First-century apostate Judaism and the ancient Roman Empire did not feel threatened by a theological interpretation of the death of Jesus Christ, vital though it is to the health of the church.

Rather, they were harrowed and haunted by the message that the Jewish rabbi that had been cruelly crucified had risen bodily from the dead and ascended into the heavens, and was ruling with all authority over the entire universe.

The present regal authority of the crucified and risen Lord is a threat and affront to all autonomous humanity everywhere.

This truth is at the core of Christianity, it may never be toned down, and it must be proclaimed without reservation everywhere, at all costs.