John Dominic Crossan Knihy

This book is concerned with the words rather than the deeds of Jesus. But even the words are limited to sayings, that is, units which could or did exist in the tradition as isolated segments passed on in different contexts. This leaves out, for example, those short, terse commands or comments of Jesus uttered during cures or exorcisms and inextricably linked to some such situation. . . . Sayings Parallels is a workbook for the study of the Jesus tradition. Its existence and structure derives from one basic postulate: the exact same unit often appears in different sources, genres, and versions within the Jesus tradition. This is what is meant by parallel sayings. And this phenomenon and its explanation will have implications even for those cases where there are no parallels and the unit appears in only one instance. That basic postulate is taken as a factual statement although, of course, its implication and interpretation, its importance and significance are open to very different visions. But, granted that preliminary postulate, an attempt was made in this book to present the data as neutrally as possible. The work is to facilitate descussion of that factual diversity rather than to promote a set understanding of its presence. --from the Introduction

Focusing on the authentic teachings of Jesus, the book presents a compelling portrayal of him as a revolutionary figure advocating for equality before God. Through fresh translations of Jesus' sayings, Crossan reveals a radical message that resonates with contemporary issues. He also explores early Christian depictions of Jesus, emphasizing that the first followers viewed him not as divine but as a transformative healer and leader. This concise work encapsulates the essence of Crossan's extensive research into the historical figure of Jesus.

Every Sunday, the Lord's Prayer echoes in every Church around the world. It is an indispensable element of the faith. John Dominic Crossan, one of the world's leading experts on Jesus and his times, explores this foundational prayer line by line.

The author reflects on his experiences teaching courses on Jesus' parables and resurrection stories in 1969. He explores the intriguing similarities between these narratives, questioning whether the resurrection accounts were intended as parables rather than historical events. This examination prompts a deeper consideration of how these stories have been interpreted, suggesting that readers may have misunderstood their true nature by conflating parable with history. The book challenges conventional readings and invites a reevaluation of these foundational texts.

"Leading Bible scholar John Dominic Crossan reveals that just like in today's world of heated debates over church and state, a similar debate roils through the New Testament itself--most keenly seen in the tensions between Luke-Acts and Revelation-but which also model a path forward for Christians today"--

Controversial new book by an internationally respected expert on Jesus and his time. Argues that Jesus' parables became the inspiration and model for the way he is presented in the Gospels.

The bestselling author and prominent New Testament scholar draws parallels between 1st–century Roman Empire and 21st–century United States, showing how the radical messages of Jesus and Paul can lead us to peace today Using the tools of expert biblical scholarship and a keen eye for current events, bestselling author John Dominic Crossan deftly presents the tensions exhibited in the Bible between political power and God’s justice. Through the revolutionary messages of Jesus and Paul, Crossan reveals what the Bible has to say about land and economy, violence and retribution, justice and peace, and ultimately, redemption. He examines the meaning of “kingdom of God” prophesized by Jesus, and the equality recommended to Paul by his churches, contrasting these messages of peace against the misinterpreted apocalyptic vision from the book of Revelations, that has been co-opted by modern right-wing theologians and televangelists to justify the United State’s military actions in the Middle East.

Exploring the life of Jesus, this bestselling account delves into historical evidence and interpretations, challenging conventional beliefs. It presents a thought-provoking analysis that combines scholarly research with accessible writing, aiming to uncover the truths behind Jesus' life and teachings. The narrative invites readers to reconsider their understanding of a pivotal figure in history, making it both a compelling and contentious read for those interested in religious studies and history.