John Dominic Crossan: Paul, Josephus, & the Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance
Apr 6, 2025
auto_awesome
John Dominic Crossan, a leading biblical scholar and author, explores ancient visions of faith through the lenses of Paul and Josephus. He discusses how Josephus viewed Roman power as divinely sanctioned, while Paul proposed a radical alternative focused on nonviolent resistance. Crossan reveals historical movements in first-century Judaism that challenged empire, linking them to Jesus' call to 'love your enemies.' This thought-provoking dialogue questions whether embracing such nonviolent resistance is the key to overcoming modern violence and achieving justice.
John Dominic Crossan highlights the stark contrast between Paul’s radical vision of justice and Josephus's alignment with imperial authority.
The podcast emphasizes the role of organized nonviolent resistance movements in first-century Judaism as foundational to understanding Jesus' teachings.
Metaphors within Paul's writings are shown to actively create narratives that influence beliefs about justice and community in early Christianity.
Deep dives
The Role of Theology Beer Camp
The annual Theology Beer Camp offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage deeply with theological discussions while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The event encourages fellowship among attendees who share similar interests in faith, justice, and theology, presenting an environment conducive to open dialogue. Participants have described it as a thought-provoking experience that challenges conventional beliefs and fosters a sense of community. The camp features various theologians and educators, allowing attendees to interact with diverse perspectives on faith and spirituality.
Paul as a Radical Thinker
The podcast highlights the distinction between viewing Paul as a radical versus a liberal thinker. Paul’s radical nature stems from his belief in a new creation, suggesting that his teachings were not merely superficial fixes to existing problems but rooted in deep transformation. This radicalism contrasts with a liberal approach that merely adjusts the surface-level issues without addressing the underlying societal structures. By emphasizing this radical perspective, listeners are invited to reconsider the implications of Paul's message and its significance for contemporary faith discussions.
Comparison of Josephus and Paul
The podcast discusses the compelling comparison between Josephus and Paul, both Pharisees, to delve into their contrasting views on empire and authority. Josephus, who aligned himself with the Roman Empire, presents a different theological stance that supports its power, while Paul articulates a perspective that challenges imperial authority. This comparative analysis underscores how each individual's interpretation of their Jewish heritage shaped their responses to the sociopolitical realities of their time. Understanding this contrast invites deeper reflections on the nature of power, belief, and resistance in both historical and modern contexts.
Metaphors and Their Impact on Early Christian Thought
The podcast explores the significance of metaphors in shaping the understanding of resurrection and ascension, especially in the context of Paul's writings. The speaker argues that metaphors do not simply describe reality; they actively create it, influencing the narrative and beliefs surrounding early Christian theology. This perspective challenges listeners to recognize how these metaphors infused early Christian understandings of justice, resurrection, and the nature of God. Thus, interpreting Paul’s message through the lens of metaphor enables a richer grasp of its ethical implications for contemporary social justice and community.
The Call for Nonviolent Resistance
A key theme discussed is the relationship between Paul's advocacy for nonviolent resistance and the historical context in which he lived. The notion of nonviolence as a powerful form of resistance in the face of empires is positioned as an essential element in understanding both Jesus and Paul’s teachings. Emphasizing this form of resistance highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities and their struggles against oppression. This discussion prompts listeners to reflect on how these ancient practices might resonate with contemporary movements for justice and human rights.
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.
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.
3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.
ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today
The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"
Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.
Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.
As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!
