Post by purr on Apr 7, 2023 7:42:49 GMT
GOOD... WHAT THE HELL?
April 7th 2023 remembering Jesus' death on a Friday leads us into Christianity's Easter celebration. Crucifixion was the horrific punishment under Roman Law for murderers and runaway slaves. Hell of a deterrent and no fun having to undergo this excruciatingly slow and painful mode of execution. In theological terms it's all good because a few days after his death the immense stone meant to seal Jesus' sepulchre for all time was found roiled away. Women followers were surprised to see a young man in white inside who told: "Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." The result for 2000 years since has been that Christians believe in Jesus as a Friend and Savior who isn't dead and buried but risen and alive. Jesus resurrection has become the core tenet of Christianity.
BUT ACCORDING TO DAVID DEUTSCH
Love it. It's a great story and one that made me into the Kitten writing this post. This wonderful Rabbi is my best friend too.
But... realizing we live in a multiverse with lots of alternate universes, dimensions and worlds each splitting off as pivotal decisions set the course for history. I wonder how the Jewish people and all of Humanity might have fared, might actually be living it out, had Jesus' unwarranted and unlawful execution been prevented that Friday. What if Pilate decided to cowboy up in facing up to mob intimidation, religious rage getting all rowdy chanting "Crucify him" with Pilate goin "Uhh... NO let's not!".
ISRAEL'S ONCE AND FUTURE KING
Now Pilate upheld Roman Law, boldly refusing to kill someone who had not committed an offense and released the charismatic teacher and preacher Jesus of Nazareth back among his swelling multitude of fans, how would Jesus' earthly life and ministry affect the world? First off the religious leadership would nimbly turn on their feet while bending over backwards & doing the political back flip if not entirely falling over themselves in endorsing the popular rabbi as if he had been their favorite son all along. I believe Jesus then would continue to smoothly align himself with Roman rule, not opposing paying Rome's taxes, refusing still to lead any militant uprising against the Emperor. Guy would be home free to spread his kind message of JHVH coming among us as a friend, teaching love of neighbors and strangers and above all God himself. Establishing a good rapport with Governor Plate couldn't hurt either so Judaism would open up to becoming a Messianic Kingdom. Christianity would not happen, no St Paul and Acts of the Apostles but instead a message emanating from Jerusalem inspiring people everywhere to do right and play nice. As a King of Peace maintaining amicable relations with sitting emperors would avert the the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in (our universe's time) the year 70 Christian Era. Jewry does not lose home and religious life as they are scattered across the world. The schedule for Rome transforming into Holy Roman Empire moves forward, into the lifetime of Jesus himself. Other nations will follow suit choosing the Yahwaedian way of life. Some will have none of it and great wars will ensue, bringing 'the sword' for many centuries. Again, because Jesus chose a kingdom of heaven, not one which bludgeons and cuts and bombards it's way to conquer land and subjects, but instead meets you midway, greets us by name to from then on stay close enough to touch, to enter our hearts and minds IF and WHEN we wish for Friendship with God. I imagine in that other universe, Rabbi and King Jesus would die too, after a long, very very long and fulfilling life on Earth. If God wants to live among us in human form he must choose to share in this ultimate human experience with us.
Happy Easter...with Love!
Chag Pesach Sameach!
purr
April 7th 2023 remembering Jesus' death on a Friday leads us into Christianity's Easter celebration. Crucifixion was the horrific punishment under Roman Law for murderers and runaway slaves. Hell of a deterrent and no fun having to undergo this excruciatingly slow and painful mode of execution. In theological terms it's all good because a few days after his death the immense stone meant to seal Jesus' sepulchre for all time was found roiled away. Women followers were surprised to see a young man in white inside who told: "Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him." The result for 2000 years since has been that Christians believe in Jesus as a Friend and Savior who isn't dead and buried but risen and alive. Jesus resurrection has become the core tenet of Christianity.
BUT ACCORDING TO DAVID DEUTSCH
Love it. It's a great story and one that made me into the Kitten writing this post. This wonderful Rabbi is my best friend too.
But... realizing we live in a multiverse with lots of alternate universes, dimensions and worlds each splitting off as pivotal decisions set the course for history. I wonder how the Jewish people and all of Humanity might have fared, might actually be living it out, had Jesus' unwarranted and unlawful execution been prevented that Friday. What if Pilate decided to cowboy up in facing up to mob intimidation, religious rage getting all rowdy chanting "Crucify him" with Pilate goin "Uhh... NO let's not!".
ISRAEL'S ONCE AND FUTURE KING
Now Pilate upheld Roman Law, boldly refusing to kill someone who had not committed an offense and released the charismatic teacher and preacher Jesus of Nazareth back among his swelling multitude of fans, how would Jesus' earthly life and ministry affect the world? First off the religious leadership would nimbly turn on their feet while bending over backwards & doing the political back flip if not entirely falling over themselves in endorsing the popular rabbi as if he had been their favorite son all along. I believe Jesus then would continue to smoothly align himself with Roman rule, not opposing paying Rome's taxes, refusing still to lead any militant uprising against the Emperor. Guy would be home free to spread his kind message of JHVH coming among us as a friend, teaching love of neighbors and strangers and above all God himself. Establishing a good rapport with Governor Plate couldn't hurt either so Judaism would open up to becoming a Messianic Kingdom. Christianity would not happen, no St Paul and Acts of the Apostles but instead a message emanating from Jerusalem inspiring people everywhere to do right and play nice. As a King of Peace maintaining amicable relations with sitting emperors would avert the the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in (our universe's time) the year 70 Christian Era. Jewry does not lose home and religious life as they are scattered across the world. The schedule for Rome transforming into Holy Roman Empire moves forward, into the lifetime of Jesus himself. Other nations will follow suit choosing the Yahwaedian way of life. Some will have none of it and great wars will ensue, bringing 'the sword' for many centuries. Again, because Jesus chose a kingdom of heaven, not one which bludgeons and cuts and bombards it's way to conquer land and subjects, but instead meets you midway, greets us by name to from then on stay close enough to touch, to enter our hearts and minds IF and WHEN we wish for Friendship with God. I imagine in that other universe, Rabbi and King Jesus would die too, after a long, very very long and fulfilling life on Earth. If God wants to live among us in human form he must choose to share in this ultimate human experience with us.
Happy Easter...with Love!
Chag Pesach Sameach!
purr
