John Dominic Crossan: Paul, Josephus, & the Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance
Homebrewed Christianity Podcast with Tripp Fuller
In this session of our class Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan examines the fundamental conflict between two competing visions in the ancient world: divine deliverance and human resistance. He contrasts the positions of two self-identified Pharisees – Paul and Josephus – revealing how Josephus portrayed Rome’s imperial power as divinely ordained while Paul offered a radical alternative vision. Most provocatively, Crossan uncovers evidence of organized nonviolent resistance movements in first-century Judaism that predated Jesus and Paul, suggesting these movements connected Pharisaic beliefs about the resurrection with nonviolent opposition to empire. This historical context illuminates Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” as a form of nonviolent resistance, challenging us to consider whether humanity must embrace Paul’s radical vision of justice over empire to become a sustainable species. Through archaeological and textual evidence, Crossan demonstrates how these competing worldviews physically manifested in the ancient world, ultimately asking whether Paul’s alternative vision remains our best hope against escalating violence.
To access all five of Crossan’s lectures, submit questions, and join future live streams, join the class now!
John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida.
Join the Five-Week Online Lenten Class!
Join Dr. John Dominic Crossan for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on “Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World.” This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.
Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil.
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Lectures and livestream replays are available on the Class Resource Page.'
CHURCH GROUPS: You are welcome to use this class for your Sunday School class or small group! More details available via the button below.
COST - PAY WHAT YOU WANT: A course like this is typically offered for $250 or more, but we invite you to contribute whatever you can to help make this possible for everyone (including $0)!
John Dominic Crossan is Coming to Theology Beer Camp!
Theology Beer Camp 2025
October 16-18, 2025 - St. Paul, Minnestoa
We are SOOOOO pumped for Theology Beer Camp 2025 and will reveal some fantastic speakers and nerdy fun at camp this year on the stream. 3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS available until May 15th - Get tickets here. We will sell out!
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