How Can We Reclaim Jesus from Empire?
Imagine a Christian faith grounded not in empire, but in relationship with creation at How Can We Reclaim Jesus from Empire? — an online gathering for those seeking a restorative vision for Christian life.
“People assume dominion means domination, but you don’t have to read the story that way.”
—Brian McLaren
Event Details
Do you feel disillusioned by the Christianity that you inherited and long to live a spirituality connected to compassion and creation?
At this 90-minute live online gathering, CAC Faculty Brian McLaren and guest teachers Randy Woodley and Edith Woodley will explore the ways Western Christianity became aligned with systems of domination and how Indigenous wisdom offers an alternative, based on Jesus’ values.
How Can We Reclaim Jesus from Empire? centers Indigenous wisdom as a vital, embodied alternative — offering a relational, restorative vision for Christian life.
You’ll leave this online gathering with new perspectives that keep you grounded in your faith and inspire you to practice more aligned with the sacredness of all life.
You will need a device with reliable internet access, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access Zoom.
Registration
Registration for this event is open from Wednesday, May 27, through Thursday, July 9, or until online space is full. All who register by July 9 will receive access to the live event and the replay for one full year. Replay access will be emailed within one week of the event’s end.
Cost
The full cost for this event is $95. While this price reflects the full cost of creating and offering this event, we are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation. That’s why we’re offering additional price levels — $30, $10, and $5 — so you can choose the price that best aligns with your current financial circumstances.
These reduced options are made possible by the generosity of our donor community, who help ensure that seekers from all walks of life can engage the wisdom that calls us toward healing, wholeness, and deepening love.
“CAC’s events gave me a new approach to my relationship with God, Jesus, and my Christian Faith. Instead of fighting everything, I look for God in it all.”
—Caroline L., CAC Community Member
Meet Your Speakers
Dr. Brian McLaren, CAC Core Faculty
CAC Core Faculty
Brian McLaren is a champion for a more loving, inclusive, and contemplative Christianity. As a former Evangelical pastor, he teaches ways to reconnect with the message Jesus lived and died for — unconditional love. He is the author of Faith After Doubt, The Great Spiritual Migration, and the host of CAC’s podcast Learning How to See.
Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley
CAC Guest Faculty
Randy Woodley, PhD, is the co-founder of Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice and Eloheh Seeds, promoting sustainable farming and Earth justice. Randy — a retired professor — writes and speaks on American culture, faith, justice, race, and Indigenous issues, emphasizing the natural world’s role in our lives and Indigenous wisdom.
Edith Woodley
Speaker and Author
Edith Woodley is also the co-founder of Eloheh, and she co-authored Journey to Eloheh. She was raised on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming and is a member of the Eastern Shoshone tribe. Edith has a degree from Bacone College and she mentors others in the spirituality of the land, farming methods, and seed-keeping. She is a leader in the Decolonizing with Badass Indigenous Grandmas cohort.
CAC encourages authentic conversation in our various online experiences. We expect all participants to abide by our community and conversation guidelines.
As we collectively navigate times of social and political instability, we hope you’ll find solidarity with the deep wisdom of Indigenous wisdom and contemplative Christianity.
Event details are subject to change. If you have any questions, contact our Community Support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participants will need a device with reliable internet access, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access Zoom.
Even if you are unable to join live, we recommend registering for the event, as all registrants will receive access to the online gathering recording for one full year.
Online gathering recordings will be sent to all registrants via email the week following the online gathering. Event recordings are available to view for one calendar year from the event date.
To cancel your online gathering registration and request a refund, please send your request to our Community Support Team. Requests must be received before July 9, 2026.
Registrations for the online gatherings are individual registrations. We ask that you do not share event access outside of individual or household viewing.