How Much Did Jesus Suffer? (& More Patrons’ Questions)
Dec 1, 2023
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Topics discussed include Jesus' suffering, out-of-body experiences, the Tower of Babel, and Veronica's Veil. They address claims of Jesus suffering more than a normal human. They explore the connection between out-of-body experiences and the soul. They discuss the Tower of Babel and the possibility of a worldwide language. They delve into the story of Veronica's veil and its connections to other religious artifacts.
Jesus' suffering during the crucifixion was intense, but there is no evidence to suggest that he endured more than what a typical human could handle.
If demons were to protect us from harm, it would be part of God's providence, utilizing their abilities to serve his purpose and protect individuals as part of his greater plan.
The existence of Lilith as Adam's first wife originates from post-biblical folklore and does not have a biblical basis.
The determination of whether intelligent apes or turtles would go to heaven depends on what God has chosen and revealed for such beings rather than their possession of rational souls.
Deep dives
Did Jesus suffer more than a normal human could endure?
The claim that Jesus suffered more than a normal human could endure is a pious one with no strong evidence to support it. Since Jesus assumed a fully human nature, he was subject to the same limitations and capacity for suffering as any other human. However, his suffering during the crucifixion was intense, and there is no evidence to suggest that he endured more than what a typical human could handle.
Implications of demons protecting us from harm
If demons were to protect us from harm, it would be part of God's providence, allowing the demon's actions to serve God's ultimate purpose, potentially thwarting the demon's original intentions. While it is possible for God to use a demon's actions for his own ends, it does not imply that God is mocking the demons. Instead, God would utilize their abilities to serve his purpose and protect individuals as part of his greater plan.
The legend of Adam's first wife, Lilith
The existence of Lilith as Adam's first wife originates from post-biblical folklore in rabbinic Judaism. According to the stories, Lilith was created equal to Adam and possessed ambition and independence, leading to an incompatibility as a wife. Based on medieval Jewish folklore, Lilith does not have a biblical basis and is often associated with a demonic figure rather than a human wife of Adam.
Intelligent apes and turtles going to heaven
The question of whether intelligent apes or turtles would go to heaven depends on the understanding of the image of God. The prevailing theological thought is that the image of God refers to the capacity to represent God, as demonstrated by human beings' role in ruling over creation on God's behalf. While other intelligent beings could possess rational souls and survive death, it does not necessarily imply a vocation to be with God in heaven. The final determination would rely on what God has chosen and revealed for such beings.
Exploring out-of-body experiences and the soul
The association of specific brain regions with out-of-body experiences does not have implications for the existence of the soul. Souls are not quantifiable by empirical means. Though they work through the brain and body, linking brain activity to out-of-body experiences does not provide evidence against the soul. Out-of-body experiences remain debated in parapsychology, and different interpretations consider them as manifestations of consciousness or mental perception rather than literal departures of the soul from the body.
The mystery of the Tower of Babel and a single worldwide language
The Tower of Babel is often associated with ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats, temple structures that resembled towers. The historical evidence for the construction of the Tower of Babel is limited to folklore and accounts from sources outside biblical texts. Claims regarding a single worldwide language, often called Proto-World, are debated among linguists. While the idea of an original language that predates spoken languages has gained some traction, reconstructing specific vocabulary or characteristics of Proto-World remains highly controversial.
The enigma of Veronica's veil
The story of Veronica's veil, in which a woman named Veronica wipes Jesus' face and his image miraculously appears on the cloth, is based on folk tradition and lacks strong historical evidence. There are multiple cloths associated with Veronica's veil, each claiming to be the authentic one. However, the exact origin and veracity of these cloths are largely speculative and subject to various interpretations and beliefs. The debate surrounding Veronica's veil continues, with differing opinions and claims regarding its existence, current location, or composition.
We regularly give Patrons the opportunity to ask Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli their mysterious questions and make them available exclusively to Patrons first and then later to the whole audience. This time the questions cover Jesus' suffering; demons protecting us; Adam's wife, Lilith; and more.
