The Emptied Christ of Philippians
A Refreshing Commentary
The Emptied Christ of Philippians: Mahatana Meditations, John P. Keenan (Wipf and Stock, Eugene, 2015)
As a student of the Bible, I always appreciate fresh insights on a well-worn topic or text. John P. Keenan has provided the reader many such insights on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, in his book The Emptied Christ of Philippians: Mahatana Meditations.
The starting point for Keenan’s commentary is the Kenosis verses, which are found in Philippians 2:5-8. He doesn’t base his on the words of the Church Fathers, or on the writings of the plethora of current white male Biblical scholars, though. Nor, does he use the new perspectives of female, people of color, or Queer Community commentators. Instead Keenan’s new understanding of Paul’s words comes from the view point of the ancient Buddhist doctrine of emptiness. Keenan doesn’t stop at the few verses of Philippians 2. He rather demonstrates that the theme of the kenosis/emptiness doctrine is interwoven throughout the entire epistle.
There are many things that I like about this book. Keenan’s work is a thorough examination and interpretation of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It digs deep into each text. The reader sees Paul in a different light. Paul is more than an ex-Pharisee, brilliant theologian, and unstoppable missionary. He is also a man struggling to allow kenosis to take place in his life, as he follows the example of his Lord. The book also contains a spirited conversation between Christian theology and the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness.
When I put the book down, I realized that I had gain more than a few interesting tidbits to include in my sermons, Bible studies or small group conversations. I had learned something new and life changing in my walk of faith. There was a new invitation to, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
I highly recommend this book.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.