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MOUNT PLEASANT - It's a long way from Tipperary, Ireland, but John Dominic Crossan has traveled that way to become an expert on the historical Jesus. Crossan will bring his expertise to Mount Pleasant on Aug. 18 and 19 as scholar in residence at First Presbyterian Church. Crossan's recent book, "The Power of Parable," will shape the focus of three lectures Aug. 18. At 2 p.m., he will speak on "Types of Old Testament Parables" and at 3:30 p.m. on "The Challenge Parables by Jesus." The evening lecture, "The Gospels as Parables about Jesus," will begin at 7 p.m. Crossan...

According to John Dominic Crossan, a noted Jesus scholar who will be in Nebraska next month, Jesus was a member of the downtrodden class, preaching hope to people living under Roman oppression. His message wasn't primarily about personal salvation, Crossan says, but about replacing a social system of status and power with one based on justice and equality. He will speak April 5 at Doane College in Crete and April 6 at First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln. He also will lead a seminar April 15-17 at First United Methodist Church in Omaha. (Crossan)...clearly identifies Jesus as a political figure. "(Jesus)was...