MovieChat Forums > The Passion of the Christ (2004) Discussion > what is finite pain to an infinite being...

what is finite pain to an infinite being?

posted 3 years ago by ExTechOp (2770)
54 replies | jump to latest

Crucifixion was a terrible way to die, no question, and the tortures Jesus endured made it many times worse.

But then he got to rise again on the third day and went on to rule the universe for all eternity.

Compared to an eternity ruling the universe, a few hours' pain seems pretty trivial.

And PLEASE, before you start extolling the virtue of suffering unjustly because Jesus is the perfect being, remember that the "injustice" like the suffering itself pales in comparison to eternity ruling the universe.

Earlier myths included sacrificial martyrs like Prometheus, and the miraculously resurrected like Horus or Mithra. But combining the two seems to cancel out. Unless I'm missing something.

[–] xanthas (3215) 2 years ago

Many people who were "crucified" at that time were later rescued by family or friends. They didn't actually end up hanging out and starving.

[–] Ace_Spade (9659) 2 years ago

Theoretically, if you're an immortal being with infinite knowledge, experiencing *any* pain means you are constantly undergoing it forever. This would be a "person" with a crystal-clear forever memory.

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 2 years ago

That's an interesting point

I've actually wondered that about those people with absolutely perfect recall (including actress Marilu Henner); how do they process grief when every memory is absolutely clear for their whole lives

I suppose you'd also be experiencing all your joys forever too, maybe it balances out

[–] Ace_Spade (9659) 2 years ago

It's extremely interesting to think about - and yes, with the context of people with perfect recall, that's a good addition to the subject.

Ultimately, I think if we're trying to contemplate a being like God, whether adhering to Christian theological idea of what that being looks like or not, we're always going to hit a gap. Because a finite being can only understand an infinite one so far. Bridging that gap, of course, is one of the main points of the Incarnation within Christian theology, but it's still all interesting to contemplate and turn over in one's mind. What would that look like? What would it mean for such a descent to occur? What would that Being be thinking and feeling? How would that affect us?

To me, the contemplation of the unknowable and the strange is always fun, and often enlightening.

[–] OnanTheBarbarian (13179) 2 years ago

I'm an atheist. But in the sense of Christ's sacrifice, it becomes a very compelling religion.

The fact that god came down to earth to experience human suffering first hand - that's what makes Christianity like no other religion.

Allah or Zeus would never have done that.

[–] Ace_Spade (9659) 2 years ago

Yeah, Zeus didn't come down to feel human suffering, he just came down to feel humans.

[–] OnanTheBarbarian (13179) 2 years ago

Zeus fucked the human Ganymede but that's a whole other story.

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 2 years ago

Hah, leave it to an ATHEIST to come up with an actual sensible response to the question

I have to admit, it does sorta make sense. The "sacrifice" wasn't dying, but rather the entire experience of living as a human.

Reminds me of "Strange Wine," a Harlan Ellison story where the main character kills himself out of misery, only to learn his time on earth was a vacation from the rest of the universe's misery

[–] OnanTheBarbarian (13179) 2 years ago

The "sacrifice" wasn't dying, but rather the entire experience of living as a human.

Excellent point. Of course dying on the cross was the symbolic act. But Jesus endured the whole 30-odd years and experienced it firsthand. I mean the guy even had to take a shit when he needed it. No other deity in all the world's mythologies got down to true grit like that.

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 2 years ago

Moreover, like Puvwall suggests below, Jesus could've been setting an example of how to live AND how to die

Still, kinda surprising that the only two actual responsive replies on this thread that actually put forth sensible answers are from a non-religious guy and an atheist.

Or maybe it's not so surprising.

[–] OnanTheBarbarian (13179) 2 years ago

Even as a historical figure, Jesus was a great man, even if we reject his deity.

The story where he threw the loan sharks out of the temple gives us insight into his actual role in Jewish society. He was reforming the legalism of Judaism which had become a tool of the elite. It's clear it was the Jewish establishment which wanted him dead.

It's also important that he discarded traditions which had nothing to do with spirituality - kosher diet, circumcision, animal sacrifice, the concept of an angry vengeful god.

[–] Puvwall (1460) 2 years ago

Not specifically religious but always spiritual guy here.

How bout this..

Jesus/god is showing us, sacrifice this life for others, and be noble and honorable. Golden rule stuff. And saying the rest of infinity is heaven for you if you lead that life . Basically as it is for god it will be for you in one way of looking at it
Im sure im basteredizing everything

Fyi never seen this movie

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 2 years ago

So in your thinking, it wouldn't be a sacrifice so much as an example

Makes sense, I have to admit. But I get thrown off by the christians who insist on making so much of the "sacrifice" aspect

[–] Puvwall (1460) 2 years ago

Violence and sex sells baby