The term "Pre-Easter Jesus" refers to the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth before his death. It focuses on his life, teachings, and actions as a human being. This contrasts with the "Post-Easter Jesus," which is his status as a divine, resurrected, metaphorical figure central to the Christian faith.
The Pre-Easter Jesus scholarship comes from liberal Christian professors of religion such as Marcus Borg (Oregon State University), John Dominic Crossan (DePaul University), and E.P. Sanders (Duke University).
Many Christian churches largely ignore the Pre-Easter Jesus, including aspects of his Jewishness and beliefs, personal life, and the role of women in his ministry. Conservative Christian denominations consider a focus on the Pre-Easter Jesus as heretical.
.
Key Aspects of the "Pre-Easter Jesus"
Historical Jesus: This perspective portrays Jesus as a first-century Jewish teacher and prophet. Scholars use historical methods, examining the Gospels and other ancient sources, to understand the human Jesus without later theological interpretations.
Human Jesus: The emphasis is on Jesus as a human being—his teachings, interactions, and role as a reformer within Judaism. He is seen as a rabbi, healer, and leader. The New Testament leaves out contemporary accounts depicting Jesus in a more imperfect human light.
Jesus as wholly Jewish: Jesus is understood as fully Jewish, intent on ethically reforming the Jewish church rather than founding a new religion. Early Christianity was a subset of Judaism, with followers being Jewish and maintaining Hebrew cultural practices. Only years after Jesus' death did Christianity develop its distinct identity and culture.
Jesus' relationship with women: Jesus' ministry was notable for its inclusion of women, challenging the patriarchal norms of his time. He openly engaged with women, and women were among his supporters. In the early church, women held leadership roles. However, as Christianity became more institutionalized, women's roles diminished.
Teachings and Actions:
The Kingdom of God: Jesus often spoke about the metaphorical Kingdom of God, a transformative state of enlightenment.
Ethics of love and justice: His teachings emphasized love for all, compassion for the marginalized, and a call for justice, often criticizing religious and political authorities.
Parables: Jesus used parables to convey moral and spiritual lessons.
.
Post-Easter Jesus
The Post-Easter Jesus is the metaphorical Jesus most Christians are taught about in church. Many Post-Easter Jesus doctrines and New Testament quotes, such as the Trinity and Jesus' claim to be the Son of God, were made up after Jesus died and do not reflect his views or what he would say. The New Testament, brought together after his death, portrays Jesus as uniquely divine, leaving out many details of his earthly life. Many patriarchal Christian churches do not teach parishinsers about the positions of power women had under Jesus.
.
Pre-Easter Jesus was kind and humanistic. Post-Easter Jesus keeps getting crucified by Christianity, from Paul and Augustine, made a phantom made to trade this-world love for afterlife hope.
I just finished Gary Wills' excellent "What Jesus Meant." He reminds us of the radical humanism of the person Jesus, but then twists that, along with Paul and Augustine, into mystical churchiness.
I like to believe Jesus survived the shortened execution and was revived by his mother and lover, thence to show his wounds to his guys and leave town with Mary of Magdeline. Too bad what they did to his story since.