You Tube Theology

In this episode, New Testament scholar Nijay Gupta joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on how the early church encountered and interacted with political power. Drawing from historical context and biblical insight, Nijay helps us explore how the first Christians navigated empire, authority, and allegiance—and what their example might mean for the church today.

00:00 Intro
00:25 Introduction and Overview of 'Strange Religion'
01:20 Cultural Perception of Christians in Portland
01:40 Would our spiritual ancestors, the first Christians, consider us today their true descendants?
03:36 Influence of Popular Culture on Christian Values
04:54 Religion and Power in the Roman Empire
08:02 Syncretism in Roman Religious Practices
14:21 Christian Allegiance Versus Roman Empire
27:05 Moltmann's Conversion and Impact
28:45 Stories of Early Christian Martyrs
34:21 Maintaining Allegiance to Jesus Today
37:58 Further Exploration of Faith Through 'Slow Theology'