Theologian Ched Myers discusses the politics of the passion narratives and their connection to colonialism, capitalism, and power structures. Topics include social justice, political struggle, Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech on imperialism, hope in new activists, and the importance of reconstructing a healing community of faith.
Understanding the role of Jewish authorities in the gospel story and advocating for a socially faithful reading of the gospels.
Recognizing the cross as a symbol of resistance against imperial powers and maintaining its political and social reading in theology.
Deep dives
The Practice of Radical Discipleship
The podcast episode features an interview with theologian Ched Myers, who discusses his work in education, advocacy, and organizing at the intersection of Gospel faith and social and ecological justice. He shares insights from his faith journey, highlighting the influence of radical discipleship and encounters with mentors such as Daniel and Philip Berrigan. Myers emphasizes the importance of crossing social boundaries and crafting messages in anti-imperial terms, as exemplified by Jesus' practice. He also delves into the significance of crucifixion in the ancient world and offers an alternative perspective on atonement theory. Myers concludes by exploring the ambiguous ending of Mark's gospel and the implications of discipleship in today's world.
Jesus' Execution and the Collaborative Role of Jewish Authorities
Myers addresses the portrayal of Jewish authorities in the gospel story, debunking the misinterpretation that blames the Jewish people as villains. He explains that while some Jewish elites collaborated with the Roman Empire to suppress dissident movements, it is crucial to differentiate between collaboration and scapegoating an entire ethnic group. Myers highlights the parallel between the Jewish leaders' collaboration with Rome and the current Christian right's scapegoating of specific classes of people. By examining the ancient context, Myers provides a more accurate understanding of the role played by Jewish authorities and advocates for a socially and politically faithful reading of the gospels.
The Symbolism and Political Implications of Crucifixion
Myers delves into the symbolism and political implications of crucifixion in the ancient world. He explains that crosses were used as public demonstrations of power and terror, instilling fear in those who witnessed them. Crucifixion served as a warning to dissidents, conveying the consequences of challenging the status quo. Myers draws parallels between historical and contemporary examples of public terror, such as the lynching of African Americans in the United States. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the cross as a symbol of resistance against imperial powers and the need to maintain its political and social reading in theology.
The Ambiguous Ending of Mark's Gospel and the Call to Discipleship
Myers discusses the enigmatic ending of Mark's gospel, which some find unsettling. He explains that the ending, though initially perplexing, serves as a narrative strategy to engage the reader in an ongoing journey of discipleship. The empty tomb and the angel's message direct the disciples and the readers back to the beginning of the story, encouraging them to reframe their understanding of Jesus' life and mission. Myers highlights the transformative power of discipleship that continues as long as individuals commit to walking the way of Jesus. He emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, urging the church to embrace its role in storytelling, alternative rituals, and engaging locally to create communities of conviction and justice.
In this Easter special we interviewed the theologian Ched Myers about the politics of the passion narratives, exploring what the cross and its religious atonement ideas have to do with colonialism, capitalism and the power structures we live in today.