Rev. Richard J. Cassidy

Professor of Sacred Scripture
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Education: 
B.A. (Philosophy), Sacred Heart Seminary, 1964;
M.A. (Economics), University of Michigan, 1980;
S.T.L. Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1968. Exercitation: Conversion in the Old and New Testaments;
Ph.D. Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA, 1977. Dissertation: The Social and Political Stance of Jesus According to Luke's Gospel.
Bio / Information: 

Fr. Richard J. Cassidy serves as Professor of Sacred Scripture.  He is an ordained priest of the Detroit Archdiocese.  He holds graduate degrees from the Gregorian University, the University of Michigan, and the Graduate Theological Union.

For decades, Fr. Cassidy has been an active member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America.  Since 2004 he has been an elected member of Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas.  "A Roman Commentary on St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians" is his most recent publication. 

Publications: 
"Jesus, Politics, and Society: A Study of Luke’s Gospel"

WAS JESUS DANGEROUS TO THE ROMAN EMPIRE? Reading the Gospel of Luke in the light of Roman-ruled Palestine, Richard J. Cassidy demonstrates that Jesus was a powerful threat to both the political and social structures of his time.

Spanish translation: Jesus, la Politica y Sociedad

"Political Issues in Luke-Acts"
“The contributors represent varying outlooks in New Testament study so that the book offers a continuation of the current debate rather than a set of agreed conclusions. The editors of this symposium deserve our thanks for bringing together this series of useful essays which no student of the social teaching in the New Testament and of Luke’s writings in particular ought to miss.”
"Society and Politics in the Acts of the Apostles"
FOLLOWING HIS SEMINAL ANALYSIS IN JESUS, POLITICS AND SOCIETY: A Study of Luke’s Gospel, Richard J. Cassidy explicates the startling social and political contents of the Acts of the Apostles. Treating themes of fundamental importance to the life of the church today, Society and Politics in the Acts of the Apostles will be required reading for any serious student of the New Testament.
"Christians and Roman Rule in the New Testament: New Perspectives"
"Paul in Chains: Roman Imprisonment and the Letters of St. Paul"

Spanish translation: Cartas desde la prision romana

"Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels and at Philippi"
"John’s Gospel in New Perspective: Christology and the Realities of Roman Power"
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ROMAN IMPERIAL THEOLOGY manifested at very early stages in Christian history. Richard Cassidy argues that ignoring or downplaying such political-theological implica- tions because of some supposedly manifest separation between spiritual belief and politics is both short- sighted and unbiblical. In this fascinating and original reading of the Gospel of John, it becomes clear that Christology is not merely theological theorizing, but a matter of immense political import.
"Pablo Encadenado: Cartas desde la Prision Romana"
"Jesus la Politica y Sociedad : Estudio del Evangelio de Lucas"
"A Roman Commentary on St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians"

Philippians is St. Paul's final letter. Paul composes this letter as a chained prisoner in Nero's Rome. In Philippians 2:6-11 Paul sets forth the key insights he has gained from pondering the meaning of Jesus Christ. Paul begins this passage by indicating that Jesus emptied himself downward to take on the identity and the death of a slave. In 2:9-11 Paul indicates the Father's astonishing restoration of Jesus to the highest place. The Father bestows the name, "Lord," upon Jesus. When this name is pronounced every person must bow profoundly and this includes the likes of Tiberius, Pilate, Claudius, and Nero. Slaves and all of creation then join in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.