Paulines frame Christian struggle as against oppressive systems, not people

Evidence

Rather, recognize that in Christ all the fullness of the deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been given this fullness. Jesus claimed to fulfill the promise of good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and deliverance for the oppressed. And the word of God, the glorious mystery, is Christ in us, the hope of glory. Through us, Christ continues that work. God has disarmed the powers and authorities of this present world, the powers and principalities of darkness. For our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the sin-soaked systems of oppression that crush and tyrannize our neighbors. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, we can live into his example of service and sacrifice for others, resulting in abundant life for all, rather than control and domination of others (see Col. 2:6–15; Eph. 6:12). — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 753

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Christians can oppose nationalism by serving rather than leading the marginalized. — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 328; Christianity’s perceived enemies were increasingly linked and persecuted together — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1368; Paul’s theology frames enmity and subjection as a single divided condition (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Paul’s theology frames enmity and subjection as a single divided condition #expands (0.80)
• Christians can oppose nationalism by serving rather than leading the marginalized. #expands (0.75) — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 328
• White supremacists claim Christian identity against Christ’s teachings #exemplifies (0.75)
• Christianity’s perceived enemies were increasingly linked and persecuted together #complicates (0.72) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1368
• Violent supremacist groups claim to be true Christians despite Christ’s anti-prejudice teachings #exemplifies (0.72)