Turning an End into a New Beginning: Contesting Epistemic Authority in Matthew's Olivet Discourse

Abstract

The author reads the Olivet discourse from a post-colonial perspective. Scripture is misused when read from the perspective of "epistemological triumphalism." Such a reading, however well-intentioned, becomes exclusive and demotivating. The author describes the practice of reading contrapuntally and demonstrates the difficult blessing of hybridity--that viewpoints from other cultures and identities can create an in-between space that allows the invaluable voice of the invisible to be heard. When we hear and see those whom Jesus never abandons, we are freed to respond to God's call in an authentic way.