Premised on a definition of colonization as “the process of establishing complete control over a foreign territory and its peoples,” part one of this paper, designed to humbly open possibilities and discussion, will suggest and argue that, in continuity with the hopes of the Prophets, the Kingdom of God is presented in the NT as a “colonizing” power. After discussing this idea, colonization in nations like my own is critiqued. Finally, paths we might explore are briefly considered.
Part one argues that since Christ, by the Spirit, the power of God has progressively established control over the world and its people, beginning in Galilee and Judea. God’s vision is that all peoples will willingly yield their allegiance to Jesus as king and live as Spirit-filled citizens of heaven on earth in conformity with God’s gospel. His outlook expects resistance, suffering, and conflict and lays down clear precepts for genuine Christian “colonial” engagement in the world. In this regard, this section will very briefly outline the mechanics of this “colonization” including the cosmic hopes of Israel, God’s intent, Jesus as King and “Colonizer,” the nature of his “colonization,” the relationship of the kingdom as “colonization” to worldly politics, the significance of his death and resurrection, the role of the Spirit and his followers in continuing this “colonizing” mission, the church as colony, the future completion of earth’s “colonization,” and life in the interim.
With a focus on colonization in my own nation, and with an eye to the broader world, with an irenic and humble tone, part two of the paper will draw on the findings in part one to begin to constructively critique Christian participation in the European colonization of many parts of the world. It will suggest ways in which the European colonizers followed and did not follow the “colonizing” agenda of the Kingdom. It will consider the relationship of genuine “colonial” Christianity with Christendom colonialism.
Part three briefly suggests paths we evangelical Christians can explore as we participate in God’s ongoing “colonizing” work in the world. These things include such things as God’s sovereignty, acknowledgment of wrong, repentance, humility, politics, ethics, liberty, the church, dechristendomization, decolonization and recolonization, suffering, the church as colonies of heaven on earth, and evangelism and ongoing mission as authentic Christian colonization. Responses will be invited.