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Timothy P. Cotton
Anti-Imperial Theologian of Hope, and Author in the Post-Moltmannian tradition "Faith that confronts empire. Hope that transcends it" |
Prefatory Note: By Anti-Imperial Theologian of Hope, I do not mean opposition to a particular nation, party, or political ideology. I mean a form of Christian theology that takes seriously the biblical claim that Jesus Christ is Lord over every power, system, and empire that claims ultimate authority over human life.
This work stands in the Christian tradition that understands empire- whether religious, political, or economic- as a recurring temptation to replace the reign of God with systems of domination, exclusion, and control. To confront empire is therefore not a political posture first, but a theological confession rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The hope that animates this theology does not arise from reforming or baptising existing systems, but from God's promise of new creation- a future that judges the present and opens space for justice, Mercy, and faithful life in the midst of it.
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Tim is a native New Yorker, now residing in central Virginia, with his wife, Christine, as well as his children and grand-children. His theological journey has taken him through Rutgers University, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and the Vintage Bible College and Seminary, as well as the study of a great many denominations from the pews.
Along with many years of professional ministry, and an insatiable appetite for theology books, he has a deep and well-rounded understanding of Christian thought and history.
An ordained minister in the Reformed tradition, although not traditionally trained in a single institution or denomination, he has cultivated a rich and diverse theological perspective through extensive reading, scholarship, and hands-on ministry. Passionate about exploring the intersection of faith, eschatology, and a transformative vision of God's kingdom, he brings a thought-provoking approach to theology.
Tim's journey has landed him as what many have called a Post-Moltmanian Theologian. This refers to a theologian who engages with the legacy and theology of Jurgen Moltmann while also moving beyond or reinterpreting his thought in light of new questions, contexts, or insights. This doesn't mean rejecting Moltmann, quite the opposite. It is rather the standing on his theological shoulders to explore new horizons.
Tim develops Moltmann's core insights- especially the theology of hope, political theology, and the eschatological critique of empire- into the specific realities of 21st century America. His work applies Moltmann's eschatology to Christian nationalism, capitalism, colonial trauma, and the enduring structures of Christendom, arguing that the gospel is fundamentally incompatible with imperial forms of Christianity.
Through books, published papers, public theology, podcasts and digital teachings, he extends Moltmann's eschatological vision into a public, accessible, and politically engaged critique of contemporary American religion. His ministry represents a post-Moltmannian witness of hope, liberation, and the coming kingdom of God in a polarized and nationalistic age.
Field of Contribution: Public Theology, Christian nationalism, Empire Critique, Eschatology in Contemporary contexts
Tim's Books and Published works
This work stands in the Christian tradition that understands empire- whether religious, political, or economic- as a recurring temptation to replace the reign of God with systems of domination, exclusion, and control. To confront empire is therefore not a political posture first, but a theological confession rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The hope that animates this theology does not arise from reforming or baptising existing systems, but from God's promise of new creation- a future that judges the present and opens space for justice, Mercy, and faithful life in the midst of it.
-------------------
Tim is a native New Yorker, now residing in central Virginia, with his wife, Christine, as well as his children and grand-children. His theological journey has taken him through Rutgers University, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and the Vintage Bible College and Seminary, as well as the study of a great many denominations from the pews.
Along with many years of professional ministry, and an insatiable appetite for theology books, he has a deep and well-rounded understanding of Christian thought and history.
An ordained minister in the Reformed tradition, although not traditionally trained in a single institution or denomination, he has cultivated a rich and diverse theological perspective through extensive reading, scholarship, and hands-on ministry. Passionate about exploring the intersection of faith, eschatology, and a transformative vision of God's kingdom, he brings a thought-provoking approach to theology.
Tim's journey has landed him as what many have called a Post-Moltmanian Theologian. This refers to a theologian who engages with the legacy and theology of Jurgen Moltmann while also moving beyond or reinterpreting his thought in light of new questions, contexts, or insights. This doesn't mean rejecting Moltmann, quite the opposite. It is rather the standing on his theological shoulders to explore new horizons.
Tim develops Moltmann's core insights- especially the theology of hope, political theology, and the eschatological critique of empire- into the specific realities of 21st century America. His work applies Moltmann's eschatology to Christian nationalism, capitalism, colonial trauma, and the enduring structures of Christendom, arguing that the gospel is fundamentally incompatible with imperial forms of Christianity.
Through books, published papers, public theology, podcasts and digital teachings, he extends Moltmann's eschatological vision into a public, accessible, and politically engaged critique of contemporary American religion. His ministry represents a post-Moltmannian witness of hope, liberation, and the coming kingdom of God in a polarized and nationalistic age.
Field of Contribution: Public Theology, Christian nationalism, Empire Critique, Eschatology in Contemporary contexts
Tim's Books and Published works