God and Empire
Jesus Against Rome, Then and Now
by John Dominic Crossan

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Released 2007
At the heart of the Bible is a moral and ethical call to fight unjust superpowers, whether they are Babylon, Rome, or perhaps even America. Through the revolutionary messages of Jesus and Paul, John Dominic 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 by Paul to his churches. Crossan contrasts these messages of peace against the misinterpreted apocalyptic vision from the book of Revelations, which as been co-opted by modern right-wing theologians and televangelists to justify the United State's military actions in the Middle East.

 

Book Reviews

	"A dual tribute to intelligent faith and responsible citizenship, this book is as illuminating as it is timely."
	-- James Carroll, author of House of War: The Pentagon and the Disastrous Rise of American Power
	"In this fine study of civilization, culture and transformation, Crossan asks important questions: have those who resort to violence as a means of change succeeded in their quest for empire? Or has nonviolence been more effective in bringing about lasting change? Crossan's latest work presents a complex subject in a clear and powerful way, and it merits a wide readership."
	-- Publishers Weekly
	"John Dominic Crossan has achieved the status of a pivotal theological scholar of the rank of Augustine, Agnias, Luther, Calvin, Barth and Tillich. This book is incisive, original, and fascinating."
	-- John Shelby Spong, author of Jesus for the Non-Religious
	"Whether one agrees or disagrees with John Dominic Crossan's argument in God and Empire, there is no disputing that he has raised essential questions provocatively and clearly. This is an important book, for it touches on themes that are, as St. Augustine said, 'ever ancient, ever new': the connection between religion and politics, between spiritual faith and temporal power, between our best and our worst instincts."
	-- Jon Meacham, author of American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers and the Making of a Nation
	"This book makes the best reading for the most readers of any that Crossan has written."
	-- Booklist (starred review)
	"A wonderfully written and organized treatise... Thoroughly enjoyable and incredibly informative."
	-- Library Journal