Simon of Cyrene: A Case of Roman Conscription

In this book, Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder reexamines the role of Simon of Cyrene during the crucifixion as presented in the Gospel of Luke. Engaging in cultural studies as an interpretive base, Crowder maintains that because Simon was forced or conscripted to carry the cross, his actions cannot be interpreted as those of a disciple who voluntarily followed Jesus. Further, since the gospel writer Luke was under duress and could not openly record such activity, he engaged in a rhetoric of subversion in order to protect himself. Luke’s literature thus bespeaks of his own socio-cultural and socio-political environment under the Roman Empire.