Why Does Jesus Want Us to Love Our Enemies?

A Revolutionary Jesus: Violence and Peacemaking in the Kingdom of God with Dr. Jesse P. Nickel

In this episode Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett talk with Dr. Jesse P. Nickel about his recent book, A Revolutionary Jesus: Violence and Peacemaking in the Kingdom of God. Jesse Nickel (PhD, University of St Andrews) is on the faculty of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, where he teaches in the biblical studies program. He is the author of The Things that Make for Peace: Jesus and Eschatological Violence (de Grutyer, 2021) and co-editor of It’s About Life: The Formative Power of Scripture (Regent College Publishing, 2023). Jesse is passionate about continuing to get to know Jesus more deeply with both his mind and heart, and teaching others about the already/not-yet, shalom-centred kingdom of God.   Forthcoming publications * “Eschatological Violence,” in The Oxford Handbook of Bible and Violence, edited by Paul Middleton and Matthew Collins (Oxford University Press, forthcoming). _____ Originally published by Kingdom Roots, used with permission https://feeds.captivate.fm/kingdom-roots-with-scot [https://feeds.captivate.fm/kingdom-roots-with-scot/]

An Apocalyptic Christmas, part 2: Militarism and Violence, Dr. Greg Boyd

Dr. Greg Boyd is the primary teaching pastor and vision-caster for Woodland Hills Church and is the author of many books including my favorite: The Myth of a Christian Nation. Greg is also known for his love of yoga, running, drumming, dancing and going on long walks with Gracie, his pet Morkie. _____ Originally published by Preston Sprinkle at Theology in the Raw, used with permission https://theologyintheraw.com/podcast/an-apocalyptic-christmas-part-2-militarism-and-violence-dr-greg-boyd/

Do Jesus’ Teachings Conflict With Old Testament Violence?

What does Jesus mean when he describes people entering the Kingdom of the skies? Are the promises in the Beatitudes possible now, or do we need to wait for the new creation? How did Jesus respond to other perspectives on how to treat our enemies? How do we reconcile Jesus’ teachings on creative nonviolence with violence in the Old Testament narratives? Why does Jesus tell his followers to be perfect when the Bible repeatedly mentions that all humans fail? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to your questions from episodes 15-22 in the Sermon on the Mount series. Thank you to our audience for your thoughtful questions! _____ Originally published by Bible Project, used with permission https://bibleproject.com/podcast/do-jesus-teachings-conflict-old-testament-violence/

Why Does Jesus Want Us to Love Our Enemies?

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus shares his sixth and final case study based on the wisdom of the Torah, and it may be the most challenging one yet. The first three case studies focused on treating others as sacred image-bearers of God. The fourth and fifth case studies offered guidance on how to handle conflict. And in the final case study, Jesus concludes with wisdom on how to respond to people who not only dislike us but even desire our harm. In this episode, Jon and Tim discuss one of Jesus’ most famous teachings: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” ___ Originally published by Bible Project, used with permission https://bibleproject.com/podcast/why-does-jesus-want-us-love-our-enemies/

Following the Prince of Peace: Peacemaking Not Passivity

In this final session, Jon Sherwood discusses using nonviolence as a means of peacemaking. He also examines the difference between Jesus' peacemaking and his rejection of passivity. _____ Originally published by Jon Sherwood, used with permission https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast/episode/8e8aacbe/peacemaking-not-passivity