Jesus Caesar: Empire Criticism in the New Testament
Gastvortrag
Was the Gospel of John merely a "spiritual gospel," as Clement of Alexandria called it in the late 2nd century, or was it a subversive political manifesto against the Roman Empire hidden in plain sight?
Join New Testament scholar Dr. Laura J. Hunt for a lecture exploring the thesis of her monograph, Jesus Caesar (Mohr Siebeck). Dr. Hunt argues that the Fourth Gospel—specifically in its trial narrative—deliberately appropriates the language, imagery, and "cultural encyclopedia" of the Roman Empire. By analyzing the trial before Pilate through a Roman lens, she demonstrates how the evangelist uses Latinisms and imperial iconography to present Jesus not as a victim, but as the true and reliable Emperor—claiming authority over Caesar without challenging his right to rule. This lecture offers a fresh perspective on how early Christians navigated loyalty, resistance, and identity within an imperial landscape.
Dr. Hunt is a specialist in Johannine literature and Empire Criticism. She teaches in the Doctor of Ministry program at Northeastern Seminary and is currently authoring a commentary on the Gospel of John for T&T Clark.
Kooperationspartner: Leibniz Universität Hannover
Zeit: 24. Juni 2026 | 18-20 Uhr
Ort: Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schloßwerder Str. 1, Raum 105, Hannover
Guest Lecturer: Dr. Laura J. Hunt (Northeastern Seminary)