This question on Judas pops in my mind.. If he knew beforehand of his own part in the death of his Master, then why commit suicide? Why this act of violence against himself?
There is not 100% agreement that Judas committed suicide. At least one account says he fell.
Nonetheless, his remorse is easily imagined. Even Jesus prayed that he might not have to be crucified. If God incarnate can so pray, a disciple can surely feel doubt and confusion, regret, loss. Although Jesus is said to have told the disciples that he was going to be put to death, they did not understand. Perhaps Judas did not understand either, until it was "too late".
Also, when we follow God's lead, we do not always know the "whys" or of the future. The moment when Jesus was seized must have seemed the most hopeless moment in time. How does one face one's self, what to speak of Jesus' other disciples and followers?
Or..... pure speculation, maybe it was not suicide. Maybe it was liberation. Having completed his role...
But this is reaching beyond Jesus, the central player. :)
The fundamental idea of Christianity, is the Crucifed Lord,
re-incarnating Himself within his devotees, through the Sacrament
of Holy Communion. A wonderful concept!
Vedanta is one of the world's most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds.
Thanks for the answers. My upbringing in religion is so myopic (if that means nearsighted), that it is hard for me to branch out with other possibilities...
I truly appreciate the topic and the discussion and the replies to my questions...it is a fascinating subject to me...and helpful, also...
