In this session, biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan explores his proposal to reconstruct Easter, focusing on Paul's understanding of "the mystery of God." Crossan argues that this mystery refers to how God allowed Jesus, as Messiah, to be executed by Roman civilization to reveal its inherent injustice, while simultaneously vindicating Jesus through resurrection to reveal the justice of creation. He proposes that historically, the earliest interpretations of Jesus's exaltation were likely focused on individual ascension rather than resurrection, and that it was Paul who transformed this understanding into universal resurrection as an in-time process rather than merely an end-time event. Crossan contrasts Western Christianity's individual resurrection imagery with Eastern Christianity's universal resurrection imagery, arguing that the Eastern tradition is more faithful to Paul's original vision. He concludes by suggesting that Paul's cosmic justice concept serves as a metaphor for humanity's evolutionary challenge of sustainability, and proposes that both theists and atheists should focus on cosmic evolution rather than debating God's existence.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
To access all 5 of Crossan's lectures, submit questions, and join future live streams, head here to join the class.
John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time.
Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp
Paul, Josephus, & the Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance
Paul, Rome, & the Violent Normalcy of Civilization
Paul & the Fictional History of Luke-Acts
Paul & Thecla
Ask JC Anything
Diana Butler Bass & John Dominic Crossan: The Resurrection of Jesus
Brian McLaren & John Dominic Crossan: The Message of Jesus & the Judgement of Civilization
Brian Zahnd & John Dominic Crossan: God, Violence, Empire, & Salvation
Why the Biblical Paul is Awesome
Christian Resurrection & Human Evolution
The Cross & the Crisis of Civilization
The Coming Kingdom & the Risen Christ
The Parables of Jesus & the Parable of God
How to think about Jesus like a Historian
the Last Week of Jesus’ Life
Jesus, Paul, & Bible Questions
Saving the Biblical Christmas Stories
the most important discovery for understanding Jesus
The Bible, Violence, & Our Future
Resurrecting Easter
on the First Christmas
From Jesus’ Parables to Parables of God
Render Unto Caesar
on God & Empire
Join Dom Crossan at ...Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025
3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.
ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today
The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"
Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.
Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.
As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!
_____________________
Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN.
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
