The Problem with Jesus' Arrest and Trial, by James Still

Using the net for research on the New Testament
produces too many articles which have reasonable
analysis and existing scholarship skewed by faith
positions, and even a Christian cleric is grateful for
articles like Still's, which, though slightly bent by his
own perspective, as scholarship will be, is clearer
and more useful for reflection and exploration than
doctrinally- or dogmatically- directed exposition.

Whether Still rec's remarks like this I don't know,
but I think his take that Jesus' entry to Jerusalem
was likelier at the Feast of Tabernacles also supports
a hunch that there was something of Messianic import
about Tabernacles and its customs which is hinted in
the account of the Transfiguration, but which has been
lost or obscured in transmission.

Thanks

[-DM-]

James wants you to know that he appreciates your feedback but says he is working fifty-five hour weeks and therefore hopes that you will excuse "his" response only through me.

-Don-

[Vorkosigan]

Sir:

1. Check out Jan Sammer's www.nazarenus.com for a very interesting and well thought out take on the whole Passion story.

2. if you are interested in historical Jesus issues, see the internet discussion group XTALK, which features a number of heavyweight scholars, NT studies experts, students, and interested non-professionals like this writer. In a recent thread of interest to you, Ted Weeden, a major Mark scholar, just posted a discussion of Craig Evan's suggestion that the Passion story is closely parallel to Josephus story of the madman Jesus Ananias who was chastised and freed by Pilate for predicting the fall of Jerusalem. Many similar topics abound. You can find XTALK by searching Yahoo, the group is hosted there.

3. Also, read the recommended reading sticky at the top of the Biblical Criticism and Archaeology Forum. There are lots of good books there. If you have specific interests send a private message to me, Toto, or Peter Kirby, all members here.

4. Also, see Peter Kirby's magnificent website www.earlychristianwritings.com. It has a gigantic collection of links and discussions.

Hope this helps.

Vorkosigan

[tommythecat86]

I was reading "The problem with Jesus' arrest and trial" earlier and I must say I didn't find it all that scholarly. Granted you have done your homework and seem to have a grasp on the laws and practices of the time but you leave out one key element that is the glue of any good argument...common sense. This is by no means meant to be offensive, just informative....enjoy some criticism. Without this "glue" as it is called, your argument falls apart. Yes, these were the laws and practices but think of humanity. Our own laws and practices are often ignored by our leaders when in their intesrest. Corruption of state has been around since the creation of state. By no means is this incident like any other, it could mean doom for the state as it was known and I highly doubt sir that they would not bend if not break the rules to keep the state in tact. Jesus was not a common thief, he was opposition.

[-DM-]

Thank you for your feedback regarding The Problem with Jesus' Arrest and Trial (http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/james_still/jesus_trial.html) by James Still (http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/james_still/). E-mail notification has been sent to the author. Although there are no guarantees, you might want to check back from time to time for a further response following this post.

-DM-

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