Science replays the crucifixion

[Keith]

Science replays the crucifixion

TV show blends Bible and biomechanics

National Geographic Channel

A volunteer grimaces for the camera during filming for "The Quest for Truth: The Crucifixion," airing Sunday. The volunteer was tied to a cross to study the biomechanics of crucifixion, but no one was actually hurt. The simulated nailing was just for show.

By Alan Boyle

Science editor

MSNBC

Updated: 4:35 p.m. ET March 25, 2005

Biblical archaeologist Jonathan Reed says he has undergone something of a conversion. Maybe that's what staging a crucifixion does to you.

For "Quest for Truth: The Crucifixion," a TV documentary premiering on Easter Sunday on the National Geographic Channel, Reed conducted an experiment with a volunteer tied to an actual cross. Reed even took a turn on it himself.

No one was actually hurt. The researchers stopped short of pounding nails into feet, and monitored their volunteer victims closely for any signs of stress. But Reed, a religion professor at the University of La Verne in California, said spending time on the cross was nevertheless a "dark" experience that gave him a new appreciation for Roman cruelty.

For full article, click below.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7291066/

[Constant]

I read in the Mexico newspaper that on Good Friday, some church was re-enacting the Passion of the Christ. It was kinda weird but interesting at the same time. Does what I just said have anything to do withthis topic?

[hmh]

I read in the Mexico newspaper that on Good Friday, some church was re-enacting the Passion of the Christ.  It was kinda weird but interesting at the same time.  Does what I just said have anything to do withthis topic?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In the Philippines there is a group that every year actually crucifies people (yes, they nail them to crosses and parade them throughout the town). I can assume that the injuries are not permanent.