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Show DAILY M Crucifixion Jesus Died" (both published by ' Fortress Press). "If the reminiscence in the New Testament is authentic," Sloyan writes in the latter, "Jesus could be perceived from these shouts to have plans for a political insurgency." "He entered the city in a i provocative way," adds Borg, "and then overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, calling the temple 'a den of robbers', " according to the Gospel of Matthew. "This was a protest against the role of the temple in the economic and political exploitation of the peasant class," Borg says. Indeed the Jewish high priest at the time, Caiaphas, and his Anpower broker father-in4anas, "were heartily despised by the people as agents of caesars acting through the prefects?" Sloyan says. Still, they and other Jewish leaders had no choice but to collaborate with the ruling Romans if they wanted to keep the peace and avoid another harsh crackdown. In the Gospel of John, Caiaphas is fearful the Romans might destroy Judaism's only temple in Jerusalem, points out Philip A. Cunningham in his article "A Dangerous Fiction: "The Passion of the Christ' and justice against the injustice of the dominant systems of his day." - Hogan-Albac- h OAUAS MORNING NEWS At every Passover Seder, Elijah's the one with the special wine goblet. At every Jewish circumcision, he's the one with the special chair. And at the end of every Sabbath, he's the one Jews pay tribute to in song. He's a prophet, miracle worker, and champion of the poor. He's an ethical role model disand solver of centuries-ol- d putes over Jewish law. He's also the only prophet the Bible never says died. Moses liberated the Israelites from Egypt and David brought down Goliath with a sling. StilL when it comes to biblical super-heroe- s, Elijah the Tishbite is among the most colorful. Scriptures say he turned a river dry, called down fire from heaven and healed a dying boy. He slaughtered enemies, but rewarded a widow who fed him by miraculously multiplying her scant food supply. Ravens brought him bread and meat during a drought. When his time came to leave earth, Elijah calmly stepped into a fiery chariot sent to fetch him. He "ascended in a whirlwind into heaven," according toll Kings 2:11. jlesa prophet who knows how to make an exit and an entrance. Passover is Elijah's busiest time because he's expected at every Jewish home for Seder meals, which commemorate the Exodus from Egypt. Tradition calls for families to leave a door open and pour a glass of wine for the popular prophet. During the Seder, families eat symbolic foods such as bitter herbs and recount the biblical story of how Moses parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites more than 3,000 years ago. Elijah played no role in the Exodus he was born five centuries later. Still, he's integral to Passover because some Seder prayers focus on future redemption. Jews believe the Book of Malachi indicates that it's Elijah who will one day announce the advent of their Messiah. "We literally leave the door open for him to return to herald the redemption," said Rabbi Ari Perl of Congregation Shaare Tef ilia in Dallas. "He is a very powerful symbol as the prophet who is now the figure of hope for the world." Elijah's story is told in the books of Kings. As a prophet, he was a staunch monotheist Marcus Borg be published in the Monday issue of the Jesuit magazine America. Cunningham, the executive director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College, criticizes Gibson for not using more academic research and Second Vatican Council teachings that would have given "The Passion" a more balanced picture of Jewish leaders saying they had no choice but to work with the Romans. Instead, Cunningham says, the movie favors Roman Governor Pontius Pilate with a more "benign" appearance: In "The Passion," for example, Pilate gazes at a beaten Jesus and asks Caiaphas, "Do you always Susan THE internationally known Jesus scholar, a professor of religion at Oregon State University . punish your prisoners before they are judged?" That never occurred in the Bible, Cunningham says. Scholar Sloyan describes Pilate as a "cruel Roman functionary who ordered Jesus' crucifixion based on his fears "that he might have a potential uprising on his hands." The Romans did use crucifix-- , ion which was considered barbaric even at the time for executing slaves and rebels. But some scholars say Gibson's movie may exaggerate the extent of violence Jesus endured. The movie, for example, shows soldiers dangling a newly captured and chained Jesus which is not in over a bridge the Bible, says Larson, of Florida International University. Larson also doubts that Romans made Jesus carry the entire cross to where he was crucified whipping him all the time as "The Passion" shows. That would not have been practical: Jesus would have already been weakened from the severe whipping and the Romans would have wanted him strong enough to walk to his execution, Larson says. Still, the religion would have never spread if Jesus' followers hadn't regrouped. Jewish historian Flavius Jose-phu- s, a member of a priestly family who later became the court historian for Roman Emperor Vespasian, wrote about Jesus and his followers about 60 years after the crucifixion. "And many people from among the Jews and other nations became his disciples," Josephus wrote. long-awaite- d EAGLE SCOUTS Daniel Rust, age 18, son of Braden Sweeten, age 17, son of Dust in and Darlene Sweeten of Lindon, will be awarded the U"3v rank of Eagle Bryan and Tracie Rust of Provo, was awarded the rank of Eagle -- Scout on April 6, 2004. He is in Troop H ScouenApril 17, 2004. 727 spon- sored by the Grandview 15th Ward. His service project was creating a scout library for a handicapped (special needs) troop 717. ai He is in Troop 1183 sponsored by the Lindon 18th Ward. His service project was building and installing a new sign for the ' Lindon Care Center. Last Supper Continued pom Bl ventional Easter services. Naomi White, who will direct "The Living Last Supper," said Rock Canyon's pageant consists primarily of a tableau, a staged scene in which participants are silent and motionless, but that there are other important elements. "It's a of the painting, but it also provides a lot of information about Christ and his disciples." The approximately hourlong "Living Last Supper," begins with the projection of a slide of da Vinci's famous mural, accompanied by a short narration of its history. Jesus' disciples are then introduced one by one, with the narrator briefly explaining how each received his calling, what his ministry was, and the circumstances surrounding his death. The program also includes two vocal When the candy eggs are gone, He's still there. TkEE of Life Lutheran - where can you get that in your life? Abundant, everlasting, eternal Fill up on something more this Easter -celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with us. . Tree of Life Lutheran Church Worshiping at 310 West 500 North, in Provo each Sunday morning at 0:45 a.m. Children's Easter Celebration at 9:45 a.m. solos. Jackson said that although Jesus is central, the additional information about the men closest to him is an important facet of the presentation. He said learning about the men who were closest to Jesus illustrates a truth that is still relevant: "Jesus chooses to hang out with some pretty interesting characters. He's willing to wi7i7.HarIiTheHerald.CQm SCERA Encore Season Presents: I 7v, TJ. 12-- 01 jts message perfect for the Cg 23 Pm 7 i , Showhouse.II $6 Adult $4 Child (age Senior Student (wJD), (age 65), Groups (20) 745 So. State OREM Call 225-AR'. . SCERA 1), TS " .' ' . Aprils. 2004 www.seera.ora j Vi - i -- single-handed- ly ft -- V Wvi-- . ;V, .UM.RffZBimtUfllDatoB Morning Hews ':;.is Noah Solomon Rodi is placed in a special chair for the prophet ! V .' Elijah at Hoch'sbris in Dallas. - " 4 ' post-biblic- al 17:10-13- ). Today, at every bris there's a special chair for Elijah, who's sometimes called the "angel of circumcision." ," "We treat Elijah as an said Rabbi David Shawel, a Dallas area mohel, the ritual circumciser. Other stories about Elijah abound by the hundreds in Jewish folklore and rabbinical literature. Over time, the prophet was assigned new roles, from miracle worker to moral guide. "Because he never died, Jewish tradition has always held that he comes back to perform miracles for us," said Rabbi Jordan Parr of Adat Chaverim in Piano, Texas. One folk tale has Elijah visiting the home of a destitute couple at their Seder. Because they welcome him, he rewards them with wealth and comfort for. the rest of their lives. In another story, Elijah changes the bandages of the poor. Elijah is also seen as a bridge figure between heaven and earth, who can easily travel back and forth. In one story, he tells a sage what God was doing the very moment the sage was praying. Legend has it that Elijah also will settle ancient rabbinic disputes never resolved These are hon-oree- noted by the word "teyku" in . the Talmud, an authoritative' body of Jewish law. Some sages linked "teyku" to Tishbe, Elijah's place of origin or family. One of those disputes is over whether four or five cups of wine are required at the Seder. They now drink four. Another cup is poured but remains untouched. That cup, of course, is Elijah's. Bible scholars generally agree that Elijah was a historical figure, but that biblical writers assigned miracles and superhuman powers to him to prove he was a prophet sent by God (Some, of course, believe the stories happened literally as described in the Bible.) "Most people feel Elijah was a real figure greatly expanded by legend," said Rabbi S. David Sperling, a Bible professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewis- h Institute of Religion in New York. The biblical parallels between Moses and Elijah are striking. Both men parted a body of water and encountered God on Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb, where they spent 40 days. Elijah is also revered by Christians and Muslims. But his role isn't nearly as prominent in those faith traditions, and he's viewed differently, too. A Muslim commentary says Elijah became so distraught at one point that he ninth-centur- y prayed for death. Instead, a fiery horse sans chariot . rode off with the prophet. Then God wrapped him in feathers. ; "He flew with the angels," said Gordon Newby, an Islam , specialist at Emory University in Atlanta. He was considered half-mahalf angel." The New Testament said Jesus was sometimes mistaken for Elijah. One scene places Elijah and Moses at the Transfiguration, during which the garments of Jesus became intensely white. Jews don't believe that Jesus was the Messiah. That's a title others also have claimed over the years. Among the most notorious was Shabtai Zvi a Jewish mystic from who inspired a move- Turkey ment of followers until he converted to Islam to avoid execu-tio- a -- . 17th-centu- "When Elijah comes, there wiD be no mistaking it," said Rabbi Perl of Dallas. "He will usher in a redemptive age where things are much simpler and clear." Jews are reminded of that every week as the Sabbath closes with a ceremony called the Havdalah. Many end the service by singing the "Eliyahu (Elijah the Prophet). "Tradition says Elijah cant come on the Sabbath because it would be distracting," Dr. Cohen said. "When the Sabbath ends, we celebrate that he can come." i" hasn't been a suitable Jesus "Jesus chooses to hang out with some, pretty interesting characters. He's willing to build relationships with folks who, a lot of the time, other people wouldn't." Dean Jackson pastor of Rock Canyon Assembly of God . . build relationships with folks who, a lot of the time, other Matt Hutchings, appearing as Matthew, a publican (or tax people wouldn't." collector) who left his office to The presentation's cast is follow Jesus, described it this comprised of local men who be- way: "You just want to make sure that you're in position and long to Rock Canyon's congreholdstilL" gation K.V. Roylance, who lives in Orem and works in the Hutchings, who works for electronics industry, will apProvo city's water department, pear as Andrew, the brother of said one recommendation givPeter and a follower of John en the cast to assist them in the Baptist prior to the ministry preparing was to see the recent of Jesus. film "The Passion of the For Roylance, taking a role Christ." in "The Living Last Supper" is a Roylance said that seeing "The Passion" helped him to apwholly new sensatioa He's never been on stage for any preciate the social and religious kind of performance. Though ostracism that Jesus' disciples he considers himself a bit more confronted both during and afintroverted than is ideal for act- ter their master's rninistry. "It. ing, he felt compelled to accept helps you to understand your White's invitation. role." "It's rare to be able to preOf course, the central elesent something to other people ment of the show is the actor that impacts their lives in a pos- playing Jesus. White, whose itive way," Roylance said husband appeared as Jesus in White and her actors have previous years, said one reason held rehearsals but their prepathe pageant hasn't been perration has been limited. formed recently is that there Continued from .'April 17th f?' who railed againstlhe Baal worshippers supported by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the northern kingdom of IsraeL This led to a famous showdown on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the Baal prophets to call down fire from heaven to burn their sacrifice, which had been placed on an altar. When they failed, Elijah's water soaked sacrifice was consumed by fire the moment he prayed to GodDt Afterward, Elijah ordered the hundreds of Baal prophets to be killed. The Bible implies that he slew them at a brook. (Some interpreters say he slit their throats, but most scholars agree that view embellishes the text.) Queen Jezebel vowed revenge. Elijah fled at once out of fear, the Bible says. But when the "word of the Lord" came to him and asked why he was on the run, Elijah said it was because the Israelites had forsaken their covenant with God. Because of that statement, writings said that God ordered Elijah to witness all Jewish circumcisions, which represent the covenant between God and Israel (Genesis Lawsuit -- , 7:30 worii- - Satuniay, Jews paytnbute to Elijah year-roun-d "In short the Kingdom of God was about God's Continued from Bl HERALD ligious tuition didn't exceed the Bl tuition at their children's private Jewish day schools. The tax agency's position has been that the Sklars' tuition payouts are a payment for service, not a donation. But Sklar, representing the couple, argued the tuition was a charitable contribution that resulted in the religious education of his children in his view, as much an "intangible religious benefit" as the Scientologists' counseling. The couple lost the case. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals later upheld the lower court's rulingThose courts focused on the narrow question of whether the tuition could be considered a charitable contributioa Judges found the cost of the Sklars' re cost of a nonreligious private education thus disqualifying it as a deductible donation. "The sole issue before us is whether the Sklars' claimed deduction is valid, not whether members of the Church of Scientology have become the IRS' chosen people," wrote 9th Circuit Judge Barry D. Silverman in his concurring opinion. "If the IRS does, in fact, give preferential treatment to members of the Church of Scientology ... then the proper course of action is a lawsuit to put a stop to that policy," he wrote. The Sklars' current lawsuit was filed in 2001, over a 1995 tax return in which they claimed about $15,000 in religious tuition deductions. That could have saved the couple about $3,200 in actual taxes if the IRS had granted the deductions. They say they don't want to available. Enter Santaquin resident Jamie Johnson, a auto parts technician who plays the guitar for Rock Canyon's "worship team." White approached Johnson last fall when White was preparing "Your Love," a Christmas pageant staged at Utah Valley State College. "She asked me whether I could grow a beard," recalled Johnson, who said that he usually only wears a goatee and prefers to keep his hair only somewhat long. After seeing him play Jesus in scenes from "Your Love," White realized that Johnson was the person Rock Canyon needed to stage a living Last Supper. "I told him, 'Don't cut your hair.' " Given that he has no lines to speak, you might wonder what Johnson's method for depicting Jesus is. "I just try to think of how he would be. Kind and gentle." Johnson said he feels somewhat awed to represent the figure who millions believe is the savior of mankind But he was quick to point out that the responsibility has its rewards. "It's always an honor to portray Jesus," Johnson said. "It gives you joy, too. You're able to share the love of Christ with other people." , stop deductions for Scientoloinstead, they want to gists clear the way for write-off- s for other religions. Monique Yingling, attorney for the Church of Scientology International, declined comment on the case because the church is not a party in the lawsuit. The case was scheduled to begin last month in US. Tax Court in Los Angeles but was delayed " until October for procedural reasons. The Sklars hope to prove their tuition exceeds the cost of a private nonreligious education! by including fees for purely religious afternoon and Sunday classes that were left out of their first suit, said Jeffrey Zuckerman, their attorney, "If we prevail, other taxpay- - r ers wifl certainly have the right to take advantage of the ruling to the extert that their situation is similar to the Sklars'," he said |