The Bible For Normal People [Bible] Episode 291: John Dominic Crossan - Paul's Vision Beyond Violence
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Feb 17, 2025 John Dominic Crossan, a renowned Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, discusses his insights on Paul's evolution from a persecutor to a proponent of a messianic vision. He highlights the implications of Jesus's execution as a reflection of societal violence and the transformative power of resurrection in fostering a peaceful civilization. The conversation dives into the complexity of the Pharisees, cosmic justice, and how these themes resonate in both historical and modern contexts, offering a thought-provoking lens on faith and morality.
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Pharisees and Cosmic Justice
- Pharisees represented the center, caught between Sadducees (right-wing) and Essenes (left-wing).
- They were popular because they promoted the idea of cosmic justice, appealing to those seeking hope.
Jesus vs. Paul
- Crossan doubts Jesus was a Pharisee, viewing him as a storyteller, not an academic.
- He believes Jesus and Paul had different communication styles, with Paul being more scholarly.
Paul's Conversion
- Paul's conversion wasn't from Pharisee to Christian but from a persecuting to a messianic Pharisee.
- His Pharisaic faith enabled this shift without a breakdown.