In this session, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two competing visions in the ancient world: divine deliverance and human resistance. He contrasts the positions of two self-identified Pharisees - Paul and Josephus - revealing how Josephus portrayed Rome's imperial power as divinely ordained while Paul offered a radical alternative vision. Most provocatively, Crossan uncovers evidence of organized nonviolent resistance movements in first-century Judaism that predated Jesus and Paul, suggesting these movements connected Pharisaic beliefs about the resurrection with nonviolent opposition to empire. This historical context illuminates Jesus' command to "love your enemies" as a form of nonviolent resistance, challenging us to consider whether humanity must embrace Paul's radical vision of justice over empire to become a sustainable species. Through archaeological and textual evidence, Crossan demonstrates how these competing worldviews physically manifested in the ancient world, ultimately asking whether Paul's alternative vision remains our best hope against escalating violence.

To access all 5 of Crossan's lectures, submit questions, and join future live streams, head here to join the class.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida.

Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp

• Paul, Rome, & the Violent Normalcy of Civilization
• Paul & the Fictional History of Luke-Acts
• Paul & Thecla
• Ask JC Anything
• Diana Butler Bass & John Dominic Crossan: The Resurrection of Jesus
• Brian McLaren & John Dominic Crossan: The Message of Jesus & the Judgement of Civilization
• Brian Zahnd & John Dominic Crossan: God, Violence, Empire, & Salvation
• Why the Biblical Paul is Awesome
• Christian Resurrection & Human Evolution
• The Cross & the Crisis of Civilization
• The Coming Kingdom & the Risen Christ
• The Parables of Jesus & the Parable of God
• How to think about Jesus like a Historian
• the Last Week of Jesus’ Life
• Jesus, Paul, & Bible Questions
• Saving the Biblical Christmas Stories
• the most important discovery for understanding Jesus
• The Bible, Violence, & Our Future
• Resurrecting Easter
• on the First Christmas 
•  From Jesus’ Parables to Parables of God 
• Render Unto Caesar
• on God & Empire

Join Dom Crossan at ...Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025

3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.

ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today

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Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN.

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