This is some biblical studies nerd stuff, but I’ve been very influenced by Empire Criticism, a current trend in biblical studies that reads a counter-imperial message in Jesus and Paul, and of course particularly the form that NT Wright has advanced.  Scot McKnight, a scholar and blogger whose subtlety I appreciate and interests I share, though I don’t always agree with his nuancing, edited a book on empire criticism (oversimplified: “taken too far”) and responds to Wright’s latest articulation (oversimplified: “not taken too far”) in a manner that I appreciate.  Holler back if anyone else reading this cares; to me, with my theological and spiritual interests, it’s of monumental importance.