ITT: We discuss Christianity, the Bible, critiques against it, etc. Yes, religions are political, and loving God is politically incorrect.

I'll start this thread off by talking about an event discussed only in the Gospels and not in any other historical account. It was where Jesus and Barabbas were displayed, and how it was the governor's (Pontius Pilate) custom to have one released on Passover. In the Gospels, the crowd chose Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be crucified despite them knowing that Jesus is an innocent man.

The name "Barabbas" translates to "Son of the Father", which lead many to the conclusion that the story was allegorical, because Jesus Christ used the title "Son of Man", and referred to His Father as God the Father, who then is in a sense, "Jesus Barabbas". In this allegorical perspective (that I personally think is the big takeaway in the Bible), is that the crowd had the choice between two Barabbases; the violent one who rebels against Roman rule, or the humble and compassionate one. The people chose Barabbas over Jesus; Rebellion over God.

It seems rather convenient that a guy named Barabbas would be beside Jesus in this time, but namewise this could still happen because Abba was a common name. The Hellenized version of the name is Abbas. Nevertheless, it's still not proof per se.

1/2 (I'll talk about Pontius Pilate in the next post)