international relations. A community whose hearts are ruled by ‘the peace of Christ’ is a community of peacemakers” (emphasis original). Walsh and Keesmaat’s emphasis on peace and nonviolence as the political stance of the Christian community makes the patriot question his or her position. The American Christian is called beyond national lines because he or she is part of the kingdom of God, which is a kingdom of peace and involves more than Americans. The authors continue, “A war-mongering empire should find no support from a community that worships the Prince of Peace” (p. 182). Walsh and Keesmaat are correct to point out the peacemaking ethic of the Christian community. Many American Christians consistently confuses the kingdom of God for the empire of America.

Often, when one is confronted with the reality of sweatshops, if its owners are a company of favor, he or she will often express that there is no other choice besides such companies. The third ethic is the “ethic of liberation.” Walsh and Keesmaat begin right here when they correctly state, “The language of inevitability is the language of empire. Whenever we hear “We have no choice,” our ears perk up. It is precisely the strategy of the empire to take our imagination captive so that we think we have no choice” (p. 213). The Christian reader is confronted on many levels. If he or she has a choice, and if Jesus and the epistle of Colossians are about liberation, he or she must move away from such favored merchandise. “We have no choice,” is not an option.

One point of contention with Walsh and Keesmaat’s proposal is their discussion on schooling. It is true that schools are often breeding grounds for more imperial-minded individuals. However, the authors seem to suggest home-schooling children as the best option. It does not worry the writer of the paper that children could become socially awkward (p. 218). This thought is usually reactionary by proponents of public or private schooling. Walsh and Keesmaat’s proposal borders sectarianism, which stands in contention with a biblical worldview. The Christian is called to be in the world. Neither home-schooling nor Christian school is the best option. Christians must send their children as light to this dark world, giving children this mission as they go to school. Walsh and Keesmaat are not blatantly suggesting sectarianism or escapism, but one wonders how far they would suggest Christians removing themselves from the world. If Christians send their children with the mindset of the “light of world,” the empire will shutter.

Walsh and Keesmaat shed light on Paul’s letter to the Colossians in such a way that it makes Jesus worth following. This Jesus cares for the world and critiques it. He is real. He does not sit idly by as the world moves at the whim of empire. He challenges the empire of the day, and he is still Lord over the world. Walsh and Keesmaat’s Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire brings the subversive nature of Paul’s letters and the message of Jesus to the eyes of the reader. Jesus is still worth following.

What is your response to what Walsh and Keesmaat are saying?

My score: 8 out of 10

+++++++

Part 2 of Colossians Remixed. Read Part 1 here.

Walsh, B. J. & Keesmaat, S. C. (2004). Colossians remixed: subverting the empire. Downers Grove: IVP.