Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography by John Dominic Crossan- Hardcover – 1994.

"Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography" by John Dominic Crossan is a provocative and insightful book that reexamines the life and teachings of Jesus through the lens of historical and social context. Here’s an overview and review of the book:

Overview:

**1. Historical Context:**

Crossan, a prominent scholar in the field of early Christianity, places Jesus within the socio-political landscape of 1st-century Judea. He argues that understanding Jesus requires a grasp of the Roman Empire's influence on Jewish society, the social inequalities of the time, and the various Jewish sects and movements.

**2. Jesus as a Radical:**

The book portrays Jesus as a revolutionary figure who challenged the prevailing social norms and hierarchies. Crossan suggests that Jesus’ teachings and actions were revolutionary in their critique of social injustice and economic disparity. He examines Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God as a radical vision for social change.

**3. Parallels with Other Movements:**

Crossan compares Jesus’ mission to other contemporary movements and figures, emphasizing that Jesus’ message was part of a broader context of social and religious reform. He draws parallels between Jesus and other apocalyptic prophets and reformers of the time.

**4. The Historical vs. Theological Jesus:**

Crossan distinguishes between the historical Jesus and the theological constructs developed by later Christian traditions. He focuses on the historical evidence to reconstruct what Jesus might have actually said and done, rather than the theological interpretations that emerged in the Gospels and later Christian doctrine.

**5. Methodology:

The book employs historical-critical methods, including textual analysis and historical reconstruction, to support its arguments. Crossan uses evidence from biblical texts, historical records, and archaeological findings to build his case.

Review:

**Strengths:**

- **Historical Insight:** Crossan provides a compelling historical context for understanding Jesus, offering insights into the social and political dynamics of his time. This approach helps readers see Jesus as part of a larger historical narrative.

- **Provocative Ideas:** The book challenges traditional Christian interpretations of Jesus, presenting him as a radical reformer rather than just a religious figure. This can be both eye-opening and thought-provoking.

- **Scholarship:** Crossan’s extensive scholarship and expertise in the field lend credibility to his arguments. His detailed analysis of historical sources and textual evidence is thorough and well-researched.

**Weaknesses:**

- **Controversial Stance:** Some readers may find Crossan’s views controversial or challenging to traditional Christian beliefs. His depiction of Jesus as a revolutionary figure might clash with more traditional theological perspectives.

- **Complexity:** The book’s scholarly approach may be dense for casual readers or those unfamiliar with historical-critical methods. It requires careful reading and some background knowledge to fully appreciate the arguments.

**Conclusion:**

"Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography" offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the life of Jesus by situating him within his historical context and examining his role as a radical social reformer. While it may be challenging for those with traditional views of Jesus, it provides valuable insights for those interested in the historical figure behind the Christian tradition.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; First Edition (January 1, 1994)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 209 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 006061661X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060616618
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
• Condition: Used Very Good
• Dust Jacket: Very Good
• Dekle edge, in excellent condition. Not marred by any defect.