In The Politics of Jesus, Yoder quotes from Berkhof who seems to understand Paul's 'principalities and powers' as forces at work in the world. Berkhof emphasises that Paul is really saying that in the church a new 'power' or 'force' has come into the world which stands opposed to the ways of the world. This is a more rational understanding of Principalities and Powers and it makes a lot of sense in the way that Christianity gives a new motivation and attitude to our living. Christ sets us free from a world driven by self-interest and greed. The structures of oppression and injustice do not hold the Christian who lives for the promotion of love and justice.
To what extent are Principalities and Powers spiritual? For as long as I don't fully understand the spiritual dimension of life (i.e. forever) I suppose that the best approach is to continue to pray against strongholds and to live the fight against material injustice.
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