What do you think?
Rate this book
Imminent Domain: The Story of the Kingdom of God and Its Celebration
An intriguing, informed look at salvation and the kingdom of God
What is the kingdom of God? Where is it? How should the church celebrate the coming of the kingdom? In this popularly written study Ben Witherington addresses these and various other questions about the ever-elusive kingdom of God. Clearly defining the kingdom in terms of God’s dominion, Witherington discusses both its present (“already”) and its future (“not yet”) dimensions, and he brings out at length the implications of kingdom thinking for theology, ethics, and worship. End-of-chapter questions for reflection and discussion make the book ideal for church classes and study groups.
What is the kingdom of God? Where is it? How should the church celebrate the coming of the kingdom? In this popularly written study Ben Witherington addresses these and various other questions about the ever-elusive kingdom of God. Clearly defining the kingdom in terms of God’s dominion, Witherington discusses both its present (“already”) and its future (“not yet”) dimensions, and he brings out at length the implications of kingdom thinking for theology, ethics, and worship. End-of-chapter questions for reflection and discussion make the book ideal for church classes and study groups.
93 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 18, 2024
A very quick read from Ben Witherington III. I’ve enjoyed a number of his lectures, but I hadn’t read any of his books until now.
I especially loved the first half of this book, about the Kingdom of God as a present reality now which we are capable of manifesting in our personal lives and society. Witherington touches on some points regarding charity, justice, and love which are incredibly relevant for the Church at large to hear!
The second half of the book, about the Kingdom of God as a future establishment, contained some excellent points though it was not as compelling as the first half, to me. I enjoyed how Witherington presented the hope of resurrection as foundational to the Christian faith. I didn’t agree with all of his eschatological explanations, or at least would have liked him to flesh out his arguments more, but I greatly appreciated his emphasis on the Church’s role in making the Kingdom a present reality until the promise of complete restoration is fulfilled.
Overall, I would recommend this. It’s a short read, only about 83 pages, and does an excellent job framing the “already” and “not yet” aspects of the Kingdom of God.
I especially loved the first half of this book, about the Kingdom of God as a present reality now which we are capable of manifesting in our personal lives and society. Witherington touches on some points regarding charity, justice, and love which are incredibly relevant for the Church at large to hear!
The second half of the book, about the Kingdom of God as a future establishment, contained some excellent points though it was not as compelling as the first half, to me. I enjoyed how Witherington presented the hope of resurrection as foundational to the Christian faith. I didn’t agree with all of his eschatological explanations, or at least would have liked him to flesh out his arguments more, but I greatly appreciated his emphasis on the Church’s role in making the Kingdom a present reality until the promise of complete restoration is fulfilled.
Overall, I would recommend this. It’s a short read, only about 83 pages, and does an excellent job framing the “already” and “not yet” aspects of the Kingdom of God.
August 20, 2018
This book was an excellent little 'primer' on the Kingdom of God that would benefit people to read. I've often appreciated Witherington's writing style and contribution to theology and Biblical studies, and this book didn't disappoint. Splitting the book into two (2) parts and using the 'Lord's Prayer' as a structure for one of those parts, Witherington tackles the topic of what does "Kingdom of God" actually refer to and mean, and what are the implications thereof that we as followers of Jesus need to be aware of. I read this book as a supplement source to use in an upcoming series I'm doing with our campus ministry where we're going to look at the whole story of the Bible, and use the 'lens' of the Kingdom of God as we see how the whole Bible fits together from beginning to end. I'm excited to use this little book and see how it'll help college students develop a fresh and (hopefully) deeper understanding/appreciation for the "Kingdom of God."
May 14, 2019
A succinct look at the kingdom of God by an excellent biblical scholar. The short work is designed for the liturgical calendar in hopes of renewing the Church’s focus on God’s dominion in creation.
Witherington navigates several pressing issues ranging from God’s sovereign plan of redemption to a divine perspective on creation. The chapters are short with good discussion questions at the end of each one. The book is designed for small group usage as well as personal reading.
I especially like the tone of the author as he upholds the exclusivity of salvation in Christ with a compassion posture towards competing revelation claims in the world. This provides the reader with a succinct overview of what the kingdom actually means and provokes you to contemplate stewardship, eschatology (i.e., end times), ecology, proclamation and purposeful living in light of God’s glorious dominion.
Witherington navigates several pressing issues ranging from God’s sovereign plan of redemption to a divine perspective on creation. The chapters are short with good discussion questions at the end of each one. The book is designed for small group usage as well as personal reading.
I especially like the tone of the author as he upholds the exclusivity of salvation in Christ with a compassion posture towards competing revelation claims in the world. This provides the reader with a succinct overview of what the kingdom actually means and provokes you to contemplate stewardship, eschatology (i.e., end times), ecology, proclamation and purposeful living in light of God’s glorious dominion.
February 15, 2019
I thought the book was well organized. The author does a good job of marrying the "already-not yet" aspects of the Kingdom of God. As one who has swung between the overemphasis of the Kingdom to come as a conservative evangelical and the Kingdom that is now as a latter charismatic, this book brings a good balance between the two.
My only sense though is that the author drew a little too heavily on the constant translation of the word "Kingdom" as "Dominion." While it certainly can have this aspect in translation, the word kingdom itself can also have other implications, which if used, would have made for a much broader application of this study.
Overall, very worth the read.
My only sense though is that the author drew a little too heavily on the constant translation of the word "Kingdom" as "Dominion." While it certainly can have this aspect in translation, the word kingdom itself can also have other implications, which if used, would have made for a much broader application of this study.
Overall, very worth the read.
April 25, 2018
Ben Witherington III has a way of taking deep theological treatises and helping anyone grasp it. How do I know this? My dad said as much as we finished listening to it on our recent trip. When you can take a very heady subject like the Kingdom of God and break it down as well as Witherington does, it's a real talent.
December 17, 2018
A much-needed book. A clear and compelling case for Kingdom-shaped hope, Kingdom-ordered life, and Kingdom-proclaimed worship and mission.
Drop the mic, BW3... and then quickly pick it back up and keep preaching!
Drop the mic, BW3... and then quickly pick it back up and keep preaching!
December 6, 2022
Dr. Witherington was my NT professor and he always gives me something to ponder and chew upon, this little book being no exception! Much I was already aware of, but with new connections and challenges to encourage me to remember and LIVE into God's Dominion.
December 28, 2021
The Kingdom (or Dominion) of God was the focus of Jesus' preaching but is underemphasized in today's churches. This short study on the Kingdom can help people get their gospel priorities straight.
April 3, 2022
Excellent! Bridges new heavens new earth eschatology and kingdom of God theology in a helpful and practical way. Short, accessible, readable.
January 2, 2023
Very interesting look at Kingdomtide and what exactly the Dominion of God is. Very enlightening. I believe this is from a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective.
February 23, 2010
A worthy read, if only to get the mind wondering about a few of the pints Witherington brings up. It's a short book that deals with Kingtomtide and the present/future Kingdom quite well. However, Witherington's thoughts on Heaven are presented with skeleton support and open more questions than are answered. If he could deal with these sections in more detail for the next edition, Imminent Domain could be a classic.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews