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Apr. 5th, 2012
On Sully's blog, I came across a fasinating interpretation of the Pilate and Barabbas scene. It comes from the Pope no less, in his book "Jesus of Nazareth". When I was into Christian literature, that book was on my short list, but I never did get to it. I find it tempting, yet.
_ _ _
At the culmination of Jesus's trial, Pilate presents the people with a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. One of the two will be released. But who was Barabbas?
It is usually the words of John's Gospel that come to mind here: "Barabbas was a robber" (Jn 18:40). But the Greek word for "robber" had acquired a specific meaning in the political situation that obtained at the time in Palestine. It had become a synonym for "resistance fighter". Barabbas had taken part in an uprising (cf. Mk 15:7), and furthermore - in that context - had been accused of murder (cf. Lk 23:19, 25). When Matthew remarks that Barabbas was "a notorious prisoner" (Mt 27:16), this is evidence that he was one of the prominent resistance fighters, in fact probably the actual leader of that particular uprising.
In other words, Barabbas was a messianic figure.
The choice of Jesus versus Barabbas is not accidental; two messiah figures, two forms of messianic belief stand in opposition. This becomes even clearer when we consider that the name Bar-Abbas means "son of the father". This is a typically messianic appellation, the cultic name of a prominent leader of the messianic movement... So the choice is between a messiah who leads an armed struggle, promises freedom and a kingdom of one's own, and this mysterious Jesus who proclaims that losing oneself is the way to life. Is it any wonder that the crowds prefer Barabbas?
-- Pope Benedict, "Jesus of Nazareth"
_ _ _
At the culmination of Jesus's trial, Pilate presents the people with a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. One of the two will be released. But who was Barabbas?
It is usually the words of John's Gospel that come to mind here: "Barabbas was a robber" (Jn 18:40). But the Greek word for "robber" had acquired a specific meaning in the political situation that obtained at the time in Palestine. It had become a synonym for "resistance fighter". Barabbas had taken part in an uprising (cf. Mk 15:7), and furthermore - in that context - had been accused of murder (cf. Lk 23:19, 25). When Matthew remarks that Barabbas was "a notorious prisoner" (Mt 27:16), this is evidence that he was one of the prominent resistance fighters, in fact probably the actual leader of that particular uprising.
In other words, Barabbas was a messianic figure.
The choice of Jesus versus Barabbas is not accidental; two messiah figures, two forms of messianic belief stand in opposition. This becomes even clearer when we consider that the name Bar-Abbas means "son of the father". This is a typically messianic appellation, the cultic name of a prominent leader of the messianic movement... So the choice is between a messiah who leads an armed struggle, promises freedom and a kingdom of one's own, and this mysterious Jesus who proclaims that losing oneself is the way to life. Is it any wonder that the crowds prefer Barabbas?
-- Pope Benedict, "Jesus of Nazareth"
On Sully's blog, I came across a fasinating interpretation of the Pilate and Barabbas scene. It comes from the Pope no less, in his book "Jesus of Nazareth". When I was into Christian literature, that book was on my short list, but I never did get to it. I find it tempting, yet.
_ _ _
At the culmination of Jesus's trial, Pilate presents the people with a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. One of the two will be released. But who was Barabbas?
It is usually the words of John's Gospel that come to mind here: "Barabbas was a robber" (Jn 18:40). But the Greek word for "robber" had acquired a specific meaning in the political situation that obtained at the time in Palestine. It had become a synonym for "resistance fighter". Barabbas had taken part in an uprising (cf. Mk 15:7), and furthermore - in that context - had been accused of murder (cf. Lk 23:19, 25). When Matthew remarks that Barabbas was "a notorious prisoner" (Mt 27:16), this is evidence that he was one of the prominent resistance fighters, in fact probably the actual leader of that particular uprising.
In other words, Barabbas was a messianic figure.
The choice of Jesus versus Barabbas is not accidental; two messiah figures, two forms of messianic belief stand in opposition. This becomes even clearer when we consider that the name Bar-Abbas means "son of the father". This is a typically messianic appellation, the cultic name of a prominent leader of the messianic movement... So the choice is between a messiah who leads an armed struggle, promises freedom and a kingdom of one's own, and this mysterious Jesus who proclaims that losing oneself is the way to life. Is it any wonder that the crowds prefer Barabbas?
-- Pope Benedict, "Jesus of Nazareth"
_ _ _
At the culmination of Jesus's trial, Pilate presents the people with a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. One of the two will be released. But who was Barabbas?
It is usually the words of John's Gospel that come to mind here: "Barabbas was a robber" (Jn 18:40). But the Greek word for "robber" had acquired a specific meaning in the political situation that obtained at the time in Palestine. It had become a synonym for "resistance fighter". Barabbas had taken part in an uprising (cf. Mk 15:7), and furthermore - in that context - had been accused of murder (cf. Lk 23:19, 25). When Matthew remarks that Barabbas was "a notorious prisoner" (Mt 27:16), this is evidence that he was one of the prominent resistance fighters, in fact probably the actual leader of that particular uprising.
In other words, Barabbas was a messianic figure.
The choice of Jesus versus Barabbas is not accidental; two messiah figures, two forms of messianic belief stand in opposition. This becomes even clearer when we consider that the name Bar-Abbas means "son of the father". This is a typically messianic appellation, the cultic name of a prominent leader of the messianic movement... So the choice is between a messiah who leads an armed struggle, promises freedom and a kingdom of one's own, and this mysterious Jesus who proclaims that losing oneself is the way to life. Is it any wonder that the crowds prefer Barabbas?
-- Pope Benedict, "Jesus of Nazareth"
David Letterman
Apr. 5th, 2012 10:00 amI haven't watched David Letterman in ages, or any late-night talk shows, with the exception of an episode or two of Bill Maher's show, as well as the clips on my friends page from "The Daily Show".
_ _ _
David Letterman has signed a contract extension with CBS that will make him the longest-running late-night host in television history.
Letterman and CBS announced Tuesday that he has extended his "Late Show" deal through 2014. He launched his original "Late Night with David Letterman" at NBC on Feb. 1, 1982, so he will have been doing late-night television for more than 32 years when the new deal expires.
That will move him past Johnny Carson, who was on the air for 30 years.
No dollar figures were announced. His previous salary has been variously reported in the range of $32-$40 million annually.
-- ONTD
_ _ _
I used to be a Letterman fan back in my college days, decades ago, back when he had the super-late midnight hour. He was a great wind-down from my studies. But, seriously, forty-million-dollars?!! Crazy, man. I don't understand this world.
_ _ _
David Letterman has signed a contract extension with CBS that will make him the longest-running late-night host in television history.
Letterman and CBS announced Tuesday that he has extended his "Late Show" deal through 2014. He launched his original "Late Night with David Letterman" at NBC on Feb. 1, 1982, so he will have been doing late-night television for more than 32 years when the new deal expires.
That will move him past Johnny Carson, who was on the air for 30 years.
No dollar figures were announced. His previous salary has been variously reported in the range of $32-$40 million annually.
-- ONTD
_ _ _
I used to be a Letterman fan back in my college days, decades ago, back when he had the super-late midnight hour. He was a great wind-down from my studies. But, seriously, forty-million-dollars?!! Crazy, man. I don't understand this world.
David Letterman
Apr. 5th, 2012 10:00 amI haven't watched David Letterman in ages, or any late-night talk shows, with the exception of an episode or two of Bill Maher's show, as well as the clips on my friends page from "The Daily Show".
_ _ _
David Letterman has signed a contract extension with CBS that will make him the longest-running late-night host in television history.
Letterman and CBS announced Tuesday that he has extended his "Late Show" deal through 2014. He launched his original "Late Night with David Letterman" at NBC on Feb. 1, 1982, so he will have been doing late-night television for more than 32 years when the new deal expires.
That will move him past Johnny Carson, who was on the air for 30 years.
No dollar figures were announced. His previous salary has been variously reported in the range of $32-$40 million annually.
-- ONTD
_ _ _
I used to be a Letterman fan back in my college days, decades ago, back when he had the super-late midnight hour. He was a great wind-down from my studies. But, seriously, forty-million-dollars?!! Crazy, man. I don't understand this world.
_ _ _
David Letterman has signed a contract extension with CBS that will make him the longest-running late-night host in television history.
Letterman and CBS announced Tuesday that he has extended his "Late Show" deal through 2014. He launched his original "Late Night with David Letterman" at NBC on Feb. 1, 1982, so he will have been doing late-night television for more than 32 years when the new deal expires.
That will move him past Johnny Carson, who was on the air for 30 years.
No dollar figures were announced. His previous salary has been variously reported in the range of $32-$40 million annually.
-- ONTD
_ _ _
I used to be a Letterman fan back in my college days, decades ago, back when he had the super-late midnight hour. He was a great wind-down from my studies. But, seriously, forty-million-dollars?!! Crazy, man. I don't understand this world.
Atlas Shrugged (1,1) A Dime
Apr. 5th, 2012 05:34 pmWe are continuing with the opening scene, with the confrontation between Eddie Willers and the bum.
_ _ _
He reached hastily into his pocket. The bum had stopped him and asked for a dime, then had gone on talking, as it to kill that moment and postpone the problem of the next. Pleas for dimes were so frequent in the streets these days that it was not necessary to listen to explanations, and he had no desire to hear the details of this bum’s particular despair.
“Go get your cup of coffee,” he said, handing the dime to the shadow that had no face.
-- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
_ _ _
You have to love the way that Ayn Rand reverses the old “Brother, can you spare me a dime?” meme. Remember: that started during the Great Depression, which represented a failure of capitalism. You got to love the chutzpah on this woman. She uses the meme to dramatize the failure of democracy and the New Deal.
_ _ _
He reached hastily into his pocket. The bum had stopped him and asked for a dime, then had gone on talking, as it to kill that moment and postpone the problem of the next. Pleas for dimes were so frequent in the streets these days that it was not necessary to listen to explanations, and he had no desire to hear the details of this bum’s particular despair.
“Go get your cup of coffee,” he said, handing the dime to the shadow that had no face.
-- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
_ _ _
You have to love the way that Ayn Rand reverses the old “Brother, can you spare me a dime?” meme. Remember: that started during the Great Depression, which represented a failure of capitalism. You got to love the chutzpah on this woman. She uses the meme to dramatize the failure of democracy and the New Deal.
Atlas Shrugged (1,1) A Dime
Apr. 5th, 2012 05:34 pmWe are continuing with the opening scene, with the confrontation between Eddie Willers and the bum.
_ _ _
He reached hastily into his pocket. The bum had stopped him and asked for a dime, then had gone on talking, as it to kill that moment and postpone the problem of the next. Pleas for dimes were so frequent in the streets these days that it was not necessary to listen to explanations, and he had no desire to hear the details of this bum’s particular despair.
“Go get your cup of coffee,” he said, handing the dime to the shadow that had no face.
-- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
_ _ _
You have to love the way that Ayn Rand reverses the old “Brother, can you spare me a dime?” meme. Remember: that started during the Great Depression, which represented a failure of capitalism. You got to love the chutzpah on this woman. She uses the meme to dramatize the failure of democracy and the New Deal.
_ _ _
He reached hastily into his pocket. The bum had stopped him and asked for a dime, then had gone on talking, as it to kill that moment and postpone the problem of the next. Pleas for dimes were so frequent in the streets these days that it was not necessary to listen to explanations, and he had no desire to hear the details of this bum’s particular despair.
“Go get your cup of coffee,” he said, handing the dime to the shadow that had no face.
-- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
_ _ _
You have to love the way that Ayn Rand reverses the old “Brother, can you spare me a dime?” meme. Remember: that started during the Great Depression, which represented a failure of capitalism. You got to love the chutzpah on this woman. She uses the meme to dramatize the failure of democracy and the New Deal.
George Will on the War On Drugs
Apr. 5th, 2012 07:30 pmThe human nervous system interacts in pleasing and addictive ways with certain molecules derived from some plants, which is why humans may have developed beer before they developed bread.
-- George F. Will at The Washington Post
George Will is taking on the problem of illegal drugs and the issue of legalization. But I think our governmenet, whether Republican-controlled or Democrat-controlled, is having too much fun with the War on Drugs for any real changes to be made in the next ten to twenty years.
-- George F. Will at The Washington Post
George Will is taking on the problem of illegal drugs and the issue of legalization. But I think our governmenet, whether Republican-controlled or Democrat-controlled, is having too much fun with the War on Drugs for any real changes to be made in the next ten to twenty years.
George Will on the War On Drugs
Apr. 5th, 2012 07:30 pmThe human nervous system interacts in pleasing and addictive ways with certain molecules derived from some plants, which is why humans may have developed beer before they developed bread.
-- George F. Will at The Washington Post
George Will is taking on the problem of illegal drugs and the issue of legalization. But I think our governmenet, whether Republican-controlled or Democrat-controlled, is having too much fun with the War on Drugs for any real changes to be made in the next ten to twenty years.
-- George F. Will at The Washington Post
George Will is taking on the problem of illegal drugs and the issue of legalization. But I think our governmenet, whether Republican-controlled or Democrat-controlled, is having too much fun with the War on Drugs for any real changes to be made in the next ten to twenty years.
The Thought of Suicide
Apr. 5th, 2012 10:00 pm“The thought of suicide is a great consolation: by means of it one gets through many a dark night.”
-- Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil
There is that, too. It helps to consciously remind oneself that we still hunger for something from life, as you exhaust yourself of your suicidal fancies.
-- Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil
There is that, too. It helps to consciously remind oneself that we still hunger for something from life, as you exhaust yourself of your suicidal fancies.
The Thought of Suicide
Apr. 5th, 2012 10:00 pm“The thought of suicide is a great consolation: by means of it one gets through many a dark night.”
-- Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil
There is that, too. It helps to consciously remind oneself that we still hunger for something from life, as you exhaust yourself of your suicidal fancies.
-- Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil
There is that, too. It helps to consciously remind oneself that we still hunger for something from life, as you exhaust yourself of your suicidal fancies.