The Conflict Of God And Empire - 1408 Words

God and Empire is ultimately about the Roman Empire and its relationship with/to the early church. I believe that Crossan’s key idea or â€Å"thesis† is that civilization naturally promotes developing an empire and violence, but the bible, regardless of the many violent acts inside of it, is encouraging use to choose a life of nonviolence. Civilization currently exists on the intrinsic belief that violence is normal, which is a principle that was obviously held in early Rome. In fact, it is this imperialistic ideology and belief in violence that gives the emperor his power. Oddly enough, it makes him seen as both a divinity and a peacemaker. In the society of the Roman Empire, peace built on the value of victory and therefore it comes with the forced acceptance of injustice, because always, in order for one to win, the other must lose. Crossan also explains that although civilization tends to normalize violence, it is possible that violence is not our ultimate destiny. He shows that both possibilities; violence and nonviolence, are present in the bible, often side by side. Crossan would like us to realize that the choice between the violence and none violence is ours to make. He shows that there is proof of this choice in both the Old and New Testament. Moreover, the Bible, he says, â€Å"is about the ambiguity of divine justice† (p. 94). Crossan’s analysis really begins with chapter 2. In this chapter he digs into the debate in The Old Testament surrounding the principles of justiceShow MoreRelatedThe Egyptian, Assyrian, And Persian Empires1580 Words   |  7 PagesFrom 1567 to 330 B.C. humanity experienced many subsequent development as well as decline in its civilizations. Among these events emerged three colossal empires that had shaken the world and forever changed the course of human history. The Egyptian, Assyrian, and Persian Empires have been instrumental in influencing technology, religion, and ideas throughout the world. 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