I'm not sure this is the best way to start a review for a book centered on faith, however, I can't help but start with a basic acknowledgement - if you know the theological world of Kat Armas, you know that Kat Armas doesn't fu** around.

"Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World" isn't your grandma's book of liturgies (Well, unless you have a truly bada** grandma. They do exist. I didn't have one.).

In fact, you'll likely have to really understand the definition of liturgy to really understand just how dynamic a book of liturgies "Liturgies for Resisting Empire" really is from beginning to end.

It's almost cliche' to say that a writer dives deep, however, Armas casts a spell (I think Christians are allowed to do that) with this thoughtful and precise glimpse inside a world empire likes to cosplay as Christianity and captivates us with charismatic tomfoolery.

Armas really starts the discussion in common ground - we want to belong. It's who we are as humans. It's who we are as Christians. We want to belong. What does that really mean? What does that really mean when we're surrounded by a society that isn't exactly compelling?

I mean, c'mon. Who would really want to belong to all of this ?

With "Liturgies for Resisting Empire," Armas guides us away from dominance and power and toward community and humanity and into a place where we genuinely want to belong.

I struggled, at least initially, to get into Armas's rhythm. "Liturgies for Resisting Empire" isn't some Cliff's Notes book of liturgies. It's grounded in wisdom that Armas helps us practically apply and actually makes us want to apply. For those used to warm and fuzzy liturgies, Armas instead constructs theologically immersive and profoundly impactful liturgies combatting systems of control and colonial biblical interpretation. She brings forth the New Testament church that shunned Roman imperial power in favor of countercultural communities more concerned with kingdome values than oppressive dominance.

"Liturgies for Resisting Empire" is intellectually resonant, emotionally accessible, and remarkably human amidst it all. Hopeful and empowering, "Liturgies for Resisting Empire" is the type of theological empowerment and challenge we've come to expect from Kat Armas and I couldn't possibly be more thankful for it.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic