Mission and Principalities and Powers Reconsidered

This article examines the implications for public witness of the Pauline notion of principalities and powers with reference to Bosch, Newbigin, Bevans and Schroeder, Acolatse, Wink, Barth, and Moltmann. It critiques popular contemporary ideas of "spiritual warfare" in light of the relevant Pauline texts and theological arguments. It examines the theological idea that the source of evil lies in godlessness and how this idea illuminates the concept of principalities and powers for contemporary Christian practice. It argues that it is the mission of the church to publicly bear witness and to evangelize the principalities and powers in both personal and systemic forms while maintaining a humble but firm trust in the liberating work of Christ.