Jesus: A Life in Class Conflict

Crossley and Myles' book "Jesus: A Life in Class Conflict" provides a historical-materialist interpretation of the life of Jesus, focusing on his emergence as a religious organizer in first-century Palestine. The movement's popularity was due to its desire to represent the values of ordinary rural workers and its vision of a new world order ruled in the interests of the peasantry. Jesus' willingness to be martyred for the cause contributed to the movement's tensions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Crossley and Myles present a captivating historical-materialist interpretation of the historical Jesus by placing his life in the tumultuous context of first-century Palestine. In their book, Jesus: A Life in Class Conflict, they delve into the rich tapestry of the social, economic, and cultural conflicts of the time, shedding light on the emergence of a fervent and profoundly serious religious organizer. This organizer, Jesus, emerged as a visionary who offered not only a radical end-time edict of divine reversal and judgment but also a promising new world order governed in the interests of the peasantry. The movement's widespread appeal stemmed from its ability to represent the values of ordinary rural workers, who yearned for a transformative change in their circumstances. Jesus' vision entailed a redistribution of wealth, where the rich would be compelled to relinquish their possessions, and the poor would be granted a life of heavenly luxury.

However, the journey towards this transformative vision was not without its challenges. Tensions escalated significantly when the movement marched on Jerusalem, leading to Jesus' voluntary martyrdom for the cause. Crossley and Myles provide a vivid portrayal of Jesus and his movement, unveiling the material conditions that converged to bring about this remarkable historical event. Through their meticulous research and analysis, they offer a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shaped the Jesus movement and its enduring impact on the world.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 217 x 137 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803410821