Originally posted by thesonofsaulOK, I see that, if he wasn't crucified, died of old age, would his word have the same impact today? You are right, he was the victor in that he is remembered and revered. That needs no faith to see.
Actually, it is not required to believe Jesus is divine to see that in the story of Jesus, he indeed was a victor. In the stories given to us in the Gospels, Jesus was crucified, buried, and then rose again from the dead. You don't have to believe this for it to be in the story. If you believe it Mythological (as I do) those elements are still in th ...[text shortened]... each other, all possibly acquaintances of each other, wrote the accounts of the Bible. Hmmm.
Originally posted by KneverKnightIt seems that I am not being clear. What I am speaking of is merely the story itself, not at all about the impact on the Gospels on modern society.
OK, I see that, if he wasn't crucified, died of old age, would his word have the same impact today? You are right, he was the victor in that he is remembered and revered. That needs no faith to see.
In the story of the Passion, Jesus is depicted as an innocent by the authors of the Gospel. He is victorious because he, in the story, arose from the dead. Thus he is a victorious hero.
In most mythologies, the hero is depicted as guilty, and more often than not finnally dies in some sort of sad drama. These poor guys are tragic heroes.
See the difference? In most mythologies, the sacrifice, while well meant and passionate, is oft for naught, at least in the way it is depicted. In the Gospels, the sacrifice is depicted as incredibly successful.
For a tragic hero, it is all for naught.
For the victorious hero, it all works wonderfully.
Just to make sure I am clear on all this, I am not defending or attacking the Gospels, only stating the idea that its perspective is unique from most mythologies, and that is something to be considered before lumping the Gospels in with other mythologies.
Originally posted by thesonofsaulMaybe I wasn't clear. I do see the difference.
It seems that I am not being clear. What I am speaking of is merely the story itself, not at all about the impact on the Gospels on modern society.
In the story of the Passion, Jesus is depicted as an innocent by the authors of the Gospel. He is victorious because he, in the story, arose from the dead. Thus he is a victorious hero.
In most myth ...[text shortened]... , and that is something to be considered before lumping the Gospels in with other mythologies.