Zebulon wrote:
It ought to, but in my experience talking with believing Christians, they find ways to ignore, spin or otherwise disregard passages that contradict their beliefs.
Baptism is symbolic death, as resurrection is rebirth/reawakening.
There are a number of intriguing ways to interpret the words Jesus is reported to have spoken on the cross. Yours is one I hadn't thought of before.
I've read another theory that Jesus (assuming he was an historical figure, which I personally doubt) was attempting to force God's hand, as it were, in order to bring about the liberation of Judea from the Romans. "Why have you forsaken me", in this context, would mean, "oh fuck, I'm hanging here on this cross, and no angelic armies are appearing to save me and kick Roman ass."
A good analogy and yes I too have played dueling quotes with Christians and yes, theirs always seem to hold more weight
than mine. Go figure.
They do tend to put knots in their tongs to do it though.
Soon followed by a turn or burn as they run away.
Regards
DL