Hey folks,

I have a few outstanding threads where I need to declaw the copycat thesis, but I just saw "Gladiator" last night on HBO and I thought I'd point out some interesting parallels between Maximus and Jesus...

1. Maximus has a special relationship with the Emperor whom he called "Father" which some took offense to, as Jesus did with God, which some also took offense to.

2. Maximus and Jesus both traveled around and performed mighty feats in front of their people, which eventually caught the attention of the present rulers.

3. Both Maximus and Jesus appeared in front of massive crowds and on certain instances, large quantities of bread were distributed to those crowds.

4. Maximus and Jesus were both the rightful rulers of their people, but were rejected.

5. Maximus was betrayed by a close friend in a group of those whom he led (Quintus), as was Jesus (Judas).

6. At the moment of their arrest by Roman soldiers, both Maximus and Jesus had a close follower draw their sword to protect them, but rebuked this follower.

7. Maximus and Jesus were both abandoned by their followers.

8. Maximus was sold for the price of a slave, as was Jesus.

9. Maximus and Jesus were both hesitant to reveal their true identity in front of their people, and especially the present rulers of their people.

10. Maximus and Jesus were both sent away to be executed by Romans, and both appeared alive to various people, including their former followers, after they were presumed dead.

11. Maximus and Jesus were both pierced in the side to ensure death, while suspended by their Roman captors with their arms perpendicular to their torso.

12. Maximus and Jesus both conquered the forces of evil that were oppressing their people.

13. Maximus and Jesus both died to save their people.

14. Maximus and Jesus both survived this death and went on to live in heaven.

Now, since these parallels are so strong, and we obviously can't rule out the notion that the movie "Gladiator" existed in some pre-Christian form, we have yet another potential case for Christian borrowing.

Should I write a book on it or what?

SecWebLurker

You missed one:

15. Maximus and Jesus were both fictional


Michael

turtonm: 15. Maximus and Jesus were both fictional

SWL: Ah, another fine pearl of wisdom from the brilliant and thorough scholar who wrote "The Christ of Daoist Alchemy".

SecWebLurker

P.S. - Pffffffffffffftttt!!!

delete

[This message has been edited by turtonm (edited June 08, 2001).]

Where is that article anyway? I couldn't find it in the library. I thought all Kiosk articles ended up in the library but I was obviously wrong.

Aw, Michael, I thought it was a brilliant exercise in extension to the absurd.

I also do not know.

Michael

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by turtonm: You missed one: 15. Maximus and Jesus were both fictional

You vacillate on this issue more than politicians do on public policy. One day you're telling us Jesus existed, the next you're saying he was fictional. I don't understand the "walking both sides of the fence" routine. Show me the light of your ways.

Peace,

Polycarp

Oh please. I was making a joke.

Good to see you back, though. Where have you been?

Michael

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by turtonm: Oh please. I was making a joke. Good to see you back, though. Where have you been?

Sorry I blew up

I've spent the last month at an apologetics boot camp where they taught us how to convert skeptics at an astounding rate. The techniques and arguments now in my arsenal are so potent as to render non-believers helpless. Prepare to be converted !!!

Seriously now... I just don't have the desire to spend much time on the internet. Where I live I get about three months of decent weather every year, so I'm trying to enjoy life away from my computer for awhile.

Peace,

Polycarp