Pyrrho

While reading some posts in another thread, I started wondering why Jesus, as depicted in the canonical texts, is depicted as being so very stupid. After all, with the books written years after the events that they supposedly relate, one would think there would be plenty of time to dream up something better. Is it that his writers were simply idiots?

For an example of his stupidity (suggested by someone in the aforementioned thread), consider what he did to a fig tree that did not bear fruit:

Matthew 21:

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. KJV

Mark 11:

11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. KJV

So much for his omniscience, as he did not know that the tree did not have figs, even though it was not the right season for it to have figs! Jesus didn't even know things that his contemporaries could easily know! And then, like a spoiled brat, he takes his aggression out on the tree!

This is the moron who millions worship as God! Can anything be more delightfully absurd?

Spenser

From what I recall, and I could be mistaken, the fig tree not only didn't bear fruit, but it didn't bear fruit out of season...

Toto

The fig tree is a metaphor for Israel. The story is not about Jesus being confused over whether figs were in season or whether that fig tree should be cursed for not feeding him. It is a parable with anti-Semitic overtones about the Jewish rejection of Christian salvation. You will have to do better than that.

Pyrrho

I think you are confusing the above story with what is related in one or more of the following: Matthew 24:32-34, Mark 13:28-30, Luke 13:6-9, Luke 21:29-32, etc. Or, perhaps, you interpret everything in the Bible as a parable, particularly if you don't like its common and natural meaning? If so, why do Matthew and Mark take care to say that they are talking about parables in these later verses, but relate the story in my original post as if it actually happened?

Spenser

To the apologist or to the literalist?

Toto

Do you think I'm standing up for Jesus?

I think every word of the New Testament has to be seen as parable or story. There is no straight history there.

If you want to find Jesus looking foolish, you have to go to things like - Jesus thought the earth was flat and had four corners. Jesus thought that mental illness was caused by evil spirits. Jesus threw temper tantrums.

If Jesus had really been a miracle worker, he should have explained quantum mechanics or germ theory to his followers.

Spenser

I agree, I just believe that the OP was aimed at the literalist, the fundamentalist, the 'Every word in the bible and every description in the bible is literal truth!' I could be wrong, it wasn't my OP...

offa

AD 33
Tue Mar 3 31a(I) 1st pos. at 6 a.m. at Qumran. H
When there was no fulfillment at reg. 31st, Jesus attacks the
Herodian from of the mission, including that of the tetrarch, the
Figtree. (Mk 11:12-14, Mt 21:18-22). ISBN 0-06-067782-1 p.236


The "Fig Tree" was Antipas.

The tetrarch Antipas, condemned by the Baptist for his morals,
sided with Ephraim and Manasseh, a combination that was to prove
fatal for John. Antipas with Ephraim and Manasseh formed a faction
called the Figtree. When the Figtree was "cursed" by Jesus for not
bearing fruit, the meaning that he condemned it for its methods,
which were compromising the mission. p.71


offa

Toto

Does this Boondocks cartoon sound like it relates to Biblical Criticism?

Amaleq13

Are you suggesting Bill Cosby wrote one of the Gospels?