April 02, 1999: Politics of the Crucifixion - Dr. Glenn Kimball
The Art Bell Archive · Arthur William Bell III
June 8, 20241h 48m
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Show Notes
Art Bell welcomes scholar Glenn Kimball for an Easter-themed exploration of the hidden political forces behind the crucifixion of Jesus. Drawing from ancient manuscripts across Hindu, Roman, and early Christian traditions, Kimball presents evidence that the crucifixion was driven not by religious persecution but by a blackmail scheme. He describes how the Sadducees, the only Jewish faction allied with Rome, threatened to expose the secret political relationship between Pontius Pilate and the Roman conspirator Sejanus unless Pilate executed Jesus.
Kimball reveals that Jesus held status as a Roman citizen through his foster father Joseph of Arimathea, who was named Noblest of Curio by Tiberius Caesar. He describes how Pilate and Jesus shared a connection through the Druid universities of ancient Britain, and how Pilate ultimately converted to Christianity after reportedly encountering the resurrected Jesus in the streets. Kimball notes that early Christians celebrated Pilate's birthday as a religious holiday for two centuries and that he remains a saint in Byzantine and Coptic traditions.
The conversation extends to the political aftermath of the crucifixion, including accounts of the dead rising in both Jerusalem and Rome, the preservation of temple artifacts by Roman forces, and speculation about the current location of the Ark of the Covenant. Callers and Art share personal reflections on visiting biblical sites in the Holy Land.
Kimball reveals that Jesus held status as a Roman citizen through his foster father Joseph of Arimathea, who was named Noblest of Curio by Tiberius Caesar. He describes how Pilate and Jesus shared a connection through the Druid universities of ancient Britain, and how Pilate ultimately converted to Christianity after reportedly encountering the resurrected Jesus in the streets. Kimball notes that early Christians celebrated Pilate's birthday as a religious holiday for two centuries and that he remains a saint in Byzantine and Coptic traditions.
The conversation extends to the political aftermath of the crucifixion, including accounts of the dead rising in both Jerusalem and Rome, the preservation of temple artifacts by Roman forces, and speculation about the current location of the Ark of the Covenant. Callers and Art share personal reflections on visiting biblical sites in the Holy Land.