Although it appears that we are straying, I'd have to agree with loaded; was the incarnation/crucifixion/resurrection
really a sacrifice, considering that (using Arnold's voice) "I'll be back"? Granted, if Jesus was in fact tortured ,beaten and murdered in the manner that Christian history suggests, it was a horrible tragedy. But according to Christianity, it was not
fatal.
As to the original post, you raise a few interesting questions, and isn't this forum all about asking and answering questions? Really, Mike the Wiz; it's just a 'what if', not a challenge your faith. :-)
IMO, Christianity would not have gained such notority if it lacked the death that the central figure, Jesus, suffered. I base this on the ease that many Christians that I've encoutered use the emotionally charged act of His death was a witnessing device. Regarding the jail death, what if Jesus (or another equally suited saviour or saviours) came, only to find themselves in jail, sold into slavery, murdered, etc. and it just so happens that Jesus was the only to have pulled it off? A' la Neo in Reloaded.
Anyway, good discussion; I'm a bit tired now, so I apologize if I am rambling...again.
Cheers
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