In the FAITHANDREASON® Seminar, “GOD & IMPERIAL POWER: Jesus & Economic Injustice,” John Dominic Crossan and Joerg Rieger expand our awareness of the historic collusion between Christianity and the empires of the west, from Jesus’ non-violent program of resistance to Roman Imperialism under Augustus, to the imperialistic “partnerships” of the 21st Century.
John Dominic Crossan excavates the historical Jesus movement in a bright, clarifying light, replete with details about life on the Sea of Galilee under the imperial and economic domination of Herod Antipas (Rome’s vassal king) against which Jesus boldly and resolutely rebelled. Dr. Crossan is certain to stimulate deep re-thinking about what Christianity was and what it still can be.
Joerg Rieger explicates the collaborative relationship between Empire and Christianity that began with Constantine and the Councils of Nicea and continued all the way through the western European expansionism that made Christianity the agent of cultural and economic domination of the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. Rieger is not afraid to interrogate Christianity behind the scenes. And yet, he says, down through this same history, there has continually been a Christianity “at the margins,” a Christianity whose voice can be heard from the people who have known the underside of empire.
Individually, these two scholars are powerhouses. Together, they are explosive. Use these DVDs in your adult classes and small groups and you’ll invigorate creative discussion that will provide a resource for years to come. Resource Guide available
Disc One:
Crossan – The Matrix of Jesus: Rome’s Kingdom & God’s Kingdom (20:54)
Rieger – Christ & Christian Rome: The Creeds as Domination & Liberation (27:31)
Crossan – The Life of Jesus: Economic Exploitation & The Sea of Galilee (19:54)
Rieger – Christ & Christian Europe: Divine Justice & Injustice (31:46)
Disc Two:
Crossan – The Death of Jesus: Non-violent & Violent Resistance to Injustice (23:09)
Rieger – Christ & the Colonial Fantasy: Modern Civilization & its Discontents (29:58)
Crossan – The Resurrection of Jesus: Personal or Communal Vindication? (23:27)
Rieger – Christ & the Postcolonial Empire: Economic Exploitation & Hope (31:53)
