Echoes of Empire

What is it about?

This article takes a closer look at how Christian beliefs and imperial power became closely connected during the early church, especially through the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It examines Peter Leithart’s Defending Constantine alongside African theological responses to explore how this alliance shaped long-lasting models of Church and State working together. Using South African theologian Allan Boesak’s idea of “Kairos consciousness” — a call to respond to critical moments in history — the article questions how this early partnership still affects the church today, especially in global contexts. It also challenges the ecumenical church to rethink its theology in light of efforts to decolonize and adapt to a changing context of world christianity.

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Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Echoes of Empire is unique in how it brings postcolonial and decolonial theological analysis into direct conversation with contemporary African political and ecclesial realities, showing that empire is not merely a historical phenomenon but a continuing structure of power. The article is timely because it speaks into renewed global debates about democracy, nationalism, and religious authority, particularly in postcolonial African contexts where colonial legacies remain deeply embedded. Sakupapa’s intervention is distinctive in its refusal to treat theology as neutral, instead exposing how theological language can both contest and reproduce imperial logics. At a moment when religion is increasingly mobilised in public life, the article offers critical tools for discerning when faith becomes complicit in domination and when it can serve emancipatory ends.

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