Paper Proposal: BHS Centenary Conference, Prague, July 2008

I think I forgot to post details of the paper proposal that has been accepted for the Baptist Historical Society Centenary Conference in Prague, 16-19 July 2008.  Here it is:

'All Authority Has Been Given…': Renewing our Vision of the Great Commission

Matthew 28.16-20 has long been a crucial text for Baptists.  Its 'rediscovery' was one of the decisive factors in the rise of the Baptist missionary movement in the late 18th century.  In more recent times, however, that movement, and the text that provides its biblical warrant, have been subjected to sustained critique by those who see within them the divine legitimation of colonial expansion and exploitation.

My paper will survey the use of Matthew 28.16-20 in early Baptist writing, provide an overview of recent criticism from a postcolonial perspective, and offer some exegetical suggestions as to how we might 'renew our vision' of its central, missiological concerns.  I argue that a new vision of Baptist missionary activity must recognise that the command to go and disciple παντα τα ε͗θνη should not be detached from the claim to universal authority (πασα ε͗ξουσια) that the risen Jesus makes.  But such authority is the fulfilment of that which is present in the earthly ministry and future parousi/a of the Son of man.  This christological connection serves to relativize any imperial claims made by Jesus’ followers and remind them that their mission must be characterised by the suffering servanthood of the risen Lord whom they now worship.

Comments

[Sean]

Hi Andy (D) and welcome
I guess I see the Lukan narrative as conceptually pretty different and so cannot think of obvious correlations right now - however, the main Matthean theme, I think lies in the claim to universal authority that Jesus now makes post-resurrection. That seems to me to articulate a political claim (specifically counter-imperial in Matthew's case) that in turn generates a community with a new politics shaped by the authority of the Son of Man. My point in my work on Matthew 28 is that this is too easily detached from the authority manifest in Jesus' own ministry - and it is that understanding of authority and power that should in turn shape the politics and mission of the church ... or something like that.

[Andy Draycott]

Hi Sean

I'm looking into the missiological promise of a couple of contemporary political theologians and a crucial christological moment for both missionary and theo-political articualtion is the ascension. I'd be interested in how this admittedly Lukan theme interacts with Matt 28 in your sources, if at all. How does it correlate in your links between Jesus' earthly ministry and the future parousia?
(another) Andy (keeping up a Regent's connection)

[Sean]

Hi Andy
You may be right, but two comments:
1. Arguably the text derives its importance from the fact that it was a Baptist who 'rediscovered' it: William Carey. The first part of my paper will deal with this.
2. Given that it is so wisely used, it is probably a good idea to use it well: hence the need for a closer look at what it is actually saying about mission.
Hope all is well

[andy goodliff]

I find it interesting that Baptists seem so overly attached to Matt 28, as it shapes declaration of principle and national strategy. I find it an overly-cited and -used text ...