Doing theology requires dissension and tenacity. Dissension is required when scriptural texts, and the colonial bodies and traditions (read: Babylon) that capitalize upon those, inhibit or prohibit "rising to life." With "nerves" to dissent, the attentions of the first cluster of essays extend to scriptures and theologies, to borders and native peoples. The title for the first cluster - "talking back with nerves, against Babylon" - appeals to the spirit of feminist (to talk back against patriarchy) and RastafarI (to chant down Babylon) critics. The essays in the second cluster - titled "persevering with tenacity, through shitstems" - testify that perseverance is possible, and it requires tenacity. Tenacity is required so that the oppressive systems of Babylon do not have the final word. These two clusters are framed by two chapters that set the tone and push back at the usual business of doing theology, inviting engagement with the wisdom and nerves of artists and poets, and two closing chapters that open up the conversation for further dissension and tenacity. Doing theology with dissension and tenacity is unending.

How should we relate to 'others' - those within a particular tradition, those of different traditions, and those who are oppressed? In the light of these anxieties, and building on the work of Andrew Shanks, this book offers a vision of Christ as 'the Shaken One', rooted in community with others. Shaped through dialogue with the theologies of John Hick and Lesslie Newbigin, Adams urges Christian communities to attend more deeply to the demands of ecumenical, dialogical and political theologies, to embody an ever greater 'solidarity of others' - a quality of community better demonstrating Christlike 'other-regard'.

How should we relate to 'others' - those within a particular tradition, those of different traditions, and those who are oppressed? In the light of these anxieties, and building on the work of Andrew Shanks, this book offers a vision of Christ as 'the Shaken One', rooted in community with others. Shaped through dialogue with the theologies of John Hick and Lesslie Newbigin, Adams urges Christian communities to attend more deeply to the demands of ecumenical, dialogical and political theologies, to embody an ever greater 'solidarity of others' - a quality of community better demonstrating Christlike 'other-regard'.

Perhaps, after all, the decolonising agenda isn't extra baggage the church needs to carry on top of everything else. Perhaps, instead, it is the very heart of what the church should be about - disrupting, uncomfortable, and bringing about a kind of 'holy anarchy'. In Holy Anarchy, Graham Adams points to a realm in which all dynamics of domination, not least in the church, are subverted. It cuts across the loyalties and boundaries of religion and fosters the greatest possible solidarity amongst the different. Urgent and timely, the book weaves together themes around Empire, liberation and decolonial practice with an exploration of the nature and scope of church community, interreligious engagement, mission, and worship.

Dave Johnson's dreams have come true. He's taken Seattle by storm as Powerhouse, a metal-clad crime fighter. His awesome array of powers has the underworld on the run, his charitable efforts are a success, and he has a popular comic book. When his publisher is bought out, he's given every fan's dream: he's tasked with creating his own line of comic books. His biggest problem is his tendency to attract campy, wannabe "supervillains" who aren't worthy opponents.
Mitch "the Pharaoh" Farrow wants to turn Dave's dream into a nightmare. Mitch's job is to spread cynicism ahead of an interdimensional alien invasion. The aliens' king has promised to cure Mitch's dying daughter when he takes over and Mitch will do anything to save her. He uses every tool at his disposal, from a massive media smear machine to a force field bubble that crushes its victim into atoms.
With the help of new allies and old friends, Powerhouse strives to protect his family and the citizens of Seattle from the forces of cynicism.

A year ago, Dave Johnson flew high as the super-powered crime fighter Powerhouse, defeating Seattle's top crime family and becoming a local legend. In the process, his marriage nearly crashed, his eldest son suffered a life-threatening injury, and Dave lost his super powers. Now, Dave is a new Christian, a stay-at-home Dad, and living off memories and comic book royalties.
An interdimensional alien hires the cynical Mitch Farrow as the CEO of Dorado Incorporated. Farrow attacks Powerhouse's legacy in the media. This only prompts Dave to seek to regain his powers and become Powerhouse again. This time, he's determined to not only fight crime, but poverty, fatherlessness, and hunger and enlists the help of local churches.
Farrow' then hires a lawyer who threatens Powerhouse with frivolous lawsuits that could ground him forever. Outraged, the Johnson family's super-powered alien chef pledges to rid Earth of lawyers and introduces his race's robotic lawyers. He unwittingly sells the plans to a Dorado subsidiary, who equips the Robolawyers with powerful alien weapons that make them the most dangerous threat Powerhouse has ever faced.