(August 19, 2012 at 3:56 am)Undeceived Wrote: To wonder if Jesus could have died another way is a sidestep topic.
Errr . . . I thought I had chosen the topic in the OP. I just want a simple answer to the question.
You have answered that you think the method was irelevant, it was just what was around at the time. Thank you for that straight answer.
So the question should be, "Why was the execution sacrifice necessary ?"
Some of your answers seem to imply that it was overt piece of conspicuous demonstration so that the simple folk of the time would remember that Jesus suffered.
I appreciate that the result was eternal life if you believe in God, but it is still not clear to me how a human sacrifice was the only way that this could have been facilitated. After all god is omnipotent and can send everyone who ever lived to heaven over breakfast if he so desired, then send them somewhere else at tea time. What is the mechanism or method and reason that a human sacrifice made what was impossible before suddenly possible.(i.e. people going to heaven)
Despite your implication I am not trying to score points, but get a substantial and precise answer to this question, and I don't think I should need to study the bible to answer something that is at the root of the christian story.
Thanks for your thoughts though. Perhaps a Xtian forum would have a vicar or someone who can give the official line (apologies if you are a vicar !).
Do you know any good ones ?
Regards
Grimesy
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. — Edward Gibbon