Rev Left Radio [BEST OF] Jesus Christ: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, and the Jesus Movement
Jun 4, 2025
James Crossley and Robert Myles join to explore Jesus through a historical materialist lens. Crossley, a professor of religion and history, illuminates socioeconomic dynamics of the early Jesus movement. Myles, a New Testament expert, discusses the complexities of the Gospels and their historical context. The duo tackles Jesus’ radical politics, his crucifixion, and the socio-economic landscape of his time. They highlight the movement's revolutionary elements and its evolution post-crucifixion, bridging Marxist theory with religious history for deeper insights.
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Unique Historical Materialist Biography
- The book offers a unique full historical materialist biography of Jesus, focusing on his context in class conflict.
- It challenges the 'great man' view, situating Jesus within socio-economic struggles of his time.
Distinguishing Jesus of History
- The historical Jesus is distinguished from the Christ of faith as the historical figure active in Galilee and Judea.
- Scholars generally agree Jesus existed, but exact details of his life remain uncertain due to limited sources.
Assessing Gospel Historical Value
- The synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke) are primary for reconstructing Jesus' life, with Mark likely earliest.
- John's Gospel is more theological and less historically reliable, reflecting later Christian ideology.
