January 12, 2025

Taking Another Look at Paul: An Interview with John Dominic Crossan

57 minutes

We’re excited to have return guest, John Dominic Crossan, on the pod this week to talk about his new book, “Paul the Pharisee: A Vision Beyond the Violence of Civilization.” We discuss the importance of matrix as a tool for understanding the context and background of texts and why that is so important when we look at Paul. Crossan emphasizes the role of metaphor in shaping our lives and how dismissing metaphor as less than literal impacts our theology. He explores the differences between ascension and resurrection and why they matter. He talks about how his book explores this distinction between ascension and resurrection, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the community of the human race rather than privileged individuals.

Takeaways

Understanding the context and background of texts is crucial for interpreting and applying ancient documents to new situations.

Paul’s significance and importance can be better understood by placing him in the historical and cultural context of the Roman Empire.

Metaphor plays a powerful role in shaping our lives and creating reality. It is important to be aware of the metaphors we live by and their implications.

Ascension and resurrection are two different concepts. Ascension is about special privilege for an individual, while resurrection is about the liberation of the human race from death.

The Easter images in Western and Eastern Christian traditions depict different understandings of resurrection, with the Eastern tradition emphasizing the liberation of the human race. The focus should be on the community of the human race rather than privileged individuals.

The evangelical conception of salvation should shift towards caring for the world and recognizing the role of evolution in running the world.

Paul’s belief in resurrection shaped the behavior and community of early Christians.

Reading Paul in the context of Roman imperial theology and studying Virgil’s Aeneid can provide a better understanding of the New Testament.

Paul’s vision of cosmic justice and the implications of evolution are relevant for our world today.

Chapters

(04:03) Reevaluating Paul: Importance and Significance

(11:14) The Power of Metaphor in Shaping Reality

(14:37) Ascension vs. Resurrection: Different Concepts

(24:28) Easter Images: Western and Eastern Perspectives

(29:18) Focusing on the Community of the Human Race

(30:28) Challenging the Evangelical Conception of Salvation

(31:31) Recognizing the Role of Evolution in Running the World

(33:47) Taking Responsibility for the World

(35:12) Paul’s Vision of Resurrection and Cosmic Justice

(44:52) Understanding Paul in the Context of Roman Imperial Theology

(52:39) The Relevance of Paul’s Vision of Cosmic Justice and Evolution

Resources:

Paul the Pharisee: A Vision Beyond the Violence of Civilization by John Dominic Crossan

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By Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. Kearns

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