Deicide
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Deicide literally means "God-killing" (Latin Deus, "God" + -cida, "killing") and usually refers to the execution of Jesus by crucifixion.
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Who is to blame?
The execution of Jesus can be thought of as caused by (singularly or in combination): 1) the Jews in general, 2) God, for the benefit of people in general, 3) the Roman soldiers in particular, 4) the Jewish leadership in particular, and 5) God, for the benefit of the Elect in particular.
The Jews in general
The Jews, as a people, have been alleged by Christians to have had a special responsibility for this crime and to have been cursed by God for it. (See Supersessionism)
Until the middle of the 20th century most Christian churches included references to deicide in their hymns and liturgy. Many still do. The following, for example, is a verse from a hymn used in Protestant churches to call upon God to convert the Jews to Christianity:
Though the Blood betrayed and spilt, On the race entailed a doom, Let its virtue cleanse the guilt, Melt the hardness, chase the gloom; Lift the veil from off their heart, Make them Israelites indeed, Meet once more for lot and part With Thy household's genuine seed.[1] (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/t/ttcforon.htm)
("Thou, the Christ Forever One", words by William Bright, from Supplemental Hymns to Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1889)
God, for the benefit of people in general
Other Christian theologians (among others) argue that God cannot be killed. Thus it would be inappropriate to apply charges of deicide to anyone. The following is a verse from the New Testament used in some Protestant churches to rebuke those in error:
"No man taketh it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father" (John 10:18 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=John+10:18))
It should be noted that Luke 23:34 states, "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." This passage would seem to absolve whomever is blamed for the death of Christ.
See also
External Links
- Jesus's death now debated by Jews (http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=8530)
Disambiguation
Deicide is also the name of a death metal band from Florida.