W-K, in Colossians Remixed, make the observation that many try to see the “thrones and dominions” (shorthand for the four terms found in Colossians 1:16) in either exclusively political or spiritual (angels, etc) terms.
They argue that empire is shaped by heavenly powers at work in earthly powers. Something along that line. Thoughts on this?
W-K spend pages trying to explain why they named names in their targum on 1:15-20, where they focused essentially on corporate empire today (AT&T, Microsoft, IBM). They justify that effort by suggesting Paul was indirectly naming names in the four powers he listed. I’m not in total agreement with that, but I find no problem naming names today that would apply.
W-K think we ought to have a more cosmic vision today. Of the redemption of all of creation. We are too narrowly spiritualistic in our views of what this text is about. When we abandon discussion of oppressive structures, they say, “there are consequences” (94). They refer to Wendell Berry.
“The church reimagines the world in the image of the invisible God” (95). The problem today is the domestication of the church to the empire. I like this. What I don’t like is that I’m not persuaded Paul had the empire that much in view. We need to though.