" More than that, they are all practices that contradict the conventional assumptions of empire. In the empire: – There is no forgiveness. – There is no generous sharing. – There is no violation of class stratification. – There is no attentiveness to the vulnerable and the unproductive. – There is no humility in the face of exaltation. – There is no readiness for being last in a world of aggressive firstness. – There is no denial of self for the sake of the neighbor. "

― Walter Brueggemann , Names for the Messiah: An Advent Study