Reflection Paper #2

Crossan opens his new chapter with contrasting definitions of "Basileia" and "kingdom." Kingdom is the closest definition we have for Basileia-some sort of ruling power. The Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven is associated with the highest majesties in English.. But the Greek version may have a more profound sound, because the word Basileia means more than kingdom, it is more o fa divine rule. Most think of the Kingdom of God as something to look forward to after death. Crossan points out that this is not the case--we must relate this kingdom to our life. So he explains the four-fold path of the Kingdom of God-
there is time divided into two parts - present and future, and there is class- peasants vs high class. The kingdom of heaven should, as crossan states, be viewed as an basic ethical standard (how to live like the divine, be a moral person, etc), rather than a future place that exists only after death. Everyone must attempt to live in this ethical kingdom to continue on. There are two standards for this future kingdom, for upper and lower class. The upper class must rule with dignity and keep peace in their kingdom. The wise must work to ban ignorance and ethnocentrism. The lower class must strive to be like Jesus--he was in the lower class.
I think its fantastic that Crossan points out that we must attempt to live in the present ethical kingdom to share in divinity. Its a relief to imagine that the kingdom of God is here on earth rather than waiting for the unknown that we will live or not live out in the future. I think living peacefully and in harmony with earth to the best of ones ability is relieving and is taking part in the Kingdom of God--I find it great that one can find peace in living out morale and just ways.

Crossan understands that it is hard for us to relate, as Americans, to the lives that first century Mediterraneans lived. Americans are focused on getting to the top by their selves, whereas the people of the first century were focused on their family and work. Family is important, because Jesus stressed that everyone could be part of Gods family, could be his brother or sister. Family brought about a lot of controversy. Basically all the drama in the 1st century derived from the family: every woman is required to marry, have children, and so forth. Some that were unable to perform these tasks were exiled--Crossan thinks Jesus wanted people to denounce their families so things like this wouldn't happen, so that the balance of power would be restored to all being equal.

Crossan also points out that only the beggars are poor. a mistranslation divides desitute and poor. We commonly believe that those that are lacking any sort of wealth have rewards in the kingdom of heaven. Crossan basically says only those who are born in third world countries with no chance whatsoever to move ahead are rewarded in the kingom of God. Maybe this also means that by the poor in spirit are really extremely defecit in spirit--meaning mentally ill? Baically Crossan is saying all of us are horrible people and have no excuse, and should repent for our sins.


I am relieved to hear an explanation that i am familiar with. Crossan talks about how Jesus ate at the table with tax collectors,sinners, gross people. Therefore, he was associated with them, by keeping their company. Inviting someone to eat with you was a very strong statement back then.


Crossans writing sure is interesting, and I do believe he makes some valid points. I'm not so sure this is a strict biography of life events, at least not yet. I feel like Crossan is starting to narrow things down and decipher exactly what Jesus wanted from his followers.