1. Jesus Before Christianity

2. 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

3. Illness Illness in ancient world Had spiritual cause (demons)
Viewed as punishment for sin
Could be excluded from synagogue (meeting place)
Ritually unclean

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?