Thrones, Dominions, Powers and Positions
“When contemplating how the Wisdom of God had entered the womb of a woman, and been born a baby, and cried for milk, the paradox of it all was too much for even him,”[1]
Abraham Kuyper was born in 1837 in the Dutch town of Maasluis and served as a minister in the Dutch National Church. He stepped into political life in 1874 when he decided to run for office but the law required him to leave the pastorate. The highest political post for Kuyper was his role as Prime Minister. Kuyper was a person of faith deeply committed to God and a deep desire to impact the public as a politician and educator. From the start of his career, Kuyper advocated for educational access for all social classes, as well as for the inclusion of an orthodox Christian worldview in education. The tension was whether schools should reflect more than one type of Protestant perspective. Recognizing the realities of pluralism, he pursued funding for education for different branches of secular, Roman Catholic and Reformed theology. By 1879, Kuyper’s main argument was that liberty comes through the ultimate supremacy of Christ–because Christ is sovereign over all, no state, no social order, no sector of life has the authority to interfere with the domains of life. It was Kuyper who used the term “sphere sovereignty” to distinguish family, church, government or industry yet part of the created order of the world. He claimed that for Christians, “the goal is not to turn every sphere into a church but to discern what God intends within each domain. . . The distinction Kuyper makes between spheres is a kind of pluralism with sovereignty in each domain derived from God; each is to have its own integrity.”[2]
Reflecting Back
Reflecting back on this semester’s readings, I searched for connections or themes. A light went on for me while reading about Abraham Kuyper’s Sphere Sovereignty. In his proposal for Christian presence and influence in all domains of life, I found a dialogue among Tom Holland’s Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World[3] and N.T. Wright’s and Michael Bird’s book Jesus and The Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies.[4]
Tom Holland
Each of these authors explore Christianity and its impact, yet approach their themes from opposite perspectives. In Dominion, I find in its pages the profound and lasting impact of Christianity on Western civilization. Holland, a secular historian, explores how Christian values, ideas and narratives shaped not only religious beliefs but aspects of moral, social and political life throughout history. With provocative historical storytelling, his thesis is that Christianity has “conquered” the world by revolutionizing the understanding of power, particularly through the “power of the weak.” Holland’s analysis over a millenia is primarily historical and sociocultural; he emphasizes how Christianity’s moral revolution is responsible for western attitudes for human rights, the elevation of women, the abolition of slavery and managing savagery.[5] Although Holland is not advocating for belief or even trying to evangelize his readers, in a neutral tone he points to how Christianity has reshaped the world–and what happened when certain cultures abandoned Christianity.
As an aside: I’d never considered how The Beatles ultimate message originated and came to an end in Jesus’ life message. Reading such stories reminded me of when I was a professor at a Bible college and students questioned why reading classical literature was important when only the Bible held truth–their perspective challenged me to read even more broadly across my discipline.
N.T. Wright and Michael Bird
In Jesus and the Powers, Wright and Bird focus more on the New Testament’s understanding of “the powers”–spiritual, political, and cosmic forces that shaped both the ancient Jewish world and early Christian thought. The authors argue that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is not just for personal salvation but confronts the powers that dominate the world, including evil spiritual powers and corrupt politics. With a deep dive into the theological and scriptural understanding of Christ’s purposes related to the powers, Wright and Bird portray Jesus as a Divine Force who challenges and conquers these same powers: “The purpose of Israel and the Torah was to set forward the larger purposes of God. Mysteriously and ironically, Christ’s crucifixion on the cross was what accomplished our Creator’s greater purpose as now the powers are reconciled.”[6]
Might True Spiritual Pluralism Be Our Way Forward?
- Might both books be exploring the same themes of power and transformation in relationship to Christianity?
- Could Tom Holland’s broader, secular historical lens be exploring how Judea-Christian values reshaped our western culture so much so that even secular societies are not even aware of why they are so passionate about human rights, elevating women, fighting against racism?
- With the same theme of power and transformation, might Wright’s and Bird’s message come from a more theological perspective on Jesus’ role in overcoming the dark forces of the heavenly realms as written in the New Testament?
Wright and Bird articulate how Jesus’ victory is celebrated because human beings could now be free to be the “royal priesthood” through whom “God’s wise, healing justice would be brought into the world.”[7] With the ‘powers’ now reconciled, the authors assert God’s intentions that humans should share in running the world, rising to the challenge of establishing and maintaining God’s intention for a well-functioning human society.[8]
Where the dialogue among the authors creates a new idea for me is toward the end of Holland’s book when he closes the gap of true spiritual pluralism: “That every human being possessed an equal dignity was not remotely self-evident a truth. A Roman would have laughed at it. To campaign against discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexuality, however, was to depend on large numbers of people sharing in a common assumption: That everyone possessed an inherent worth. The origins of this principle–as Nietzsche had so contemptuously pointed out–lay not in the French Revolution, nor in the Declaration of Independence, nor in the Enlightenment, but in the Bible.”[9]
As my last written post to my cohort, I want to bless you in the words of Abraham Kuyper whose “sphere sovereignty” term understood how Jesus’ Name stands above all thrones, dominions, power and positions. Each of you is a person deeply committed in their faith with a desire to impact the world for the Kingdom. I have seen you acknowledge how every human being has dignity. I have witnessed you wanting Jesus’ power to infuse your own. Wherever you lead today and in the future, may Jesus guide you with His discernment on what God intends for the domain in which you serve. You are men and women of integrity who have shown me more of Christ.
[1] Holland, Tom. Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. London: Little, Brown, 2019. P. 106.
[2] The Trinity Forum. “Sphere Sovereignty.” Accessed November 25, 2024. P. 8.
[3] Holland, Tom. Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. London: Little, Brown, 2019.
[4] Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Reflective, 2024.
[5] Holland, Tom. Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. London: Little, Brown, 2019. P. 106.
P. 489.
[6] Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Reflective, 2024.
P. 59.
[7] IBID.
[8] P. 60.
[9] Holland, Tom. Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. London: Little, Brown, 2019. P. 478.
About the Author
Pam Lau
Pamela Havey Lau brings more than 25 years of experience in speaking, teaching, writing and mediating. She has led a variety of groups, both small and large, in seminars, trainings, conferences and teachings. Pam’s passion is to see each person communicate with their most authentic voice with a transparent faith in Jesus Christ. With more than 10, 000 hours of writing, researching, and teaching the heart and soul of Pam’s calling comes from decades of walking alongside those who have experienced healing through pain and peace through conflict. As a professor and author, Pam deeply understands the role of mentoring and building bridges from one generation to another. She has developed a wisdom in how to connect leaders with their teams. Her skill in facilitating conversations extends across differences in families, businesses, schools, universities, and nonprofits. Pam specializes in simplifying complex issues and as a business owner, has helped numerous CEOs and leaders communicate effectively. She is the author of Soul Strength (Random House) and A Friend in Me (David C. Cook) and is a frequent contributor to online and print publications. You can hear Pam’s podcast on Real Life with Pamela Lau on itunes. Currently, Pam is a mediator for families, churches, and nonprofits. You can contact Pam through her website: PamelaLau.com. Brad and Pam live in Newberg, Oregon; they have three adult daughters and one son-in-law. One small, vocal dog, Cali lives in the family home where she tries to be the boss! As a family they enjoy worshiping God, tennis, good food and spending time with family and friends.13 responses to “Thrones, Dominions, Powers and Positions”
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Hi Pam,
As always your post is great.
While it is important to have a grip on the white and dark spaces of Christianity’s past. I believe that, your NPO and the cohorts is focused on the future.
A Christian future.
All of our NPOs are HIS work. I believe that we are responding to Satell’s Cascade…creating ripples of change.
On Thursday, I am speaking about immigration (probably to a hostile audience). I hope to lead with scripture (it is a Bible study) and then discuss the personal actions I have taken to contribute to the immigration process. (My NPO is interlinked.)org)
My hope is that my actions will speak louder than words.
I lack the eloquence to convince anyone, but my desire is that my NPO will demonstrate how big problems do start with small solutions.
At the end of it all, I am willing to let them be wrong.
Shalom.
Russell, I have heard you mention Sattell’s Cascade Effects a few times and it makes me wonder if this is in relation to your calling and work with the organizations around the world? If you face hostile audiences, you know what to do – in humility, state the facts. You are so good at telling your stories.
But wait on the Holy Spirit and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, Judea and to the ends of the earth.
I think that my life verse (Acts 1:8) finds harmony in Satell’s ripple of change.
I am content with ripples.
Mele Kalikimaka!
Hi Pam,
Thank you for your kind words and the blessing for our cohort.
It’s been a joy to be on this journey together.
I had not heard the term “Sphere sovereignty” until now. You quoted Kuyper, “the goal is not to turn every sphere into a church but to discern what God intends within each domain. . . ” I’m curious as to how that conceptualization helps you move through your spheres of influence. What do you notice in your mediation work?
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Jenny,
Isn’t the concept of Sphere Sovereignty a helpful image? In a sense, the idea of focusing on what Christ wants to do in my own domains and following The Spirit’s lead, helps me relax. I appreciate the question of how it helps me move through my own spheres of influence (especially mediation) because I’ve become acutely aware that Christian presence isn’t about how gifted, or smart or skilled or bold I am or even if I am none of those things. The life of Christ living through me is a grace. I have struggled for years internally that I don’t necessarily have a ministry at church. I am finding more freedom when I focus on what God has given me to do outside of the Church – Sphere Sovereignty helps me imagine other possibilities. When I am in a mediation, I sense the strong sense of the Spirit as I offer all of me as the listener and go-between, being the neutral. I can imagine you might experience the same in your work and now in your NPO? Merry Christmas to you and your growing, precious family!
This is beautiful Pam…so beautiful.
Each of you is a person deeply committed in their faith with a desire to impact the world for the Kingdom. I have seen you acknowledge how every human being has dignity. I have witnessed you wanting Jesus’ power to infuse your own. Wherever you lead today and in the future, may Jesus guide you with His discernment on what God intends for the domain in which you serve. You are men and women of integrity who have shown me more of Christ.” Many Blessings to you and your beautiful family!
Jonita,
I am looking forward to seeing your documentary. May the work you are pouring into this project come back to you in full measure for such an act of faith.
Thank you Pam. Your intellect is dizzying and, as we say, you “syntopicaled” the crap out of that post. (Oh, I guess only I say that?)
Kuyper is an interesting cat. I’ve wrestled with how his concept of sphere sovereignty has morphed into the 7 mountain mandate theology, which I think is a bastardization of Kuyper.
It’s been great doing school with you over the last couple of years. I appreciate the passion and boldness you bring to the cohort, as well as your deep sense of Jesus.
Let’s get this done!!
Tim, Whatever will we do without a book a week to read and dissect?! Looking forward to seeing you in Newberg sometime! Sharing this cohort with you and meeting you has been a joy! You just ooze cool and calm (even though I know you’re an 8!)
Your opening quote made me immediately think of something Bono of U2 said,
“The idea that God, if there is a force of Love and Logic in the universe, that it would seek to explain itself is amazing enough. That it would seek to explain itself by becoming a child born in straw poverty, in shit and straw…a child…I just thought ‘Wow!’ Just the poetry…Unknowable love, unknowable power describes itself as the most vulnerable.”
Like Jesus, I have discovered you Pam to be a paradox of sorts. You are so wicked smart, and so deeply human and compassionate. I love that. I see that in you and encourage you to keep navigating that balance. It’s beautiful.
You are a joy and a delight. Grace and Peace to you my friend!
John,
I love Bono and U2 – I’ve not heard those lines before. For some reason I more struck this Advent season by the vulnerability of Christ in Mary’s womb. Thank you for sharing it!
You’re so funny! I am not that smart, I just reflect the incredible people around me! Thanks for seeing the human being in me!
Pam,
Such an amazing job bringing these ideas together. I am not familiar with Kuyper. You have peeked my interest. I hearly cried, screamed and jumped out of my seat in worship when you said, “Jesus’ Name stands above all thrones, dominions, power and positions.” AMEN!!
I am so grateful for you and our friendship. Appreciate the times we sat together on buses, walked together, and challenged each other in our journeys with Jesus. Praying that as you wrap up this final fall semester, that you will experience the peace of God which transcends ALL understanding.
You quote this key idea in Dominion: “That every human being possessed an equal dignity was not remotely self-evident a truth. A Roman would have laughed at it. To campaign against discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexuality, however, was to depend on large numbers of people sharing in a common assumption: That everyone possessed an inherent worth.” This one idea is beginning to change the conversations I have with people around me. My friends and neighbors here in my context are often steeped in secular humanism, but of course they don’t see that even that is built on a foundation of Christian values. This book was pivotal and important for that reason alone.
But mostly, Pam, I wanted to say thank you for your friendship and for consistently pointing us all toward Christ. You are a gift to our cohort.