Theology Unpacked: Raw Edition

The first of a series of episodes to tease out the ‘models’ of salvation. This picks up on a theme touched on in the first podcast: resurrection and rescue as the vindication of the just one. Thinking about Gospel selection and the relation of this theme to the alternative Gospels of antiquity.

Exploring the elaborated, personal encounters presented by John, the theme of garden and new creation, and returning to the question of the two endings of the Gospel, with the coda of the miraculous catch of fish and the resurrection Eucharist at the lakeside.

Following Luke’s Gospel narrative of the resurrection encounters in a series of scenes that take place in a single day. The importance of the Emmaus story for the reader-disciple.

The earliest version of Mark does not include a resurrection appearance of Jesus – exploring what that might mean for the reader-disciple; contrast with Matthew’s presentation of the empty tomb and the resurrection appearances.

The earliest account of the resurrection is not in the Gospels but in Paul – an exploration of how Paul presents his narrative of the resurrection to the new, gentile Christians in Corinth.

Reprising John’s language of ‘lifting up’ from throughout the Gospel and exploring crucifixion as parodied enthronement: the Gospel language of ‘being lifted up’ turns the parody into paradox.

Focusing on John’s elaboration of the crucifixion in highly visual and localised scenes; his use of the images of sacrifice (especially the Passover lamb) trailed throughout the Gospel.

Following Luke’s elaboration of the crucifixion scene, foreshadowing of the destruction of Jerusalem and foregrounding the theological theme of reconciliation and forgiveness, and the presence of the disciples.

Once again pairing Mark and Matthew a comparison of the scenes of crucifixion and burial, and the theological implications of the authors’ use of Tanakh text and apocalyptic themes to interpret Jesus’ death on the cross.

The two significantly different accounts of the Roman trial by Luke and John, focus on the scene with Herod in Luke, and John’s dramatic dialogue between Jesus and Pilate.