John Dominic Crossan: Paul, Rome, & the Violent Normalcy of Civilization
Homebrewed Christianity
Intro
This chapter examines Apostle Paul's complex relationship with the Roman Empire and his vision for an alternative to its violent society. The speakers analyze how Paul's radical ideas, particularly within the context of locations like Galatia, contrast with traditional narratives found in Luke-Acts.
In this session, biblical scholar Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two visions of peace in the ancient world. He contrasts Augustus' Res Gestae (carved imperial boasts of achievements) with Paul's letters, revealing how Rome established "peace through victory" while Paul offered an alternative vision based on justice and non-violence. Crossan traces this tension back to Genesis, where human civilization begins with Cain's fratricide and escalates through generations of violence, contrasting sharply with the divine vision of creation centered on Sabbath justice. Through archaeological evidence from Galatian sites where Paul traveled, Crossan demonstrates how these competing worldviews physically manifested in the landscape, ultimately challenging us to consider whether humanity's inherent tendency toward escalating violence makes us a sustainable species or whether we must embrace Paul's alternative vision of peace through justice.
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 & 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.
A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan
Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time. For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.
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