
John Dominic Crossan
Professor emeritus and historical Jesus scholar known for accessible scholarship on Jesus, the Gospels, and Christianity's relationship to empire; author of numerous books including The Historical Jesus and God and Empire.
Top 10 podcasts with John Dominic Crossan
Ranked by the Snipd community

17 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
John Dominic Crossan: Paul, Rome, & the Violent Normalcy of Civilization
John Dominic Crossan, a prominent biblical scholar, dives into the clash between two visions of peace in ancient times. He contrasts Augustus’ imperial propaganda with Paul’s non-violent message, revealing how these differing ideologies shaped civilization. Crossan discusses humanity's legacy of violence, tracing its roots back to Genesis, and questions our ability to move beyond it. He also touches on Paul's challenges amid societal violence, advocating for justice and non-violent resistance as a path forward. A thought-provoking exploration of faith, power, and historical context ensues.

16 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 17min
Easter Against the Empire: Faith in a Time of War
John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus and historical Jesus scholar, offers a sharp, accessible take on Jesus, empire, and collective faith. He contrasts agrarian kingdom imagery with urban Paul, reframes resurrection as communal vindication, unmasks literalist traps, and sketches nonviolent, distributive resistance to imperial power. Short, provocative, and deeply political reflections for Eastertime.

15 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 22min
Are We Waiting for God, or Is God Waiting for Us? with John Dominic Crossan
John Dominic Crossan, renowned historical Jesus scholar and professor emeritus, guides a lively Q&A. He explores Galilee’s economic upheaval, why Jesus used parables to invite participation, and how baptism, table fellowship, and political power shaped early movements. He contrasts apocalyptic waiting with collaborative action and teases provocative rereadings of Gospel stories.

14 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 13min
The Medium Is the Message — Crossan on Parables, Provocation, and the Pedagogy of Jesus
John Dominic Crossan, scholar of the historical Jesus and parable theory, offers lively, provocative readings of parables. Short, sharp takes explore riddle, example, and challenge parables. He reframes stories like the Sower, Vineyard Workers, and Good Samaritan as social and political provocations. There is also a bold take on the Eucharist, comic eschatology, and why parables demand action rather than mere reflection.

14 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 22min
John Dominic Crossan: Paul, Josephus, & the Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance
John Dominic Crossan, a leading biblical scholar and author, explores ancient visions of faith through the lenses of Paul and Josephus. He discusses how Josephus viewed Roman power as divinely sanctioned, while Paul proposed a radical alternative focused on nonviolent resistance. Crossan reveals historical movements in first-century Judaism that challenged empire, linking them to Jesus' call to 'love your enemies.' This thought-provoking dialogue questions whether embracing such nonviolent resistance is the key to overcoming modern violence and achieving justice.

13 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 12min
The Bible and the Cosmos: Which Story Comes First? with Dom Crossan & Phil Clayton
Philip Clayton, philosopher-theologian who blends science and ecology with faith, and John Dominic Crossan, historical Jesus scholar centering agrarian contexts, debate whether to begin with cosmology or scripture. They probe civilization’s violent origins, kin-based alternatives, Paul’s political edge, resurrection as present responsibility, and practical paths toward ecological, communal renewal.

13 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 29min
A Tale of Two Gods: Why C.S. Lewis's Famous Argument Falls Apart with John Dominic Crossan
John Dominic Crossan, renowned New Testament scholar who studies the historical Jesus, challenges C.S. Lewis by positing two rival claimants to divinity: Caesar and Jesus. He contrasts imperial power and imagery with Jesus’ persuasive, justice-centered message. The talk examines Actium, Augustan propaganda, competing titles like Savior and Lord, and modern parallels about violence, peace, and sustainability.

10 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 20min
Tradition Without Traction Is Lame: An enclosed lake and a constitutional crisis w/ John Dominic Crossan
John Dominic Crossan, renowned historical Jesus scholar and DePaul professor emeritus, explores commons, enclosure, and how imperial economics shaped Galilee. He connects Antipas’s lakeside ambitions, commercialized fishing, and the loaves-and-fishes story to political economy. He also reframes demons as imperial oppression and contrasts theological participation with mere tradition.

8 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 51min
[Bible] Episode 291: John Dominic Crossan - Paul's Vision Beyond Violence
John Dominic Crossan, a renowned Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, discusses his insights on Paul's evolution from a persecutor to a proponent of a messianic vision. He highlights the implications of Jesus's execution as a reflection of societal violence and the transformative power of resurrection in fostering a peaceful civilization. The conversation dives into the complexity of the Pharisees, cosmic justice, and how these themes resonate in both historical and modern contexts, offering a thought-provoking lens on faith and morality.

4 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 32min
Food, Jesus and Music
The podcast features Margaret Hickey discussing Ireland's food history, John Dominic Crossan interpreting Jesus's teachings, and Jacques Attali exploring music's political impact. Topics include Irish food culture evolution, debunking food myths, Jesus's revolutionary message, and the political economy of music.


