Filled to Be Emptied

The Path to Liberation for Privileged People

by Brandan J. Robertson

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Pub Date Feb 15 2022 | Archive Date Sep 19 2023

Westminster John Knox Press

Christian | Nonfiction (Adult)

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Description

"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself . . ." (Philippians 2:5–7a)

These ancient words offer a guide for modern Christians wrestling with their privileged place in an unequal and unjust world. The Kenosis Hymn (as this passage quoted by the apostle Paul is known) celebrates Jesus for his willingness to forego the divine glory that he is due, instead humbling himself to serve the oppressed and outcast of his society.

Through a combination of in-depth Bible study and social analysis, Filled to Be Emptied invites readers to explore the hymn verse by verse and see Jesus' self-emptying example as a model for privileged people to see their advantages not “as something to be exploited” but as something to be laid aside to seek the good of others. Brandan J. Robertson walks readers through a step-by-step process of identifying their privilege, exploring their privilege, and ultimately leveraging their privilege as a tool for the liberation and redemption of the world. Filled to Be Emptied is an essential book for all followers of Christ who are seeking to live lives of justice.

Advance Praise

"In Filled To Be Emptied, Robertson provides a challenging, compelling, and ultimately profoundly encouraging case for understanding and practicing Christianity as a socially transformative faith that requires dying to the pursuit of privilege. Anyone who seeks to understand Jesus' call to transform the world we live in to look more like the Kingdom of God—to labor without ceasing to co-create a more just, inclusive world "on Earth as it is heaven"—should read this book."
-Adam Russell Taylor, President, Sojourners

"Jesus is the ultimate example of laying down his privilege for the sake of love and justice. Through this book, Robertson offers a thoughtful exploration of how we can follow in his footsteps. He challenges each of us to confront our own privilege and choose the path that leads to flourishing for all."
-Jennifer Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life

"Robertson invites vulnerable self-reflection by his own example. Releasing ourselves from captive privilege and power in order to pursue peace and equity is uncomfortable. Yet ultimately it is the path toward human flourishing. Read and be challenged to deeper levels of spiritual impact right here, right now.”
-Cedric Harmon, Executive Director of Many Voices: A Black Church Movement for LGBT Justice

"Robertson has written a vigorous summons to the advantaged to heed the summons of Christ. By an alert, sustained appeal to the ancient Christian hymn of Philippians 2, Robertson lines out how we who are advantaged may embrace an alternative life that resonates with God’s good news. Though we may be “filled” with the trinkets of capitalism, we may be “emptied” of them in order to bed “filled” with the goodness of God. The focus is relentlessly on actual concrete practice. Robertson shows the way to alternative practice that is emancipatory and reconciling, a major gift."
-Walter Brueggemann, author of Journey to the Common Good

Marketing Plan

-Print and digital advertising
-Interviews and podcasts
-Paid social and Amazon campaigns
-Promotion on his Tik Tok page
-A book trailer
-Instagram live with Jacqui Lewis