Books by Richard J Cassidy

The conflict between Christianity and Roman Imperial theology manifested at very early stages in Christian history. Richard Cassidy argues that ignoring or downplaying such political-theological implications because of some supposedly manifest separation between spiritual belief and politics is both shortsighted and unbiblical. In this fascinating and original reading of the Gospel of John, it becomes clear that Christology is not merely theological theorizing, but a matter of immense political import.The conflict between Christianity and Roman Imperial theology manifested at very early stages in Christian history. Richard Cassidy argues that ignoring or downplaying such political-theological implications because of some supposedly manifest separation between spiritual belief and politics is both shortsighted and unbiblical. In this fascinating and original reading of the Gospel of John, it becomes clear that Christology is not merely theological theorizing, but a matter of immense political import.END:""Succeeds in demonstrating a scarcely-noticed major concern of the Fourth Gospel: to provide guidance to Christians of the time in facing hostile Roman authorities. Cassidy interprets the work as a whole as well as selected passages on this basis, greatly enhancing the realism and depth of the story. Special praise is due to his lucid writing on so intricate a subject . . . His presentation is no less balanced for being original.""--David Daube, University of California, Berkeley""This valuable study of the Gospel of John offers a new approach to the setting and purpose of the book. Cassidy relies on the Gospel itself to argue that it supports Christians facing persecution and possible martyrdom in a Roman imperial campaign against [them] at the end of the first century . . . [His] picture supplements and rounds the others out, shedding fresh light on old texts."" --Robert M. Grant, University of Chicago""This startling thesis . . . illuminates an aspect of John virtually overlooked by Johannine scholars and [yet] not incompatible with [its] traditionally recognized purposes . . . With particular sensitivity to the Roman context, Cassidy solidly demonstrates the correlation between particular Johannine themes and elements of the text, and key terms and practices of the Roman authorities of the approximate time period . . . Cassidy''s insights . . . call for elaboration by those concerned with the sociopolitical background of the Fourth Gospel."" --Susan F. Mathews, University of Scranton""Well-known for his studies on the relationship of Luke-Acts and the Roman Empire, Cassidy here continues this line of research [examining] the Fourth Gospel as it consciously reflects knowledge of the Roman Empire, the cult of the Emperor, and the persecutions waged against the Christians. In this endeavor he utilizes John''s particular Christological titles and the implicit or explicit indications of persecution. In this way, Cassidy illustrates a neglected aspect of the Fourth Gospel, and brings it more into relationship with the Apocalypse."" --Giuseppe Segalla, Seminario Vescovile, Padua, ItalyRichard J. Cassidy serves as Professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. His most recent books are Paul in Chains: Roman Imprisonment and the Letters of Paul and Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels and at Philippi. He is currently completing a commentary on St. Paul''s Letter to the Philippians.

Was Jesus dangerous to the Roman Empire? Reading the Gospel of Luke in the light of Roman-ruled Palestine, Richard J. Cassidy demonstrates that Jesus was a powerful threat to both the political and social structures of his time.Richard J. Cassidy serves as Professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. His most recent books are Paul in Chains: Roman Imprisonment and the Letters of Paul and Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels and at Philippi. He is currently completing a commentary on St. Paul''s Letter to the Philippians.

Following his seminal analysis of Luke, Jesus, Politics and Society: A Study of Luke's Gospel, Richard J. Cassidy explicates the startling social and political contents of the Acts of the Apostles. Treating themes of fundamental importance to the life of the church today, Society and Politics in the Acts of the Apostles will be required reading for any serious student of the New Testament.""Of special interest is the discussion of Paul's relation to the Roman Empire . . . There was an element in [Paul's] preaching and activity that did present a threat to Roman society.""--F. F. Bruce, Emeritus Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis, University of Manchester""Father Cassidy offers a masterly analysis of Acts in beautifully intelligible language. It culminates in the refusal to accept either of two popular characterizations of the book.""--David Daube, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley ""This work completes with distinction the previous work of Cassidy on Luke . . . [It] should receive the attention of both interpreters of Acts and historians of Christianity's origins."" --Jacques Dupont, OSB, Monastere Saint-Andre, Ottignies, Belgium""Its comprehensive survey of the data and its judicious assessment of scholarly opinion make this a timely contribution to one of the burning issues of Lukan research.""--John H. Elliott, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Francisco""This well-written book exemplifies interdisciplinary scholarship and represents a provocative challenge for those who seek to understand the message and the implications of Christianity today.""--Mary Ann Getty, RSM., Assistant Professor of New Testament, Catholic University of America""Adds a new dimension to the purpose of Acts by suggesting that Luke wanted to show Christians how to live in the Roman Empire and specifically to give them examples of how to cope with being tried before political officials.""--I. Howard Marshall, Professor of New Testament Exegesis, University of Aberdeen""'A challenging work in which Cassidy presents the Church in Acts as 'a community committed to an uncompromising testimony to Christ.'""--Joseph Patbrapankal, Professor of New Testament, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, IndiaRichard J. Cassidy serves as Professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. His most recent books are Paul in Chains: Roman Imprisonment and the Letters of Paul and Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels and at Philippi. He is currently completing a commentary on St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians.