So is crucifiction a bad or a good thing?

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

It is bad because it caused Jesus so much pain and suffering, and truly is one of the most horrible ways to go.

But (the story goes) Jesus was God, so he knew that the pain and suffering was a necessity, which would ameliorate the pain and suffering.

Burning to death, freezing to death, or even being eatne by bugs takes much quicker.

What about being dissolved in corrosive natron (the Egyptians report that victims often took days to die)? How about being roasted alive? Whipped to death? I'm sure there are dozens of ways to die that are either more painful or more drawn out (or both) than crucifixion). Jesus was (allegedly) crucified because 1) it was the punishment appropriate for enemies of the state at the time and 2) it fit with the mythology.

Imagine being whipped and exhausted and having a crown of thorns stuck into your head. Then imagine having nails driven through your wrists and feet and then hanging up on a cross for 4-5 hours, while your limbs slowly break and your lungs slowly collapse. That is what Jesus went through for you.

Granted, it doesn't sound like the best way to spend a Friday afternoon, but remember - I didn't ask Jesus to do this.

It was bad, yes. But great good came out of it, namely the chance to go to heaven.

A Palestinian preacher being brutally murdered so I can go to heaven is anathema to me. The idea of a god being butchered so I can go to heaven is just silly.

And for all those who sympathize with Judas, I am oh so sorry. He is more than likely in Hell. Jesus said it would better for the one who betrayed him to "never have been born."

By your own statements, Jesus had to die for mankind to be saved. If Judas hadn't betrayed Jesus, the crucifixion might never have come off. You ought to be thanking Judas, not condemning him.

Judas knew God made flesh for 3 years

Or 1 year. The accounts vary.

but still sneered at him, disbelieved in him, and was willing to sell him for 30 pieces of silver. It is rather like the false Christian preachers, like Joel Osteen, who are willing to be silent about Jesus' teaching and message, all for the sake of money.

Again, Judas was fulfilling the role appointed for him. Who the hell are YOU to sneer at Judas for his absolutely vital role in the salvation of mankind?

Boru