You Shall Not Bow Down and Serve Them

“In this important book, Horsley insists that we learn to reread the story of Jesus and the testimony of Paul in context. . . . Horsley sees that Jesus is not offering a new ethic, but is leading a movement of resistance. . . . This book is an important advance in our thinking and merits careful and sustained attention.”

—Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary



“Horsley powerfully breaks down the dividing walls among religion, politics, and economics in biblical studies. This essential book reconsiders underlying assumptions modern interpreters bring to the Jesus movements. It reintegrates politics and economics as inseparable from religion in the biblical text. This book is a must-read for students, faith leaders, and scholars of Jesus and Paul.”

—Crystal Hall, United Lutheran Seminary



“That the Bible, and therefore theology, cannot be limited to what is commonly understood as religion or spirituality is arguably the most important insight for our generation, reshaping the worlds of scholarship and of faith communities alike. In this spirit, Horsley explores how ancient biblical texts engage political, economic, and communal concerns which continue to be surprisingly relevant today.”

—Joerg Rieger, Vanderbilt University



“A decade ago, sociologists Schiedel and Friesen concluded that in first-century imperial Rome, the top 1 percent’s share of the total wealth represented less than half of what America’s top 1 percent control today! Horsley’s new book calls biblical studies to address such inhumane disparity—both ancient and modern. . . . Horsley’s body of work, well reflected in these essays, is essential for academics and activists alike, and we are in his debt.”

—Ched Myers, author of Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus