The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #67101 Message #1120473
Posted By: Peace
21-Feb-04 - 12:05 PM
Thread Name: BS: Mel's Dad... no Holocaust...
Subject: RE: BS: Mel's Dad... no Holocaust...
Jesus brought a new 'face' to Judaism. He was Jewish. There is no question about that. His crucifixion follows almost exactly the scenario as written in the Old Testament. But please be clear that claiming to be the Messiah was not and is not a crime in Judaism. It was not punishable by death. It was punishable by ridicule. Christ really irritated both the Romans and the Sanhedren. There was likely collusion to do with Christ's death. But it was a death sorely needed by the people of the time, specifically for the 'rebel' factions in the country. Christ could have left the country, taken a long vacation. He chose to stay and martyr Himself. That He was crucified is quite clear. That He died upon the cross is less clear. We know that "Mark" seems to have been the basis for both "Matthew" and "Luke". I am not convinced that Jesus set out to start a new religion. I am convinced that He set out to change His own religion. His divinity was 'established' by vote at the 325 CE Council of Nicea. And Christian factions existed even then. I do not ever argue the things to do with how people perceive Jesus. I think that is between them and their Lord. But I will and do argue against race hatred regardless of its disguise, because that IS contrary to the dictates of conscience. Jesus likely participated in His own 'death', and two thousand years later many people in this world who would otherwise have no hope, have hope. Not a bad legacy. Not bad at all.
Bruce Murdoch