by hamsterbait 2 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Interesting that in the Novels "I Claudius" and "Claudius the God", when Claudius (now Emperor) Herod, his friend until then had declared himself a god, and apparently somebody confirmed that he had been born in Bethlehem, and therefore saw himself as the nations messianic leader.
What ancient source is this from?
HB
I've read both books and highly recommend the DVDs of the BBC production. At first, I thought, "Hmmm...thick books" and didn't know whether to invest the time in reading them. But after reading them, I was ready for more.
Although Graves clearly intimated that Herod was at least claiming to be born in Jerusalem, history tells us that Herod was actually born in Edom, a city Jesus was critical of. Edom, or Idumea, was representative of "the world" and was viewed as wicked by the early Christians.
In the BBC production, here is some dialog:
Claudius: But who is this "Messiah?"
Marsus: A king, Caesar, who is to come and redeem Israel of all its sins. Philo, their greatest living scholar says that he is to be descended from King David, and born in a village called, em...
[his aide whispers in his ear]
Marsus: What?
[the aide whispers again]
Marsus: Bethlehem.
[on Jesus Christ]
Claudius: So he has followers, then?
Marsus: Oh, yes, yes, it's a cult! There are always cults, Caesar.
I've only watched the BBC production which is AWESOME. Trulay amazing cast and of course the source material.
Thank you for reminding me HB it's about time to do this one again.
