God and Empire: Jesus Against Rome, Then and Now

· Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Derek Perkins
Audiobook
9 hr 4 min
Unabridged
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More
Want a 54 min sample? Listen anytime, even offline. 
Add

About this audiobook

In contrast to the oppressive Roman military occupation of the first century, Crossan examines the meaning of the non-violent Kingdom of God prophesized by Jesus and the equality advocated by Paul to the early Christian churches. Crossan contrasts these messages of peace with the misinterpreted apocalyptic vision from the Book of Revelation, which has been misrepresented by modern right-wing theologians and televangelists to justify US military actions in the Middle East. In God and Empire Crossan surveys the Bible from Genesis to Apocalypse, or the Book of Revelation, and discovers a hopeful message that cannot be ignored in these turbulent times. The first-century Pax Romana, Crossan points out, was in fact a "peace" won through violent military action. Jesus preached a different kind of peace-a peace that surpasses all understanding-and a kingdom not of Caesar but of God. The Romans executed Jesus because he preached this Kingdom of God, a kingdom based on peace and justice, over the empire of Rome, which ruled by violence and force. For Jesus and Paul, Crossan explains, peace cannot be won the Roman way, through military victory, but only through justice and fair and equal treatment of all people.

About the author

John Dominic Crossan, emeritus professor at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including God and Empire, The Historical Jesus, The Birth of Christianity, and Who Killed Jesus?. John lives in Minneola, Florida.

A native of the United Kingdom, Audie and AudioFile Earphones Award winner Derek Perkins's audiobook narration skills are augmented by a knowledge of three foreign languages and a facility with accents. He has narrated numerous titles in a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA.

Rate this audiobook

Tell us what you think.

Listening information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.

More by John Dominic Crossan

Similar audiobooks

Narrated by Derek Perkins