Filled to Be Emptied: The Path to Liberation for Privileged People

by Brandan J. Robertson

Publisher:

Westminster John Knox

, 2022

Overview

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself...” (Philippians 2:5-7a) These ancient words offer a guide for modern Christians wrestling with their privileged place in an unequal and unjust world. The Kenosis Hymn (as this passage quoted by the apostle Paul is known) celebrates Jesus for his willingness to forego the divine glory that he is due, instead humbling himself to serve the oppressed and outcast of his society. Through a combination of in-depth Bible study and social analysis, Filled to Be Emptied invites readers to explore the hymn verse by verse and see Jesus' self-emptying example as a model for privileged people to see their advantages not “as something to be exploited” but as something to be laid aside to seek the good of others. Brandan J. Robertson walks readers through a step-by-step process of identifying their privilege, exploring their privilege, and ultimately leveraging their privilege as a tool for the liberation and redemption of the world. Filled to Be Emptied is an essential book for all followers of Christ who are seeking to live lives of justice.

Key Features

• Gives a guide for modern Christians wrestling with their privileged place in an unequal and unjust world.
• Offers a thoughtful exploration of how we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
• Helps readers who are seeking to live lives of justice.

Praise for the Print Edition

Jesus is the ultimate example of laying down his privilege for the sake of love and justice. Through this book, Robertson offers a thoughtful exploration of how we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Robertson challenges each of us to confront our own privilege and choose the path that leads to flourishing for all.

--Jennifer Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life

Robertson invites vulnerable self-reflection by his own example. Releasing ourselves from captive privilege and power to pursue peace and equity is uncomfortable. Yet ultimately, it is the path toward human flourishing. Read and be challenged to deeper levels of spiritual impact right here, right now.

--Cedric Harmon, executive director of Many Voices: A Black Church Movement for LGBT Justice

Robertson has written a vigorous summons to the advantaged to heed the call of Christ. By an alert, sustained appeal to the ancient Christian hymn of Philippians 2, Robertson lines out how we who are advantaged may embrace an alternative life that resonates with God’s good news. Though we may be ‘filled’ with the trinkets of capitalism, may we be ‘emptied’ of them in order to be ‘filled’ with the goodness of God. The focus is relentlessly on actual concrete practice. Robertson shows us a path that is emancipatory and reconciling—a major gift.

--Walter Brueggemann, author of Journey to the Common Good

Product Details

• Title: Filled to Be Emptied
• Author: Brandan J. Robertson
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Pages: 168
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• ISBNs: 9781646982325, 1646982320
• Resource ID: LLS:FILLEDBEEMPTIED
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-12-29T19:53:54Z

About Brandan J. Robertson

Brandan J. Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian. He is the author or contributing author to fifteen books, including The Gospel of Inclusion and True Inclusion. Robertson served as the Senior Pastor of Missiongathering Christian Church in San Diego, California, from 2017-2021 and currently leads Metanoia, a digital faith community. Robertson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Theology from Moody Bible Institute, a Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology, and a Master in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University.