Exploring the intersection of international politics and media influence, this work draws on the insights of Noam Chomsky, Edward Herman, and Edward Said to analyze contemporary Christian origins and New Testament scholarship. It critiques the roles of media, intellectuals, and academics in shaping narratives and perceptions, offering a thought-provoking examination of how these elements interact within the context of religious studies.
Constructing the Historical Jesus in a Period of Cultural Complexity
The book presents a collection of essays that explore the cultural and ideological roots of historical Jesus studies from the nineteenth century. It critically examines the underlying presuppositions of contemporary interpretations of Jesus, emphasizing the concept of 'cultural complexity' to reveal how hegemony influences these narratives. Through this lens, the essays challenge traditional perspectives and encourage a deeper understanding of the multifaceted cultural contexts surrounding the figure of Jesus.
A major biography of Jesus from a historical materialist perspective
The book delves into the ideological framework surrounding modern explorations of the historical Jesus, emphasizing cultural and political dimensions. It critically engages with themes of postmodernism and multiculturalism, while also addressing how liberal perspectives often obscure underlying power dynamics. Through this analysis, it seeks to uncover the complexities of interpreting Jesus in today's neoliberal context.
The book explains how we get from an apocalyptic priest who promoted a theocracy favouring the lower orders and the decapitation of the leading church and secular authorities to someone who promoted democracy and vague notions about love and tolerance. The book also explains why he has gone out of fashion and whether he can make another comeback.