Killing Jesus: A History

The interplay of religion and politics is central to the narrative across the various chapters, highlighting how religious authority and political power are deeply intertwined, often to the detriment of those caught in their crossfire. Through the actions of key figures like Jesus, the Jewish religious leaders, and Roman political authorities, the text explores how religion can be manipulated to serve political agendas, while political power is often enforced through religious means.

The monetization of the Passover festival serves as an example of the intersection between religious practice and political control. Jewish leaders use the rituals of sacrifice and purification, essential for Passover observance, as an opportunity to profit from the pilgrims, demonstrating how religious practices can be exploited for economic and political gain. The high cost of participating in these sacred rites benefits the religious authorities, whose wealth and status are closely tied to their collaboration with the Roman occupiers. This economic manipulation reflects the larger theme of how religious leaders like Caiaphas align with political powers to maintain their control over both religious and secular life.

Jesus is presented as challenging those who would use religious observance as a means to legitimate their economic or political power.