Rhaedas

On the topic of Gibson's "Passion" movie:

Crucifixion is certainly a bad way to die. But not the worse. And that's assuming a mortal Jesus...if you assume him being a mangod, then it downplays the price even more.

In history, many have gone through what could be considered worse dying methods, from various torture methods meant to keep them alive for a long time in pain, to quick but possibly more painful ways, such as being burned alive or thrown to the beasts.

And of course there's mythology, and many instances of eternal suffering for a price. Prometheus comes to mind...no three day (er, 2.5?) death and a resurrection to heaven for him.

Had the bible been written to have Jesus condemned to hell for us sinners for eternity, then I could buy into the price being a high one. But he went through the same as others crucified, less actually, since from what I understand the body was normally left to be picked clean by animals.

Maybe we heretics can get a film made to depict how unbelievers have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the past for vocalizing their thoughts...to make this film's graphic violence pale in comparison.

Anyone got some other specific examples of historical/mythical ultimate prices paid that downplay the Jesus sacrifice?

Heurismus

The death scene of Edward the Second would be interesting, and it took longer for him to die than the whole Donkey, trial, crucifixion period. And he was buggered with a red hot poker for the 'sin' of his homosexuality, plus the standard excuse, well he was a king and we couldn't mar his outer appearance. There are hundreds of worse ways to die, its a shame Mel hasn't tried it for real. But that's an opinion and I shall go and see the film for the historical accuracy, I'll report when I have. See 'Deliberate Impostures'. Come see what we all die for, down in the cave.
(Just an advert)

breathilizer

Are you aware of the physics involved with being nailed to a cross?

In order to breathe, Jesus would have had to "stand" on the nail(s) that were driven into his feet. The reason is that when he was hanging by his hands in that position, his lungs could not have functioned properly. By "standing" on the nail(s), Jesus could breathe.

Imagine it like being hung by a rope, except you have the OPTION to breathe. By making the choice to breathe, Jesus had to endure excruciating pain.

However, it isn't anything that hadn't been done before.

Heurismus

See 'breaking on the wheel' worse than even Vlad the Impaler's kind ministrations, and that was done by Christians on Christians.
And I know the exact processes of Crucifixion. St. Andrew was done upside down hence the the diagonal cross on the 2nd Scottish standard. The Roman's crucified political enemies and they left them there, no exceptions, none whatsoever. The nails were driven between the Radius and the Ulna not the palm of the hand. Would you like to correct me any more? Pathology is also part of historical analysis. The mechanics are well understood. What about some of your poor guys in the Vietnam war, flayed alive. But I realise where your coming from and will not disagree.