Diana Butler Bass & John Dominic Crossan: The Resurrection of Jesus
Mar 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Diana Butler Bass, an acclaimed author and scholar, and John Dominic Crossan, a leading expert on the historical Jesus, join forces to explore the resurrection of Jesus through innovative and progressive lenses. They delve into the contrasting interpretations of resurrection, challenging traditional views and emphasizing its transformative implications. The discussion also covers the impact of these concepts on social justice movements and the significance of personal faith in relational contexts. Expect rich insights into early Christianity and vibrant intergenerational dialogue.
The resurrection is redefined as a symbol of accountability and transformation, encouraging believers to engage meaningfully with social justice issues.
Metaphor plays a crucial role in interpreting the resurrection, allowing for deeper engagement with faith and a call to action against injustice.
The differing Western and Eastern theological perspectives on resurrection highlight the importance of a communal understanding of Jesus' significance in faith history.
Deep dives
Exploring the Resurrection's Significance
The resurrection of Jesus is presented as a pivotal event that influences the beliefs of progressive Christians, offering a broader interpretation than that of conservative Christians. The discussion highlights how the resurrection is not simply about physical resuscitation but encompasses themes of accountability and transformation within the community of faith. Diana Butler Bass and John Domini Crosson articulate that understanding resurrection through a broader theological lens allows for a vision of hope rather than a mere historical account. This perspective empowers individuals to engage with the resurrection meaningfully, considering its implications for justice and societal change.
The Role of Metaphor in Understanding Resurrection
The conversation emphasizes the importance of metaphor in interpreting the resurrection narrative, suggesting that these images shape how believers perceive reality and their role in it. Dom argues that traditional views surrounding resurrection and ascension can limit our understanding of spiritual participation and agency within the world. By reframing these events as metaphors for human accountability, the dialogue encourages listeners to engage with the deeper meanings behind the narratives. This approach fosters a richer connection to the resurrection as a call to action in the quest for justice and moral integrity.
Differences Between Western and Eastern Traditions
A critical difference between Western and Eastern theological interpretations of the resurrection is discussed, particularly how these perspectives influence the understanding of Jesus’ role and significance. The Western tradition tends to emphasize ascension and individual resurrection, while the Eastern narrative illustrates a communal resurrection that seeks to redeem humanity as a whole. The conversation explores how these rooted traditions may affect current interpretations of Christianity, urging a reconsideration of how believers engage with their faith history. This exploration ultimately promotes a more inclusive understanding of resurrection that transcends cultural boundaries.
The Resurrection as Political Participation and Action
The resurrection is framed not merely as a miraculous event but as a potent symbol of political resistance and social justice. The speakers assert that understanding the resurrection in light of ongoing struggles against oppression and violence enriches its relevance for contemporary believers. By understanding the resurrection as a transformative act, Christians are invited to embody its principles through active participation in societal change. This perspective encourages believers to view their faith as intrinsically linked to justice, reinforcing the idea that resurrection is about enacting and promoting peace and equity in the world.
The Challenge of Modern Epistemology
The podcast delves into the challenges presented by modernity and enlightenment thinking on the interpretation of resurrection and faith. The speakers contend that many Christians have internalized a simplistic and fragmented view of scripture and resurrection that overlooks the broader theological implications. This narrow lens often leads to contentious debates over literal interpretations versus metaphorical understandings of the resurrection. The dialogue calls for a reevaluation of these frameworks, suggesting that embracing a participatory and inclusive approach to resurrection can lead to a deeper and more authentic engagement with faith in contemporary society.
This week, we are joined by Diana Butler Bass as we discuss the historical Jesus, the resurrected Christ, and a host of questions from members of the online 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.
