It only gets three stars because it's written in a really obnoxious style. Once the book gets rolling, though, the theology and the praxis are excellent. ( )

Not what I expected, and not particularly useful for my purpose.

If I had read this book several years ago, I believe my review of it would have been even more positive. This is largely because this idea of subverting the empire was a fresh idea that was really beginning to take off in my mind and those of which I was reading. I was not at the point of reading more scholarly approaches to the concept(as this clearly is although extremely readable), but was learning how subversive Jesus was in the face of Rome at the time and so likewise as we found out here Paul as well.

At this point, however, this seems to be a preaching to the choir of me and actually seemed to be too skewed in favor of reading Colossians in this manner that it became reduced in meaning and power I feel. We are greeted with a forewarning of sorts that this will function as an "anti-commentary" and to change our expectations of what this will be. After hearing Walsh and Keesmaat speak at a recent conference, however, I was really hoping it would be a more intense approach(as in a commentary) because I really appreciate their outlook for interpretation of the Bible. Ideologically, they may be considered more liberal in their perspective, however they still maintain a fairly conservative approach to the Bible which I highly appreciate(combined with their ideology).

While there are many gems in this that definitely make it still worth reading, I couldn't help but feel that I was bombarded with a little bit of agenda in naming and blaming the powers and living consciously (socially, ecologically, etc.). This is clearly an important aspect of Colossians(and I'm sure they would argue a sorely missed understanding among scholars) however it was staggering to see such imbalance in position. ( )

This is one of the top books that I have ever read! I couldn't put it down. It demonstrates how Christians in the first century had to stand up against the empire in order to live faithful lives for the Kingdom of God. It discusses how this understanding of Colossians and other NT writtings can make a significant impact on how we interact with postmodern culture. It raises questions like: How has the church become like the empire? Are we influenced by imperialism? What are we doing to bring the justice of God into the world in light of our involvement with empire?

This is a must read for any christian who desires to make a difference in the world! ( )

Colossians Remixed goes where regular commentaries rarely go. The authors rewrite Colossians as if Paul were writing to postmodern, postChristian, 21st century Americans living under the rule of the American Empire.
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