Earthly Empire Divine Kin

A Journey of Resistance with Bonhoeffer

As Lent begins, Leah launches a special series within “Earthly Empire & Divine Kin-dom,” focusing on the life and resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. She examines how Bonhoeffer’s time in New York—studying at Union Theological Seminary, worshiping at Abyssinian Baptist Church, and confronting American racism—transformed his understanding of Jesus and justice. These experiences sharpened his resistance to Hitler’s rise in Germany, as he saw faith not as mere platitudes but as a radical call to action. Leah challenges us to reflect on our own lives: How have our experiences shaped our faith? How do we discern our personal path of resistance to injustice? This teaching invites us to step into Lent with renewed awareness, courage, and commitment to the work of Divine kin-dom.

Review Leah’s notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Resistance Stories

In this next installment of the “Empire and Kin-dom” series, Leah examines how resistance stories have shaped movements for justice and survival. She highlights Harriet Tubman’s unwavering faith in liberation and the ways enslaved people found hope in the Exodus story. Turning to the Book of Daniel, Leah unpacks how the Jewish court tales provided strength and defiance against empire, offering a vision of divine kinship over domination. These stories have empowered communities to hold onto their identity and resist empire. In a time when authoritarianism seeks to erase and control, Leah challenges us to reclaim the stories that sustain us and imagine a different future.

Review Leah’s notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

The Widest Possible Difference

Leah launches the “Earthly Empire and Divine Kin-dom” series by exploring the stark contrast between earthly power and God’s vision for community. Drawing on the story of Frederick Douglass, the warnings of the prophet Samuel, and Jesus’ proclamation of the “Kin-dom of God,” she challenges us to discern the difference between empire and divine kinship. This teaching invites us to resist systems of oppression and build a faith rooted in justice, solidarity, and love.

Review Leah’s notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.