PhilosopherJay wrote:Why not a physical crucifixion in heaven and a metaphorical crucifixion on Earth?
Josephus,
Wars..., 7, 5, 6 and 7 (In Parts):
6. Now the last part of this pompous show was at the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, whither when they were come, they stood still; for it was the Romans' ancient custom to stay till somebody brought the news that the general of the enemy was slain. This general was Simon, the son of Gioras, who had then been led in this triumph among the captives; a rope had also been put upon his head, and he had been drawn into a proper place in the forum, and had withal been tormented by those that drew him along; and the law of the Romans required that malefactors condemned to die should be slain there. Accordingly, when it was related that there was an end of him, and all the people had set up a shout for joy, they then began to offer those sacrifices which they had consecrated, in the prayers used in such solemnities; which when they had finished, they went away to the palace...
7. After these triumphs were over, and after the affairs of the Romans were settled on the surest foundations, Vespasian resolved to build a temple to Peace, which was finished in so short a time, and in so glorious a manner, as was beyond all human expectation and opinion: for he having now by Providence a vast quantity of wealth, besides what he had formerly gained in his other exploits, he had this temple adorned with pictures and statues; for in this temple were collected and deposited all such rarities as men aforetime used to wander all over the habitable world to see, when they had a desire to see one of them after another; he also laid up therein those golden vessels and instruments that were taken out of the Jewish temple, as ensigns of his glory. But still he gave order that they should lay up their Law, and the purple veils of the holy place, in the royal palace itself, and keep them there.
See also the Death of Vitellius, who was marched through Rome with a noose around his head and at times even a dagger held under his chin.
"Where is Heaven?" One very illuminating POV would be to see ROME as Heaven. There, at the End of Troubles, is a Triumph to Celebrate the New Empire.
Revelation 21: 22 (RSV):
[22] And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
A physical crucifixion in Heaven and a metaphorical crucifixion on Earth is not so far out when the Symbolism is Transvalued. " 'mmr-Yah" <=> "Lord" and "Immar" => "Immer" => "Lamb".
Not so far out at all.
CW