Abstract
Following on from Colossians Remixed (2004), Romans Disarmed represents a culmination of Keesmaat’s and Walsh’s reflections on arguably the most famous and divisive Pauline letter. They express their purpose and conviction thus: ‘Somehow we need to hear this text [Romans] anew in a way that brings together and heals rather than tears apart and hurts.’ (p.106)
The first four chapters lay out the key concepts of the book. Chapter 1 introduces the main arguments: Paul is not writing a theological treatise but grieving the present injustices of the Empire and challenging it subversively. Chapter 2 imagines how Romans might originally have been heard. Two characters—a Gentile servant-woman and a Judean manual labourer—exchange their views on the letter. Chapter 3 explores the notion and theory of worldview: particularly in diagnosing contemporary issues which impact cultural identity. Walsh has collaborated with N. T. Wright in this area which gives the section gravitas. Chapter 4 then considers how Romans has a central thread of homecoming—the spirit of which the apostle is trying to recapture for his hearers.
The following chapters are more thematic. Each chapter takes a cultural issue represented by the epistle, interprets the relevant passages, and tries, with mixed success, to translate the principles into a contemporary context: chapter 5 focuses on the environment; chapter 6 on economic (in)justice; chapters 7 and 8 are political focusing on attitudes towards powers—past and present. Particularly bold moves are made with Romans 13 to argue that Paul attacks the powers behind the Roman Empire. Chapter 9 considers the final part of Romans 1 (vv. 26-32) and issues of sexuality: arguing, inter alia, that Paul’s primary target is the emperors and the passage should not be used to condemn contemporary notions of homosexuality. Chapter 10 combines these themes under the headings of ‘Salvation, Lament and Hope’, and issues a challenging conclusion to engage in lament for inequality and to walk with the oppressed.
Offering an assessment of Romans Disarmed is not straightforward. In trying both to engage in academic interpretation of Romans, and to issue a clarion call to respond actively to contemporary socio-political issues in the West, its intended readership is broad. On one hand, the book is powerfully and passionately articulated. By employing an interlocutor to anticipate objections and targums to imagine how parts of Romans might be heard today, the book is readable and engaging. Good arguments are made concerning the apostle’s use of the Hebrew Bible, particularly the psalms of lament. On the other hand, some of the presuppositions of the book, particularly concerning the purpose of Romans, and the resultant conclusions are less convincing and divisive. Is the letter truly a lament with homecoming at its centre? Nevertheless, Romans Disarmed is to be commended as an insightful, challenging, and stimulating contribution.