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Originally posted by SpunkyMoFo:
(OOC)
Not here to reply to 250's post as I can't speak to that. I wanted to suggest to Yorick that he read "The Last Temptation of Christ". I haven't seen the movie but the book was absolutely amazing. Judging by other book-to-movie conversions I can only imagine that this case is the same in that the book outlines the thoughts and feelings of the characters so much more than the movie.
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I worked with a guy who was the first Australian 'Jesus' for Jesus Christ Superstar when it came here. An English guy and one of the nicest I've ever met BTW, but anyhow, that was his source material (not the bible) on the directors request. I've heard it's very interesting from the discussions I had with him.
Thanks for the referral.
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orginally posted by 250
I really know very little about christian. While I know Jesus fought to save humanity, and one only needs to ask for forgiveness. I am just not convinced by that very idea. And from what you just mentioned, it seems there is more to it. What a way of life does Jesus portrait? "loving his enemies, and turning cheeks"?
also, here is a question, it may seem very extreme, but it is only a qeustion. what kind of view do you, as a christian, hold for a person that dislikes and hates the teaching of Jesus?
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250
If a person dislikes and hates Jesus what is that to me? They are entitled to their opinion. I would hope that it is an educated opinion, and that they have actually read his words or analysis of his words rather than forming it in ignorance, but who am I to get upset? I would if anything feel similar to you would if you knew this great guy and loved hanging with him and talking with him, but there were people who didn't get him, and started slagging him off.
If it was based in ignorance, I'd have a go at them for not getting their facts straight, but otherwise, I'd feel regret that they felt that way and move on.
Re. What he taught, yes there is more than that, but in essence his teaching can be broken down into about 11 main themes, largely centred around:
God loves humanity to the extent that 'he' would become a man, and take any deserved fate for any committed evil upon himself - an innocent, and die in every humans place.
Various concepts of God and how to communicate with him directly in a relatable way rather than indirectly through priests.
He actually attacked religious leaders of the day, labelling them hypocrites, snakes, and blind, self centred people. Religion he said, should be caring for the sick and the old, the homeless, the poor etc.
He attacked judgementalism ("let he without sin cast the first stone") and hung out with an the 'dregs' of society, including an adulteress (punishable by death) tax collectors (despised in Jewish society - similar to now I'd say
) fishermen and the most oucast of all, lepers.
He advocated equality for all people, peace - through 'turning the other cheek' and breaking the cycle of hate and revenge.
He would go around healing people of their physical ailments, and then focused on their spiritual problems.
Jesus normally spoke in allegory, or parables. A means of communicating abstract thought in concrete imagery for easier relatability. As a lot was cuturally dependent they can seem a little odd, but they are no different to someone now talking about 'the wheels falling off', when referring to a business failing.
I once heard a business lecturer using Jesus' parable of the seed sower in investment terms. The parable underscored understanding the nature of investment/energy and maximising returns.
There are snippets of wisdom such as investing your talents wisely, using your position in society to benefit others and create goodwill rather than 'burning' others, and not relying on material possessions for happiness, but on spiritual areas.
Man there is so much, I'm only touching the iceberg. There is so much material out there, including the four 'gospels'. I'm tired (4:00am) and could use some sleep (9:00am start) but if you want more check out "Mere Christianity" by Athiest-turned-christian writer C.S.LEWIS. I read it 11 years ago and found it brilliant. You could always start with the book of 'John' or 'Matthew' in the bible itself.
I don't want to 'preach' and I hope folks don't consider this bible bashing. 250 you did ask, and so I've attempted to answer.
Let it be known that I respect everyones right to a belief however different from mine. I would feel like a bastard though - like I was holding out on some big secret - if I didn't tell you how much fulfilment, joy, and satisfaction I get from my relationship with Jesus.
There you go. Maybe I've shared too much.
I'm off for the night I think.
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O.K..... what do I do now? Goo goo goo choo?
A fair dinkum laughing Hyena!
[This message has been edited by Yorick (edited 04-10-2001).]