The Insurgency of the Spirit: Jesus's Liberation Animist Spirituality, Empire, and Creating Christian Protectors

The Insurgency of the Spirit offers a constructive retrieval of the animist Jesus by drawing on post-colonial biblical scholarship, anthropology, liberation theologies, indigenous studies, grief/trauma research, and nature-meditation writings. It presents a Jesus who is Earth-loving and challenges Christians to mobilize against the destructive relationship between imperial religion and political systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Insurgency of the Spirit is a groundbreaking work that employs a diverse range of multidisciplinary methodologies, drawing from post-colonial biblical scholarship, anthropology, liberation theologies, indigenous studies, grief/trauma research, and nature-meditation writings. Through this comprehensive approach, the book seeks to reclaim a constructive understanding of the animist Jesus, offering a transformative vision that challenges Christians to mobilize against the destructive relationship between imperial religion and political systems.

In the pages of The Insurgency of the Spirit, the author delves into the rich tapestry of post-colonial biblical scholarship, exploring the ways in which biblical texts have been shaped by the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. By engaging with the perspectives of indigenous scholars and activists, the book sheds light on the historical and cultural contexts that have influenced the interpretation of Jesus and his teachings.

Drawing from liberation theologies, the author emphasizes the importance of dismantling oppressive systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. The book advocates for a Jesus who is aligned with the struggles of the marginalized and oppressed, calling upon Christians to stand in solidarity with those who are facing systemic oppression.

Indigenous studies provide a valuable lens through which to understand the historical and cultural connections between Jesus and indigenous communities. The author highlights the ways in which Jesus's teachings resonate with indigenous cosmologies and worldviews, emphasizing the importance of respecting and honoring the natural world and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Grief/trauma research is another key component of The Insurgency of the Spirit. The author recognizes the profound impact that trauma and loss have had on individuals and communities, and seeks to provide a healing and transformative response to these experiences. Through the integration of nature-meditation writings, the book offers insights into the healing powers of the natural world and the importance of connecting with the earth in order to find solace and healing.

The vision that emerges from The Insurgency of the Spirit is one that sets forward an Earth-loving Jesus who challenges Christians in particular to mobilize against the destructive relationship that exists between imperial religion and political systems. The book encourages Christians to embrace a holistic understanding of Jesus's teachings, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and the urgent need to address the environmental and social challenges of our time.

In conclusion, The Insurgency of the Spirit is a groundbreaking work that offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the animist Jesus. Through the integration of diverse multidisciplinary methodologies, the book provides a transformative vision that challenges Christians to mobilize against the destructive forces of imperial religion and political systems. By reclaiming a constructive understanding of Jesus and his teachings, The Insurgency of the Spirit offers a path toward a more just and sustainable world.

Weight: 513g
Dimension: 217 x 157 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793623201