Episode 287 - The Lost Religion of Jesus with Keith Akers

Nov 26

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Keith Akers, former computer consultant turned author, activist, and pioneering researcher of early Christianity. Keith shares his journey from tech to theology, where his research challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus, the Nazarenes and early Christians. In this episode, we dive into:

✨ Jesus’ opposition to animal sacrifice, vegetarianism in early Jewish Christianity, and the powerful nonviolent ethos at its heart.

✨ The fascinating historical conflict between Paul and the Jewish Christians, including the Ebionites and Nazarenes, who lived as "the poor" and rejected meat and wealth.

✨ How modern Christianity diverged from these early teachings and what that means for faith today.

✨ Insights into Keith's philosophical journey, his discovery of Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, and the life-changing decision to embrace veganism.

We also unpack the tension between pro-meat and pro-vegetatian writers in the bible and explore the controversial narratives in the New Testament about fish, sacrifices, and the deeper spiritual messages they may conceal. If you’re curious about the hidden history of Christianity, the ethical teachings of Jesus, or how faith connects with compassion for animals and the environment, this conversation will inspire and challenge you. Don’t miss Keith’s thought-provoking appearance in the documentary Christpiracy!

Bio - Keith Akers is a writer, speaker, and activist. He’s written four books, including two books on vegetarianism in early Christianity, The Lost Religion of Jesus (2000) and Disciples (2013). Most recently, he was interviewed for the documentary Christspiracy. He has been active in vegetarian and vegan groups for over 40 years and is the co-organizer of Denver Vegans. In his former life as a computer consultant, he worked on projects with the US Departments of State and Education, American Management Systems, Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile (now Verizon), and others. His most recent book is centered on the environmental destruction of the planet that we must reverse.

Keith’s website: https://compassionatespirit.com/wpblog/

Keith’s books:

The Lost Religion of Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Religion-Jesus-Nonviolence-Christianity/dp/1930051263

Disciples - How Jewish Christianity Shaped Jesus and Shattered Christianity: https://www.amazon.com/Disciples-Jewish-Christianity-Shaped-Shattered/dp/1937002500

Embracing Limits: https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Limits-Necessary-Approach-Environmental/dp/0945528027