Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: Kingdom theology makes a comeback

Opinion: Kingdom theology makes a comeback

By David Gushee

Friday, July 10, 2009

(ABP) -- The past decade or so has witnessed a surge of Christian theological work that features the kingdom of God as its central theme. This is certainly not the only current trend in theology or ethics. On the right, a revived neo-Calvinism holds sway in many quarters. Meanwhile, many younger scholars (among them many Baptists) are attracted to the narrative theology and character ethics most associated with Duke Divinity School’s Stanley Hauerwas and Notre Dame’s Alasdair MacIntyre.

But it is hard to avoid noticing the spread of kingdom theology. I have seen it again this summer in working through texts by Baptist pastor-theologian Greg Boyd (Myth of a Christian Nation), young neo-monastic Shane Claiborne (Jesus for President), and theologian-ethicist Obery Hendricks, Jr. (The Politics of Jesus).

These voices lean to the “left” side of the social/ethical spectrum, but kingdom theology is not prevalent only there. In reading a new unpublished work by the promising young Christian leader Gabe Lyons (educated at Liberty University, co-author with David Kinnaman of the very important book Unchristian) I notice that his own constructive theological proposal also revolves around the kingdom of God. And of course Glen Stassen and I helped further the trend a bit in 2003 when we published Kingdom Ethics.

These books offer accounts of the kingdom of God that vary in some ways, but in most respects hold together as a single narrative. It goes something like this: The Bible proclaims that God is the sovereign king -- of creation, of Israel, of the world. But his kingship has been rejected by sinful humanity, bringing dire consequences not just in individual life but in every sector of human experience. The Old Testament promises that God will one day act to reclaim his kingship and renew the world.

Jesus came proclaiming the good news that the kingdom of God is at hand. The kingdom was central to his entire ministry -- affecting not just his preaching, but everything he did. For Jesus, the kingdom is the reclaiming of God’s world in its entirety. The kingdom happens when God’s will is done “on Earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus came to embody God’s reign and to create a community that would make as its mission the continued embodiment of God’s reign until Christ returns.

Kingdom theology has been stimulated and supported by brilliant work in biblical studies to situate Jesus within his actual first-century Jewish context. These scholars help us understand him as a genuinely Jewish figure working with the materials of the Jewish tradition and in a context of fierce Roman oppression and grotesque economic and social injustices.

Reconnecting to Hebraic (rather than Greek or Gnostic) thought categories has begun to pull Christian thought back from its tendency toward disembodiment and various other kinds of destructive dualisms.

This means that kingdom theology is social and this-worldly rather than privatized and otherworldly. Jesus came to offer not primarily a path to personal salvation, but a way of living that can contribute to a renewed world. The message of personal salvation is not absent from kingdom theology, but it recedes to become a component of a broader proclamation.

And people “get saved” not just for their own sake, but mainly so they can get to work on their part of God’s kingdom project.

Kingdom theology is eschatological rather than static. Its particular version of eschatology is generally an “inaugurated” kind as in, “Jesus came to inaugurate the reign of God, but it will not be fully consummated until he returns again.” It does not throw eschatological hope entirely off to the future. Inaugurated eschatology makes us pay attention to what is going on right now in this world and leads to a deep hunger for our world’s total reclamation. It is most appealing to those most dissatisfied with our broken world.

Kingdom theology often leads to a reconceived theology of the church, which is treated as both more and less important than we often understand it. It’s more important in that the church is to be a place where God’s reign is made visible right now. It’s less important in that the church does not exist as an end in itself, but as a means to a greater end. It’s no longer about buildings, budgets and baptisms.

Kingdom theology was birthed through a fresh focus on Jesus and tends to encourage an ongoing focus on him. And that focus is not just on Jesus as my personal Savior or best friend, but as the one who embodied and inaugurated God’s kingdom, and who is even now gathering around him a community who will give their very lives for the reign of God.

-30-

David Gushee is distinguished university professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University.

EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: As part of our mission to provide credible and compelling information about matters of faith, Associated Baptist Press actively seeks a diversity of viewpoints in its columns, commentaries and other opinion-based content. Opinions expressed in these articles are not intended to represent ABP editorial policy and do not necessarily reflect the views of ABP’s staff, board of directors or supporters.

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written by remliw, July 10, 2009

I think this article puts some light on the comments of the Episcopal Bishop regarding "individualistic salvation"

response
written by Dr. J, July 12, 2009

This movement back to kingdom theology sounds very similar to post-millenialism. Job one is to usher in the return of Christ to this world. In fact, it is the Christian's job to help make the world a better and better place for the Lord's return. I thought World War 1 eliminated this view and World War II was a the final nail in the coffin. This view is centered in humanism and a lack of belief in the majesty and glory of God. The Church has always been a means to an end. The church is the body of Christ. It has always been a the visible work of Christ in the world. This is more liberal, straw-man argument.
I suppose the next article will center on how Christians must support Obama's green earth initiatives to really be one of those Christ is gathering around Himself.
Sorry, but this view of Kingdom theology is nothing more than a retread of humanist, post-millenialism. The body of believers are part of the kingdom of God. This temporal planet is not.

The Lord's Kingdom Not Of This World
written by Mark Osgatharp, July 13, 2009

Mr. Gushee said, "This means that kingdom theology is social and this-worldly rather than privatized and otherworldly."

Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world. He said that His disciples are to be in this world but not of it. According to Jesus human society is not salvageable, is headed toward ultimate doom and will be redeemed only when the wicked are destroyed and the righteous are in authority.

Paul said, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Paul was right, the pseudo-Baptists apostles of the social gospel are wrong.

How long will it be till the rank and file Baptist left wakes up and realizes they are being systematically raped by impostors, who like Judas of all, cared not for the poor but were holding the bag?

Mark Osgatharp

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written by wilx1, July 13, 2009

Dr. Gushee forgot to mention an important work by Russell Moore, The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective.

Is it just me?
written by Jim Somerville, July 13, 2009

Is it just me, or does the Kingdom theology Dr. Gushee describes here provide the perfect foundation for the "missional church" model?

At Richmond's First Baptist Church we've been talking about joining Jesus in his mission of "bringing heaven to earth" (based on the Lord's Prayer, in which he teaches his disciples to pray that God's kingdom would come and God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven). I've asked our members and friends to look around them for anything that doesn't look like heaven, and then roll up their sleeves and go to work in the world.

Dr. Gushee writes: "Kingdom theology often leads to a reconceived theology of the church, which is treated as both more and less important than we often understand it. It’s more important in that the church is to be a place where God’s reign is made visible right now. It’s less important in that the church does not exist as an end in itself, but as a means to a greater end. It’s no longer about buildings, budgets and baptisms."

Well said!

unsure
written by robber, July 15, 2009

I may have to disagree with some of my conservative friends in the audience, but I think the last few paragraphs are dead on. However the first half of the article was a disappointing rundown of books to read. I only need one Book to read when it comes to discovering God's plan for His kingdom.

Kingdom vs Empire
written by javadave61, July 15, 2009

Dr. J., this isn't a retread of post-millennialism. That's Dominion Theology, and Kingdom Theology isn't Dominion Theology. Dominion theology is about taking over the worldly kingdoms for Christ, which is what religious right politics is about. In fact Pat Robertson is the one who revived Dominion Theology and even considers himself a Post-millenialist. So if you don't like a post-millennial world view, it's time to reject Religious Right or Religious Left power politics.

If Dominion Theology is about taking over the worldly powers for Christ, Kingdom Theology is about being a stark contrast or alternative to worldly kingdoms. While living in the midst of the worldly powers (dominated by control, thirst for territory, military might, left/right divisions), we - as an alternative - are to announce God's reign, offer grace, exemplify forgiveness, show kindness, seek holiness, etc. Like Jesus becoming flesh to save us, the church enters the mire of the world to point it back to God.

But after these many years of the church being embroiled in power politics, many of us are saying, let's stop trying to overtake the world, because it's only overtaking us! Many of us find Kingdom Theology simply a rediscovery of what Jesus was teaching his disciples about how to relate to the world. It's what Paul speaks of when he warns of rulers, authorities, dominions and powers. It's what John warns of in Revelation when the early Christians were facing persecution from the empire. Be different! Point to another way! The whole NT calls the church to be an alternative, drawing people out of the ways of the worldly empire and into the ways of Christ. It's what it means to be "in the world, but not of the world."

Believe me, the rising generation of believers has no desire to take over the world and then present it to Christ so he can return (post-millennialism). Instead, we are re-energized by the original call of the church to stand in the midst of a sin sick world and call out the name of Jesus Christ.

Well said, Javadave61
written by tmarsh0307, July 16, 2009

Thank you for your articulation of kingdom theology, and to Dr. Gushee, as well.

Kingdom theology squares more with an idealist interpretation of Revelation and an amillenial eschatology rather than a post-millenial escahtology.

We are faithful to the righteousness of God revealed in the lordship of Christ and its resulting moral vision, whereever we are needed. The consumation of this all is God's business, not ours.

Acts 1:6-8

Questions and alternatives for Dr. Gushee
written by Xenophon, July 18, 2009

Are we in the millennium now? Has Satan been bound? Shall we proceed progressively less encumbered by sin until Jesus returns?

If Dr. Gushee would answer yes to any or all of these questions, I would respond by saying that we clearly remain in the period of time when Satan is in direct control of the world system (even though ultimately God is sovereign and allows evil to play itself out).

We must be pessimistic about reforming or redeeming the world system we are presently living in if we are to be realistic. All we Christians can do now is to win over individuals to personal salvation and attempt to contain the evil in the world until we are taken out of it. Then Satan will have unrestrained opportunity to establish his own attempt at millennial reign through the Anti-Christ and False Prophet. This goal lies at the heart of previous anti-christs throughout history. This scenario presented by pre-millennialists seems most in keeping with the overall teachings of eschatology presented in the Bible.

Conflicting Irony
written by javadave61, July 19, 2009

Xenophon, you said... "We must be pessimistic about reforming or redeeming the world system we are presently living in if we are to be realistic." I agree, and I think most on the religious right would agree with this statement, but that statement is ironically a direct contradiction to the obsession the church has these days with secular politics. Our involvement in politics these days isn't about "winning over individuals to personal salvation" but about Christianizing the world with our culture and values. That is a view of the world in which we can "proceed progressively less encumbered by sin until Jesus returns." It's why some people like Pat Robertson have just come out and say that he's espousing a new kind of post-millennialism in the form of Dominion Theology. It's a contradiction most have become comfortable with, but it is a contradiction nonetheless: that the world is dominated by Satan and will continue to get worse, but we will believe that if we get involved in worldly powers (controlled by Satan), we will make the world better.

Interesting thoughts
written by tmarsh0307, July 19, 2009

Javadave61,

It is interesting how the religious right is always criticizing those to the left (which are far from 'liberal') regarding their passion to ease poverty and to work for social justice. Their argument is that this diverts from sharing the gospel.

However, the religious right pours just as much energy into legislating morality, as you pointed out. I wonder why the irony goes unnoticed?

Witnessing to the Kingdom?
written by Arce, July 20, 2009

There are few better ways to witness to Christ's Kingdom than to carry out the Matthew 25 imperative, directly where possible, financially and indirectly to the extent of our ability, and through government when our resources are being exhausted.

However, contrary to Osgatharp's remark, the only righteous in authority will be Christ, not Christians. Christ should be our only authority and we should not seek authority. That is wordly and, therefore, not of Christ but of the enemy.

Being in the Kingdom means making His work our work, including feeding, clothing, healing, clothing, and sharing that the reason we do so is because Christ is among us and within us.

...
written by Arce, July 20, 2009

Add comforting in stead of the second clothing.

response to javedave61
written by Dr. J, July 20, 2009

This writer is writing about post-millenialism. You and most liberals believe your can make the world such a great place by socialization, and the destruction of capitalism. I am on the religious right because I'm a christian and because conservatives believe in the free market, small government, and many other good ideas including the basic good will of man. That given the opportunity, and a capitalistic society we will raise the standard of living for all who will work, and we will support christian ministries for those who cannot earn their way. We conservatives want the best for everyone. We hope that all will realize their potential. And we want government bureaucrats to stay out of our way. Unfortunately, you liberals with Obama as the leader are destroying capitalism in the US and the free market. If you are successful, the US will lose its standing in the world and lose our great free country.
I am all for you standing out and calling out the name of Jesus. Just stay away from politics and government. Just stay with ministry rather than stealing from those who have, by redistribution of wealth forced by taxes, to feed your misguided ministry desires.

Conservatives and good will
written by Arce, July 20, 2009

Conservatives have always had good will toward white men of means, and little good will for those who were poor, of a different race or ethnicity, different religion, etc. It took the intervention of government to force the removal of such discrimination! And to speak of theft -- what of the theft by capitalists of the value of labor, of the investments of the middle and lower classes, etc., with outrageous lending practices, condemnation of homes for private purposes, urban removal, etc., etc. Injustice has existed in conservative white skin more often than not, with the use of the government powers to do so. A little recovery from those who stole in the past or have benefitted from such legalized theivery through the legitimate system of taxation WITH REPRESENTATION seems rather just. After all, they benefit more from the government -- protecting their greater wealth and privilege against those who would seize it were it not for government.

Not Post-millenialism
written by tmarsh0307, July 20, 2009

Dr. J,

Though I have other issues with what you wrote, Gushee is not writing about post-millenialism. See comments above...

response to Dr. J
written by javadave61, July 22, 2009

Once again Dr. J, I must point out how your reckless use of labeling allows you to broad-brush people you don't agree with so you don't have to think about what they say.

You call me a liberal in your response to what you say. But let me point out to you that I am a straight ticket Republican. I did not vote for Obama. I think his policies are reckless. Left wing politicians want the government to do good things for people but end up crippling them. I believe strongly in free markets and capitalism. We have the richest poor in the world, thanks to it. So, you can pigeon hole me as someone who is your antithesis so you don't have to hear me out, but it won't be based upon any reality.

You find that you don't agree with me on my analysis of Dominion theology and Kingdom Theology so you automatically assume me to be a flaming left-wing, anti-capitalistic liberal? That's sloppy.

Your labels are an efficient means of shoring up your close-mindedness.

reply to javadave61
written by Xenophon, July 23, 2009

Thanks for your reply, javadave61, to my comments above concerning a certain sort of pessimistic stance that I believe that we Christians should take about the culture and institutions of the current world system. I do think that we should seek to protect the culture and its traditional institutions, but we must be realistic about what they can achieve. At best, they can channel human energies into productive outlets as well as providing a stop-gap limit on human evil. Human institutions can do some good, but that good will always be contaminated with greed, lust for power, and other perversions of desire.

At the same time, I would agree with you that some forms of what some have termed "Dominion Theology" are entirely too melioristic and should be rejected on biblical, libertarian, and pragmatic grounds.

Kingdom of God comeback
written by jbrandt4him, August 16, 2009

Good article. The kingdom of God is mentioned 153 times in NT but rarely preached from average pulpit. Paul, the apostle to the gentiles who is known for gospel of grace, preached the "kingdom of God" in Ceasars household until his death...last verse in Acts. Kingdom of God theology has been typed as radical right political agenda, etc. But truth is it is central to the message of the entire OT and NT. God has always desired to be reigning king over earth and mankind. His kingship is based on His right by creation and through Christ redemption. It comes down to how powerful you believe the present reign of Jesus Christ is now on earth over evil, Satan, sickness and sin. The kingdom of God is both "now" and in the future "Perfect". Yes, we should have a theology that expresses the absolute "All power has been given unto me" that Jesus said would make possible the evangelization of the world before His return. "When this gospel of the kingdom is preached in all the world, unto all nations, then shall the end come". Matt. 24:14. I am optimistic enough to believe Jesus spoke truth. We believe this can be done in 7 - 10 years with a plan. please read the vision on our web site.

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