An Apocalyptic Christmas, part 1: Resisting the Empire, Dr. Cynthia Westfall
Dec 16, 2024
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Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall, an Associate Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College, dives into the Christmas story through the lens of Revelation. She discusses the historical backdrop of the Roman Empire and its impact on early Christians. The podcast highlights a cosmic battle against evil, the challenges of ethical consumerism, and the need for divine allegiance over political idolatry. Westfall challenges listeners to reflect on contemporary societal issues while celebrating the redemptive power of Christ amid oppression and militarism.
The Christmas story, framed through Revelation, critiques the imperial power dynamics and consumerism overshadowing Jesus' humble birth.
Dr. Westfall emphasizes the historical oppression experienced by the Jewish population under Roman rule and its implications for Jesus' teachings.
The podcast encourages modern Christians to critically reflect on their societal engagements and prioritize allegiance to God over materialism.
Deep dives
Conference Overview and Importance
The upcoming Exiles in Babylon conference is set to take place from April 3rd to April 5th, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This conference will address critical themes such as the gospel and race, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd, as well as discussions regarding transgender individuals in the church and the intersection of social justice and the gospel. Notable speakers include Adam Davidson, an atheist journalist, and Sean McDowell, which promises a dynamic debate on the role of the evangelical church in society. Attendees will also enjoy breakout sessions and a lively after party, making the event not only informative but also engaging.
Understanding Christmas Through Revelation
The first episode of a three-part series invites listeners to view the Christmas story through the lens of the book of Revelation, examining themes of power, militarism, and imperialism. It posits that the familiar elements of Christmas are often overshadowed by a Western consumerist imagination, diverging from the reality of Jesus’ humble birth in a politically oppressive environment. Specifically, Revelation chapter 12 recounts the nativity narrative, depicting the cosmic struggle between good and evil as Satan attempts to devour the newborn Christ, a vivid image reflecting the brutality of Herod's massacre of infants. This apocalyptic approach reveals deeper social and theological implications inherent in the traditional Christmas story.
Life Under Roman Occupation
The podcast features insights into the experiences of those living in first-century Palestine under Roman occupation, emphasizing the tension and unrest prevalent during this period. While some historical interpretations laud Roman rule for its stability and advancements, the realities for the Jewish population were quite the opposite, characterized by heavy-handed military presence and societal oppression. The discussions illustrate how Jesus’ life and teachings emerged in the context of this turmoil, challenging the prevailing power structures and offering an alternative path in a climate of violence and oppression. The narrative explores the historical backdrop of Jesus' ministry and how it resonates with themes of resistance and hope amidst suffering.
Revelation as a Response to Empire
Revelation serves as both a critique and a response to the oppressive systems of power embodied by the Roman Empire. It highlights the dangers of aligning oneself with imperial ideologies, such as the worship of the state and participation in its economic practices, which often contradicted the teachings of Jesus. The text calls for Christians to remain vigilant against the seductive nature of materialism and civic idolatry, encouraging believers to maintain their distinctiveness as they navigate their faith in a complex and often hostile world. By addressing the challenges of being in the world but not of it, Revelation invites an examination of one’s allegiances and the societal structures one supports.
Application of Revelation’s Themes to Modern Life
The podcast draws parallels between the socio-political themes present in Revelation and contemporary issues faced by believers today, particularly regarding the intersections of faith and culture. It raises questions about how modern Christians can engage with societal norms without compromising their values, especially against the backdrop of materialism and political allegiance. Discussions include the need for introspection and repentance regarding personal and collective participation in systems of injustice and the importance of prioritizing allegiance to God above all. Ultimately, the conversation encourages believers to find joy and hope during the Christmas season while remaining critical of the underlying cultural narratives that could detract from the true message of the gospel.
An Apocalyptic Christmas, part 1: Resisting the Empire, Dr. Cynthia Westfall
This is the first of a 3-part series on An Apocalptic Christmas, where we look at the Christmas story through the lens of the book of Revelation. We will be exploring themes of empire, power, militarism, violence, economics, and consumerisam. This first episode is with Dr. Cynthia Wetsfall, who is Associate Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College. Dr. Westfall has a broad range of research interests including Hebrews, Revelation, biblical social justice and Paul's theology on men and women. The music you will hear throughout this series is from Evan Wickham's latest album: Christmas Music Vol. 2.
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