How do we "subvert" Empire?

[Dawn]

Now that there's a bit of a loose definition to "Empire", I was wondering how would you (do you) go about "subverting" it?

[Barry Mast]

Here's the link: "The Project for a New American Empire" (you may have to register to read the article)

I actually don't know if Shank would really posit a just war theory or not. If he did, I would have the same reservations you seem to have. A "just war" certainly sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Whether Shank is about "embracing the enemy" or not... beats me. But I believe Jesus was... even unto death (and resurrection). I also believe he calls us to the same subversive activity even unto death (which, again, puts the "security" question into the background for Jesus' disciples - something you pointed out and for which I'm grateful).

[Marty Troyer]

The two lists by Daniel Kam and Mark Van Steenwyck are both very interesting. However, I found myself drawn more deeply to the list suggested by Mark for one main reason: it addresses the issue at both the personal and systemic levels.
After attending Brian McLaren's "Everything Must Change" Tour in Goshen Indiana last spring, my largest dissapointment hinged on that very issue. He talked so huge, but when it came down to what do we do, how do we change everything, his answers were too narrowly personal/individualistic (such as light bulbs, and driving slower to burn less oil, etc...). I suppose the personal is a good place to start, particularly for the uninitiated. But what about the next level? For those already more deeply committed and involved? It HAS to be systemic as well.

All that being said, both lists will really only be fruitful and genuinely subversive when embodied communally. Both lists mention this, but its almost worth not including that in a bullet point because of how incredibly important the communal matrix is.

[Cabe Matthews]

What a great piece on American Empire. Definitely a harrowing picture of our nation's imperial tendencies, particularly in the last eight-plus years.

Jim Wallis is a just-war guy, and so whenever I read a part of a Sojo piece that seems to even leave that open as a possibility I tend to jump on it, because that's one place where I think they've got it wrong. As for what you've written, well said. The cross and resurrection are our ultimate pictures of what it means to subvert empire.

"Had [the disciples] had their way, there would have been no cross; had [Jesus] had his, there would have been thirteen. They declined the honor." -James Wm. McClendon Jr.

[Cabe Matthews]

This might be the fundamental assumption of evangelicalism, which Brian McLaren might be carrying on into his "Emergent" post-evangelicalism: the way to change the world is by changing individuals. You're absolutely right in pointing out that this will only get us so far.

[Andrew Cornelius]

Dawn,

I think one way we do it is by moving closer toward self-sufficiency (ultimately dependent on God and nature, of course), for corporations, big business in general, and concentrated power structures are literally destroying the planet. We need to lessen our dependence on these things, start taking care of our common environment, and question the sanity of industrialism itself to an extent. Essentially, creating healthy, local economies is a huge way empire can be subverted, besides the more obvious things such as "do not fight its wars."

[Rod McCallum]

downward mobility

[dlw]

when we consider that our gov't is an unstable mix of democracy and kleptocracy then when we help to build up institutions to give more people say-so in the rule changes that affect them, it also builds up checks against the imperialistic tendencies in our gov't, which are found in all gov'ts.

The rub is how to influence rule changes somewhat w.o. getting caught in the throes of the ongoing struggle of many against many to capture the state and the fleeting prestige and rents therein, as such is a colossal hindrance to following Jesus.

My answer is all that Mark has listed, plus perhaps pooling one's votes/political activism in state/nat'l elections w. small 30 or less local communities so that how you all act complements your local ministry w.o. undermining your ties with each others. I also think we can support the proliferation of local third parties that will focus on contesting local elections, increasing voter turnout(especially among the needy) and in general voter education, while voting/acting strategically in state/national elections/issues so as to move the center thru a combination of the politics of accommodation and conversion.

dlw

[Michael McAleer]

To really subvert Empire, you have to get Empire out of your heart, life and mind. You have to make sure that the Kingdom of God worldview, displayed in Jesus, lived by the Spirit and glorifying the Father is really, honest to God, how you view this world. That is a most difficult and trying thing to do and frankly some days are better than others.

You have to build a subversive community of people who are looking to do the same thing. Worldviews are only built in community. Radical discipleship relationships have to be the key. You have to “surf the edge” in order to get there. Common Root is a great place to start talking about how to build those kinds of communities.

While doing the practical things that Mark and Daniel point out, we have to remember that the best (and I personally believe the only) thing we can do is be faithful witnesses to the truth. That kind of subversion in the office, at school, at home and even in churches works to challenge and call to question all other types of Empires and Kingdoms.

Finally, you need to remember, and pardon the phrase if you must, the “Empire Always Strikes Back.” Faithful “maritiria” not only calls to question but produces a response from the Empire.