This chapter 'A Durable Metaphor - Now Contemporary' is brought to an end with reference to New Testament language that will make us consider what we see around us - fruits. This is a bit longer than usual and it is the end of this chapter.
It is an enormous leap to the New Testament, but the Epistles' reconsideration of "fruits" falls within the midst of our topic. The Epistles delight to make contrasts between the old life and the new life in Christ:
(Brueggemann notes several examples - here I will put in only one)
The works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these....By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:19-23 emphasis added)
It is an enormous transposition to consider these inventories of the Epistles and to move them toward present-day questions of empire. Certainly an empire cannot be expected to replicate the marks of a faith community. I believe, nonetheless, that the transposition is compellingly illuminating. There is no suggestion that the empire is satanic or demonic simply because it cannot make such a replication. But empires do thrive on practices that are inimical to covenantal righteousness. It is not difficult to see that the 'fruits of empire' are indeed 'greed (which is idolatry). The combination of military power, economic exploitation, indifference to environment, and a theology of entitlement generates antihuman values, policies, and practices. The community of faith, in the midst of empire, is called to a 'more excellent way' (1 Corinthians 12:31), a way that consists in hospitality, generosity, and forgiveness. The empire is an odd and hostile environment for such practice.
The language of the faith is one that is very vocal about fruits - what is seen - what is produced - almost what one expects to see from ones who use language as we do. Empires show their fruits also. Some are dynamic and good for all. But too often, the world sees more of the other qualities - works of the flesh. We plug into the empire by consistently working for the welfare of all - this must take place among us (as a light and reminder of what is necessary and good) and a voice to the world in which we find ourselves - a prophetic edge that lifts high the banner of God's Reign so that the world may 'catch a glimpse' of that which is not consumed in self-satisfaction.
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