Exploring the Intersection of Marxism, Christianity, and the Historical Jesus with Dr. Robert J. Miles

Robert J. Myles  is Senior Lecturer in New Testament at Wollaston Theological College in Perth, Western Australia and the University of Divinity. He lives in Perth, Australia.  He is the co-author of Jesus: A Life in Class Conflict and the editor of Class Conflict in the New Testament.  Strap yourself in for an enlightening journey into the fascinating crossroads of Marxism and Christianity, where faith meets philosophy. We've got Dr. Robert J. Miles joining us on this captivating voyage into the historical Jesus studies in the context of the Enlightenment era and its ideologies, including Marxism. Unpacking the complexities of the earliest Jesus movement, we'll uncover how it evolved from an intra-Jewish mission into an all-embracing movement of Jews and non-Jews.

Together, we'll delve into Jesus' socio-economic backdrop, his teachings, and the potential influences on them. We'll then shift our attention to the gender dynamics within this early movement, examining how traditional gender concepts were both reinforced and challenged. As we understand the dynamics of the movement, we'll explore the contradictions within it and the implications of an influx of non-Jewish members.

As the enlightening conversation with Dr. Robert J. Miles concludes, we'll examine the symbolism of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan and its implications for the Jewish power league. We'll also ponder the potential pitfalls of placing modern liberal values onto Jesus' teachings. Finally, we'll explore how a Marxist approach to Jesus' teachings offers a refreshingly different and more nuanced perspective. So, join us on this remarkable exploration of the intersection of religion, history, and politics. This isn't just an episode—it's a journey! So, let's get started!

For a more introductory interview, see This Revolution's Interview with Dr. Myles.

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

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