I am traveling into Israel and Jordan soon and in preparation for this I am taking online courses through the University of North Carolina with a professor whose specialty is the the historical basis of Judaism and the historical perambulations and political alliances that went into that (relatively speaking) small piece of land.
We are looking at the history of the influences that would have informed Jesus on his mission, and what ultimately led to his death for treason.
Last night we learned about the methods of death employed by the Romans at the time. Paul, for instance, was put to death in a different manner that Jesus as he was a Roman citizen and claimed this during his trial.
The crucifixion was reserved for those of the lower classes, criminals and slaves. It was chosen as a form of death because of the prolonged agony and suffering that it caused before death finally, and mercifully, claimed the body. This is the death that was experienced by Jesus.
I reflect on this, and wonder at the utter abomination of the current Roman Catholic church and its grotesque materialism and in many cases its utter lack of piety. I also wonder at the fervor of so-called evangelists who live off the gullibility of their adherents. Not all, but enough that we are aware of them.
We are looking at the history of the influences that would have informed Jesus on his mission, and what ultimately led to his death for treason.
Last night we learned about the methods of death employed by the Romans at the time. Paul, for instance, was put to death in a different manner that Jesus as he was a Roman citizen and claimed this during his trial.
The crucifixion was reserved for those of the lower classes, criminals and slaves. It was chosen as a form of death because of the prolonged agony and suffering that it caused before death finally, and mercifully, claimed the body. This is the death that was experienced by Jesus.
I reflect on this, and wonder at the utter abomination of the current Roman Catholic church and its grotesque materialism and in many cases its utter lack of piety. I also wonder at the fervor of so-called evangelists who live off the gullibility of their adherents. Not all, but enough that we are aware of them.