Was Jesus a Coward?
The book "Was Jesus a Coward?" by George Bernard Shaw explores the idea that Jesus may have been afraid to face his own death and therefore acted cowardly in his final moments. The author argues that this interpretation of Jesus' actions challenges traditional views of him as a brave martyr who willingly sacrificed himself for others.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1948 · Genre: Religious Criticism, Philosophical Essay, Theological Analysis · 533 words
First lines
I know quite well that this impression of superiority is not produced on everyone, even of those who profess extreme susceptibility to it. Setting aside the huge mass of inculcated Christ-worship which has no real significance because it has no intelligence, there is, among people who are really free to think for themselves on the subject, a great deal of hearty dislike of Jesus and of contempt for his failure to save himself and overcome his enemies by personal bravery and cunning as Mahomet did. I have heard this feeling expressed far more impatiently by persons brought up in England as Christians than by Mahometans, who are, like their prophet, very civil to Jesus, and allow him a place in their esteem and veneration at least as high as we accord to John the Baptist. But this British bulldog contempt is founded on a complete misconception of his reasons for submitting voluntarily to an ordeal of torment and death.
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Was Jesus a Coward? is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1948 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1948 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Criticism, Philosophical Essay, Theological Analysis, Historical Commentary, Literary Criticism
- Length: 533 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Criticism — The work critically examines the perception of Jesus' character and actions, challenging traditional religious views.
- Philosophical Essay — It explores philosophical questions about divinity, courage, and human perception of historical figures.
- Theological Analysis — The text analyzes theological interpretations of Jesus' actions and beliefs, particularly in relation to his divinity.
- Historical Commentary — The work provides commentary on historical figures and events, comparing Jesus to other historical leaders.
Tags
religion · Christianity · philosophy · theology · Jesus · courage · cowardice · morality · faith · sacrifice · suffering · socio-political