Christ and Empire - With Joerg Rieger

This week I was joined by Dr. Joerg Rieger to discuss his book "Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times" and his upcoming class with Homebred Christianity & Dr. Tripp Fuller, "The Christ Empire Couldn't Keep".

Empire shapes more of your life than you think - your theology, your politics, your algorithms, even your emotions. Dr. Rieger reveals why the real battle is not just against obvious hard power, but against the softer, more invisible forms of control that shape what we believe is normal.

Together we unpack the 2,000-year story behind Christ and Empire, from Paul and the early Jesus movement to Nicaea, medieval theology, liberal Protestantism, and the present moment. Along the way, discuss how Christianity has never existed outside empire - and why that makes the question of power unavoidable.

Rieger also challenges easy progressive answers. Simply rejecting violence is not enough, and simply handing Christianity over to empire is not an option either. The deeper invitation is to reclaim the radical edge of the tradition, reread the old symbols in a new way, and build communities that actually embody a different future. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

The Christ Empire Couldn't Keep (Free 6 Week Class)

Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times (Book)

Other Books by Joerg

Religion and Justice Solidarity Circles

THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2026:

Come hang out with Dr. Rieger and me at Theology Beer Camp! Get your tickets HERE.

*Special thanks to Marty Fredrick, Josh Gilbert, and Dan Koch. Love you guys <3*

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