About this episode
Glenn Kimball examines the politics surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus and the historical forces that led to his execution as a threat to both religious and political authority. His research into historical documents and alternative sources reveals the political context of Jesus's ministry and how his teachings challenged both Roman occupation and corrupt religious leadership. Kimball discusses the various parties involved in Jesus's arrest and execution, examining how political calculation and religious rivalry combined to eliminate someone perceived as threatening established power structures. The conversation covers what has been suppressed from Christian history and how the early church was shaped by political forces that determined which teachings would be preserved and which would be condemned as heresy. He explores Jesus's actual teachings and how they differed from later church doctrine, examining how political considerations influenced theological development and scriptural interpretation. Kimball addresses the role of various groups including Pharisees, Sadducees, and Romans in the events leading to crucifixion while investigating how each party viewed Jesus as a threat to their interests. His research reveals how understanding the crucifixion's political dimensions provides insight into Jesus's actual mission and teachings. The discussion examines how political manipulation of religion continues today and what Jesus's confrontation with corrupt authority teaches about challenging institutional power.