Romans Disarmed: Resisting Empire, Demanding Justice

Sylvia Keesmaat and Brian Walsh's Romans Disarmed explores the meaning of Romans for its original context and for today, showing how it disarms the political, economic, and cultural power of the Roman Empire and offers hope in the midst of crisis-laden world.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 432 pages
\n Publication date: 21 May 2019
\n Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
\n

Globalization, homelessness, ecological and economic crises, conflicts over sexuality, and violence are some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. While these challenges may seem unique to our times, they have a profound connection to the ancient world, as demonstrated by Paul's Letter to the Romans. In their book Romans Disarmed, Sylvia Keesmaat and Brian Walsh unpack the meaning of Romans for its original context and for today's crisis-laden world.

The authors begin by exploring the political, economic, and cultural power of the Roman Empire and how Paul's letter challenges and disarms it. They show how Romans offers hope in a world that is often filled with despair and crisis.

One of the key themes of Romans is the concept of home, both in the physical sense and in the spiritual sense. Keesmaat and Walsh explore how Paul uses the idea of home to address issues of displacement, marginalization, and reconciliation. They show how Romans encourages believers to see themselves as part of a larger community, and how this sense of belonging can provide a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Another important theme in Romans is economic justice. Keesmaat and Walsh examine how Paul's letter promotes a vision of a just and equitable society, where all people have access to the resources they need to thrive. They discuss how Romans challenges the dominant economic systems of the time and advocates for a more compassionate and sustainable approach to wealth and poverty.

Creation care is another theme that is central to Romans. Keesmaat and Walsh explore how Paul's letter encourages believers to care for the earth and all of its inhabitants. They discuss how Romans promotes a sense of responsibility towards the environment and how this can inspire action to address climate change and other environmental challenges.

The violence of the state is another issue that Romans addresses. Keesmaat and Walsh examine how Paul's letter critiques the use of violence by the Roman Empire and advocates for a more peaceful and just approach to conflict resolution. They show how Romans encourages believers to stand up against injustice and to work towards a society that is based on love and respect for all people.

Sexuality is another topic that is explored in Romans. Keesmaat and Walsh examine how Paul's letter addresses issues of gender and sexuality, and how it promotes a vision of love and respect for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. They discuss how Romans challenges the dominant cultural norms and promotes a more inclusive and equitable approach to sexuality.

Finally, Romans also addresses the issue of Indigenous reconciliation. Keesmaat and Walsh examine how Paul's letter promotes a sense of empathy and understanding between different cultures and how it can inspire action to address the historical and ongoing injustices that have been committed against Indigenous peoples.

Throughout Romans Disarmed, Keesmaat and Walsh move back and forth between the present and the past as they explore these themes. They use historical and cultural context to provide a deeper understanding of the letter and its relevance to today's world. They also draw on contemporary examples and experiences to demonstrate how the principles and teachings of Romans can be applied to address the challenges we face today.

One of the strengths of Romans Disarmed is its accessibility. The authors use clear and concise language to explain complex concepts and ideas, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers. They also include numerous illustrations and examples to help bring the letter to life and make it more relatable.

Another strength of the book is its interdisciplinary approach. Keesmaat and Walsh draw on a wide range of academic disciplines, including theology, history, economics, and environmental studies, to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of Romans. This approach allows readers to see how the letter speaks to a wide range of issues and provides a framework for thinking about these issues in new and innovative ways.

In conclusion, Romans Disarmed is a powerful and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on Paul's Letter to the Romans. By unpacking the meaning of Romans for its original context and for today's crisis-laden world, Keesmaat and Walsh provide readers with a valuable tool for understanding and addressing the challenges we face today. Whether you are a scholar, a pastor, or a layperson, this book will inspire you to think critically and creatively about the issues that matter most to you.

\n Weight: 562g\n
Dimension: 155 x 228 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781587432842\n \n