Jesus Before Christianity
Overview: What Nolan is doing Method: know historical Jesus by looking at his intentions and choices Choice 1: Baptized by John Choice 2: identified with the poor and oppressed Social outcasts, “sinners”, the disgraced Jesus moved with compassion = suffering with Method: Start with Jesus’ actions (praxis), go to his preaching, return to our praxis
Illness Illness in ancient world Had spiritual cause (demons) Viewed as punishment for sin Could be excluded from synagogue (meeting place) Ritually unclean
Praxis: Miracles of Healing Definition 1: interruption of natural order Definition 2: a wonder of God Types of healing From disease From demonic possession (exorcism) From oppression: what had made these people social outcasts Purpose of healing miracles Show what God’s salvation is: compassion, liberate from suffering, bring into God’s kingdom
Praxis: Meals Jesus’ time: rules against mixing Jesus breaks rules Socials groups Rituals, crops, fabric, etc. Jesus breaks rules New community Eats with Pharisees and sinners Offers forgiveness His meals are characterized by joy, feasting
For next time What did Jesus preach? How did he talk about the Kingdom of God? Why is this “good news”? How did his preaching reinforce his praxis?