John Dominic Crossan: Why the Biblical Paul is Awesome
Feb 8, 2024
auto_awesome
John Dominic Crossan, a leading Irish-American biblical scholar and former member of the Jesus Seminar, brings a lively take on the Apostle Paul at Theology Beer Camp. He humorously tackles traditional views, sharing his transformative trip to Turkey that deepened his appreciation for Paul. The discussion explores the political dynamics of first-century Judaism, critiques imperial influences on Paul's messages, and connects Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, emphasizing the timeless relevance of living a 'risen life'.
John Dominic Crossan reinterprets the Apostle Paul within the sociopolitical context of the Roman Empire, uncovering nuances in his teachings.
Crossan emphasizes the communal implications of resurrection, urging listeners to shift from individualistic notions to a broader collective understanding.
Deep dives
Reimagining Paul: Historical Context and Perspectives
John Dominic Crossan introduces a fresh perspective on the Apostle Paul by challenging traditional views held by contemporary churches. He presents a historical reconstruction of Paul that encourages a deeper understanding of his life and teachings, moving beyond the 'complicated' relationships many people have with him. Through discussions of Crossan’s personal journey, including his trip to Turkey, he emphasizes the importance of viewing Paul against the backdrop of the Roman Empire and its sociopolitical context. This reimagining seeks to uncover Paul's message in a way that resonates with modern audiences, particularly those looking to understand the complexities and nuances of his writings.
The Impact of Resurrection on Paul's Theology
Crossan highlights the pivotal role of the resurrection in shaping Paul's theological framework. He argues that Paul's notion of resurrection extends beyond individual salvation to encompass a resurrection of humanity, linking it to broader themes of justice and cosmic responsibility. This perspective encourages listeners to reconsider what resurrection means, shifting from a Western understanding focused solely on personal rebirth to a more communal and collective interpretation. By drawing upon Byzantine art and historical practices, Crossan illustrates how resurrection signifies a transformative event for all of humanity, rather than a mere personal triumph.
Pharisees and Roman Law: The Foundations of Paul's Thought
Crossan delves into the political and religious milieu of first-century Judea, contrasting Pharisaic thought with the dominant views of the Sadducees and the contextual implications of Roman law. He argues that Paul's writings often critique not just Jewish law but the broader structures of Roman civilization that upheld order and authority. By embracing his Pharisaic roots, Paul articulates a vision of justice and moral responsibility that stands in stark opposition to the violent realities of imperial governance. This exploration invites listeners to reevaluate their own understanding of law and order, especially in light of how these concepts intersect with faith and ethics.
Navigating Paul's Messages in Modern Contexts
Throughout the conversation, Crossan emphasizes the need for contemporary audiences to grapple with Paul's complex messages and their relevance today. He presents a narrative where both Paul and Jesus misjudged the timeline of the coming kingdom, highlighting that discrepancies regarding timing do not diminish the value of their messages. Instead, Crossan posits that Paul's call for a 'risen life' encourages a proactive engagement with societal issues. By inviting individuals to participate in a transformative vision for humanity, Crossan argues that Paul's teachings continue to be vitally relevant, prompting discussions on how to practically embody these principles in the modern world.
Are you ready for some theological fun? Watch one of the greatest living Biblical scholars tell 450 day-drinking progressive Christians how cool the Biblical Paul was.
John Dominic Crossan is an Irish-American biblical scholar with two-year post-doctoral diplomas in exegesis from Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute and in archeology from Jerusalem’s École Biblique. He has been a mendicant friar and a catholic priest, a Co-Chair of the Jesus Seminar, and a President of the Society of Biblical Literature. His focus, whether scholarly or popular, in books, videos, or lectures, is on the historical Jesus as the norm and criterion for the entire Christian Bible. His reconstructed Jesus incarnates nonviolent resistance to the Romanization of his Jewish homeland and future hope of a transformed world and transfigured earth. Crossan’s method is to situate biblical texts within the reconstructed matrix of their own genre and purpose, their own time and place, and to hear them accurately for then before accepting or rejecting them for now.