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Christianity

Q&A for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more

Latest Questions

-1 votes
1 answers
523 views
Was Jesus crucified on the same cross he had carried to Calvary?
Some traditional drawings of crucifixion of Jesus show him hanging on the cross with his feet at a man's height above the ground. That seems justified, as we read in Jn 19:28-29: > After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A j...
Some traditional drawings of crucifixion of Jesus show him hanging on the cross with his feet at a man's height above the ground. That seems justified, as we read in Jn 19:28-29: > After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine **on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth.** Given that the convict was prone to give violent and painful jerks on the cross , it had to be positioned in a pre-dug hole say, of three feet on the ground. Let us presume that the vertical beam of Jesus' cross measured 12 feet, considering the portion that went to the ground, the position of his feet above ground and the top portion of vertical beam where INRI was placed. Now, Jesus was made to carry the entire cross, with the lowest end dragging on the path. In terms of geometry, the ideal length of the cross would be proportionate to his height so as to allow enough space between the shoulder and the vertical and horizontal beams built at 90 degree angle. The cross on which he was crucified appears too long for such a proportion. One is therefore, inclined to conclude that Jesus in fact carried a cross proportional to his height, and was crucified on a different cross vertically much longer. My question therefore is: Was Jesus crucified on the same cross he had carried to Calvary? Inputs from any denomination are welcome.
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan (13704 rep)
Apr 25, 2023, 06:35 AM • Last activity: Aug 3, 2025, 08:43 PM
-5 votes
2 answers
80 views
Many Catholic Depictions of Christ Crucified Show the Piercing into the Right Side. What is the Catholic Basis and Support from the depositum Fidei?
## Many Catholic Depictions of Christ Crucified Show the Piercing into the Right Side. ## **Here are some examples of crucifixes from monastery.com:** - **[Crucifixion Icon][1]** - **[Byzantine Crucifix][2]** And - **[San Damiano Crucifix][3]** It was from the image of Christ in the crucifix at **Sa...
## Many Catholic Depictions of Christ Crucified Show the Piercing into the Right Side. ## **Here are some examples of crucifixes from monastery.com:** - **Crucifixion Icon ** - **Byzantine Crucifix ** And - **San Damiano Crucifix ** It was from the image of Christ in the crucifix at **San Damiano** which miraculously spoke these words to **St. Francis of Assisi**: > **"Go repair My Church."** ## What is the Catholic Basis and Support from the *depositum Fidei* for the Depiction of the Piercing into the Right Side of Christ? ## The **best answer** will have arguments from the **72 Books of the Catholic Bible** and **from the writings of the Church Fathers**. *If there is any relevant supporting information on the topic, such as from the well known private revelations, that may be included in an Endnote.*
Crucifix San Damiano (1 rep)
Jul 31, 2025, 09:29 PM • Last activity: Aug 1, 2025, 06:53 PM
6 votes
4 answers
22297 views
On what side was Jesus' stab wound?
I've always believed that Jesus was stabbed in his left side. That seems to be the common belief. How is that notion supported? I can't find anything the tells me absolutely in which side he was stabbed, so if there is anyone who says it was the right side, how is that supported?
I've always believed that Jesus was stabbed in his left side. That seems to be the common belief. How is that notion supported? I can't find anything the tells me absolutely in which side he was stabbed, so if there is anyone who says it was the right side, how is that supported?
Shelby (77 rep)
Mar 7, 2014, 03:28 PM • Last activity: Jul 31, 2025, 01:00 PM
-4 votes
3 answers
127 views
Has the Catholic Church taken cognizance of the theory that the terminal cause of Jesus's death on the cross was heart-failure?
We read in Mark 15: 42-44: > "When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of...
We read in Mark 15: 42-44: > "When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. " That implies that Jesus'death on the cross happened earlier than had been expected. Some medical professionals theorize that Jesus died of a heart failure, to which extreme mental stress had significantly contributed. They believe that the Lord's psychological trauma did not end with the Sweating of Blood at Gethsemane, rather followed Him to the Cross. Now, one should not expect that the Creed will be re-written to state that Jesus died on the Cross, of heart-failure. But, understanding the theory helps one to look at the mental agony of Jesus with the same gravity as his physical suffering. My question therefore, is: Has the Catholic Church taken cognizance of the theory that the terminal cause of Jesus's death on the cross was heart-failure ?
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan (13704 rep)
Aug 31, 2021, 05:27 AM • Last activity: Jul 27, 2025, 07:58 PM
7 votes
3 answers
1910 views
Was it common for crucifixion victims to wear a crown of thorns?
Was Jesus the only Roman crucifixion victim who was made to wear a crown of thorns? Are there historical references as to how often this action was done on political victims?
Was Jesus the only Roman crucifixion victim who was made to wear a crown of thorns? Are there historical references as to how often this action was done on political victims?
Anax Mananagat (71 rep)
May 13, 2025, 01:17 AM • Last activity: May 16, 2025, 12:32 AM
1 votes
3 answers
540 views
Was Pentecost 50 days after the feast of unleavened bread?
Was Pentecost 50 days after the feast of unleavened bread? Christ was crucified on the beginning of the feast of unleavened bread, and I was told that it was 50 days either after his resurrection or after his crucifixion.
Was Pentecost 50 days after the feast of unleavened bread? Christ was crucified on the beginning of the feast of unleavened bread, and I was told that it was 50 days either after his resurrection or after his crucifixion.
Dale Miller (11 rep)
Sep 22, 2024, 02:07 PM • Last activity: Apr 14, 2025, 02:33 PM
1 votes
1 answers
390 views
On what date in 2025 will Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate the death of Jesus?
What is the date this year for Jehovah’s Witnesses to commemorate the annual memorial of Jesus’ death? How can I find the time and location near me?
What is the date this year for Jehovah’s Witnesses to commemorate the annual memorial of Jesus’ death? How can I find the time and location near me?
Kristopher (6166 rep)
Apr 2, 2025, 10:44 PM • Last activity: Apr 4, 2025, 11:49 AM
0 votes
2 answers
68 views
Was a scroll with INRI inscription displayed near Jesus all the way to Calvary?
We read in Jn 19:19-20( KJV): > And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. So, w...
We read in Jn 19:19-20( KJV): > And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. So, we have the INRI sign on every crucifix. Now, the images of the Stations of Cross in the Church of Blessed Sacrament in Washington DC depicts a soldier carrying a scroll with INRI written on it. In one station, Jesus himself is holding the scroll ( You can see them during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Divine Mercy Chaplet held in the Church and recorded in 2020, on YouTube). My question is : Was a scroll with INRI inscription displayed near Jesus all the way to Calvary ? Are there any extrabiblical writings available on the topic ?
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan (13704 rep)
Mar 27, 2025, 12:37 PM • Last activity: Mar 27, 2025, 10:47 PM
-1 votes
2 answers
137 views
When was a blood-moon first associated with the Crucifixion?
Peter quotes Joel 2:31 in **Acts 2:16–17**: > The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: > And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But both Peter and Joel were talking about...
Peter quotes Joel 2:31 in **Acts 2:16–17**: > The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: > And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But both Peter and Joel were talking about the "Day of the Lord", a terrible time associated with the end of this age, the Tribulation, the Apocalypse, etc.; it is *not* about the Crucifixion. What is the earliest record that associates a blood-moon (typically caused by a lunar eclipse) with the Crucifixion? **Clarification:** - Perhaps using the term "blood-moon" confused things. (I'd remove the term from the question, but there are already answers that refer to it.) - This question is not about the 3 hours of darkness on the afternoon of the Crucifixion. - The question is about the specific association of a *red Moon* with the Crucifixion (regardless of when it occurred or what caused the colour change).
Ray Butterworth (11838 rep)
Mar 23, 2025, 11:58 PM • Last activity: Mar 26, 2025, 11:48 PM
3 votes
3 answers
2907 views
Is there any evidence of the crucifixion of Jesus outside of the bible?
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but someone instead replaced Jesus Christ during the crucifixion, Surah An-Nisa - 157-167 states that: > and for boasting, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the > messenger of Allah.” But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was > only made...
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but someone instead replaced Jesus Christ during the crucifixion, Surah An-Nisa - 157-167 states that: > and for boasting, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the > messenger of Allah.” But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was > only made to appear so.1 Even those who argue for this ˹crucifixion˺ > are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever—only making > assumptions. They certainly did not kill him. > > Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty > All-Wise. Is there any historical evidence outside of the bible that i could use to prove to Muslims that Jesus Christ was crucified?
user60738
Sep 22, 2022, 09:44 PM • Last activity: Feb 18, 2025, 05:52 PM
18 votes
5 answers
10483 views
Are there any secular historical references to the natural phenomena that occurred at the crucifixion and resurrection?
The Scriptures record that there was three hours of darkness during the crucifixion of Jesus. This is a pretty significant meteorological event. Furthermore, the morning of Jesus' resurrection, the Scriptures indicate that there was an earthquake. Additionally, when Jesus died, the curtain of the Te...
The Scriptures record that there was three hours of darkness during the crucifixion of Jesus. This is a pretty significant meteorological event. Furthermore, the morning of Jesus' resurrection, the Scriptures indicate that there was an earthquake. Additionally, when Jesus died, the curtain of the Temple was apparently torn in two. > Now **from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour**. Matthew 27:45 ESV > > And behold, **the curtain of the temple was torn in two**, from top to bottom. And **the earth shook, and the rocks were split**. Matthew 27:51 ESV I don't know if there are historical records of any earthquakes, eclipses, or such things in any of antiquity. Yet, I am indeed curious to know if there are, and, if so, if there are any secular historical records that could match up to these events that surrounded the death of resurrection of Christ.
Narnian (64586 rep)
Feb 12, 2013, 10:09 PM • Last activity: Feb 14, 2025, 10:43 AM
-2 votes
2 answers
163 views
When (year/season/date/time) do Catholics teach that Jesus died?
How do Catholics understand Jesus to have died for three days and night and yet be killed on Friday and be raised Saturday, before daylight?
How do Catholics understand Jesus to have died for three days and night and yet be killed on Friday and be raised Saturday, before daylight?
Ruminator (2548 rep)
Jan 26, 2025, 12:12 AM • Last activity: Jan 27, 2025, 03:24 PM
2 votes
3 answers
108 views
Are there events associated with the Temple (beside Earthquake and Darkness) that occurred because of the Crucifixion of Christ?
We are aware from the recordings in the Gospels of the Christians that phenomena such as an ***Earthquake*** shook (Matthew 27:51), and that there was ***darkness*** (Matthew 27:45). And other posted question have dealt with these in relation to Secular or Extra-biblical confirmations. But were ther...
We are aware from the recordings in the Gospels of the Christians that phenomena such as an ***Earthquake*** shook (Matthew 27:51), and that there was ***darkness*** (Matthew 27:45). And other posted question have dealt with these in relation to Secular or Extra-biblical confirmations. But were there ***other happenings*** that could be considered the result of (caused by) the crucifying of Jesus, that are also recorded in extra-biblical documents and ancient writings? Especially events related to Jewish ritual or Temple worship? ***The Crucifixion of the Lamb of God*** is the linch-pin of Christianity. It is the crux of the message of salvation for the whole world! Jesus's cross contains the transom of history upon which balances the whole redemption story of God's love toward mankind. So one would justly conclude that there would be ***many significant events*** accompanying this event, pointing to its importance, and underscoring its uniqueness in the long history of mankind.
ray grant (4700 rep)
Dec 29, 2024, 10:01 PM • Last activity: Jan 3, 2025, 09:26 PM
4 votes
2 answers
1177 views
Was Basilides's claim about crucifixion ever refuted?
From [Wikipedia][1]: > Basilides is reported as having taught a [docetic][2] doctrine of Christ's > [passion][3]. Although Irenaeus’s makes no mention of Basilides having > written a gospel, he does record him as teaching that Christ in Jesus, > as a wholly divine being, could not suffer bodily pain...
From Wikipedia : > Basilides is reported as having taught a docetic doctrine of Christ's > passion . Although Irenaeus’s makes no mention of Basilides having > written a gospel, he does record him as teaching that Christ in Jesus, > as a wholly divine being, could not suffer bodily pain and did not die > on the cross; but that the person crucified was, in fact, Simon of Cyrene : >> He appeared on earth as a man and performed miracles. Thus he himself >> did not suffer. Rather, a certain Simon of Cyrene was compelled to >> carry his cross for him. It was he who was ignorantly and erroneously >> crucified, being transfigured by him, so that he might be thought to >> be Jesus. Moreover, Jesus assumed the form of Simon, and stood by >> laughing at them. Has anyone ever refuted this claim made by Basilides, that Simon of Cyrene has died on the cross instead of Jesus?
user86074
Dec 18, 2024, 04:37 PM • Last activity: Dec 19, 2024, 04:39 PM
0 votes
1 answers
73 views
Belief of Nasrani Christians
What were the beliefs of the Syriac Christians in Arabia at the time of the Islamic prophet? I have heard that these [Nazarene Christians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_(sect)) (Christians of the city of [Najran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najran)) did not believe that Jesus was crucifie...
What were the beliefs of the Syriac Christians in Arabia at the time of the Islamic prophet? I have heard that these [Nazarene Christians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_(sect)) (Christians of the city of [Najran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najran)) did not believe that Jesus was crucified similar to the Muslims. That claim was made by a Christian apologist, but I do not get the angle as the Qur'an clearly mentions that there are Christians who believe that Jesus was crucified as it says about the crucifixion: "it was made to appear to them"
greenpcdaw33 (151 rep)
Nov 6, 2024, 01:54 PM • Last activity: Nov 7, 2024, 01:59 PM
5 votes
1 answers
177 views
Trying to track some information on those who rose from the dead on Good Friday
Many years ago I read that according to their records, it took the Temple two years to interview all the dead that were raised at the Crucifixion. Two of these people were rabbis or priests, a father and son who had both died within the previous six months, and were thus well known to the Temple sta...
Many years ago I read that according to their records, it took the Temple two years to interview all the dead that were raised at the Crucifixion. Two of these people were rabbis or priests, a father and son who had both died within the previous six months, and were thus well known to the Temple staff. It then seemed to me this would be why Christianity would grow like wildfire, but I cannot find the source for this, and I have been looking for years. The Gospel of St. Mathew has this to say about those who rose from the dead on Good Friday. > Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; **and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.** Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27: 50-54 ) Is anyone familiar with this interviewing story?
Sylvia Genders (59 rep)
Dec 16, 2018, 10:06 PM • Last activity: Aug 5, 2024, 04:11 PM
-2 votes
1 answers
51 views
Jesus earthly crucified by earthly rulers
1 Corinthians 2:8 the rulers of the sage some claim that Jesus was crucified demons could you refute their arguments and prove Jesus was crucified by it by Pontius Pilate in Roman rulers
1 Corinthians 2:8 the rulers of the sage some claim that Jesus was crucified demons could you refute their arguments and prove Jesus was crucified by it by Pontius Pilate in Roman rulers
Daniel Quinn (35 rep)
Jul 9, 2024, 05:36 PM • Last activity: Jul 19, 2024, 03:17 PM
32 votes
6 answers
112439 views
Why didn't the Jews understand "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani"?
> And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" > > Some of those who stood there, when they heard that , said, "This Man is calling for Elijah!" (Matthew 27:46-47, NKJV) According to a number of...
> And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" > > Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, "This Man is calling for Elijah!" (Matthew 27:46-47, NKJV) According to a number of sites, including Wikipedia , the saying "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani" (or in Mark's version "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani") was originally Aramaic: > אלהי אלהי למא שבקתני. > > Courtesy of Wikipedia However, according to some other sites it is Hebrew. Regardless of which is right, I don't think it can be denied that the Jews mistook what he said. I used to take this to mean that he was speaking in a language they did not understand. However, as far as I know and have learned from our good friend Google, Jews at that time spoke both Hebrew and Aramaic (plus some Greek, and perhaps Latin). How, then, did the Jews mistake his meaning?
Byzantine (2035 rep)
Oct 24, 2013, 05:01 AM • Last activity: Jul 6, 2024, 12:12 AM
6 votes
8 answers
696 views
Why did God punish himself for the sins of man?
As far as I know, the Christian Faith is that Jesus was the son of God and God's incarnation of Himself on earth. Jesus died and suffered on the cross to account for the sins of Man, who are God's Creation. Was this because God had Created Man with flaws and realised His punishment and judgement of...
As far as I know, the Christian Faith is that Jesus was the son of God and God's incarnation of Himself on earth. Jesus died and suffered on the cross to account for the sins of Man, who are God's Creation. Was this because God had Created Man with flaws and realised His punishment and judgement of man for those flaws was unjust and he should take the rap for them? Does God plan to make a perfect new world where He wouldn't be judging and punishing man, for man's flaws, as is, in this world we occupy ?
user63817
May 16, 2024, 12:09 AM • Last activity: May 18, 2024, 05:51 PM
27 votes
10 answers
22100 views
Why did Jesus wear the crown of thorns?
Right before his crucifixion, Jesus was made to carry his cross and to wear a crown of thorns. Why was he made to wear the crown of thorns?
Right before his crucifixion, Jesus was made to carry his cross and to wear a crown of thorns. Why was he made to wear the crown of thorns?
DForck42 (1405 rep)
Aug 26, 2011, 03:11 PM • Last activity: Apr 25, 2024, 10:09 AM
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