I agree a movie is made for entertainment not as a documentary - so remember to suspend your disbelief! I appreciated your historical insight and positivity!
Gladiator was a movie that was an important part of my coming of age. I was half-expecting the sequel to ruin its memory for me! But after reading this piece (and skimming parts that are probably plot-revealing), I'm seriously interested in watching it. Thanks for that. Let history not get in the way of a good story!
It would be amazing if, from your vantage point as a historian and Bible scholar, you could home in on The Chosen at some point.
P.S. This might be a wild tangent, but it connects to historical verification like you did with Gladiator 2. I once encountered Brian Weiss's interpretation of John 9:1-2, suggesting belief in soul reincarnation (nefesh gilgul) was part of the New Testament world. His argument was that questions about a man born blind sinning made sense only in this context. If you could comment on this interpretation or point to reliable sources addressing it, I'd much appreciate it. With reincarnation beliefs still prevalent today (including among a quarter of Americans), understanding its historical context would be very valuable.
There is a book coming out (late 2025) with Eerdmans which gives several scholarly takes on THE CHOSEN. Keep an eye out. I didn't write for it, but I heard about it.
So I watched the film and your analysis becomes even more useful and interesting. Thank you! Also, after watching that film, I was left wondering whether the script writers were somehow anticipating a certain political event the world that has captured the world's attention for the past few days.
I agree a movie is made for entertainment not as a documentary - so remember to suspend your disbelief! I appreciated your historical insight and positivity!
Thanks!
I will watch the movie and return and read the rest. I loved The Gladiator and am looking forward to the sequel.
Its good fun! Esp if you loved the first one
Gladiator was a movie that was an important part of my coming of age. I was half-expecting the sequel to ruin its memory for me! But after reading this piece (and skimming parts that are probably plot-revealing), I'm seriously interested in watching it. Thanks for that. Let history not get in the way of a good story!
It would be amazing if, from your vantage point as a historian and Bible scholar, you could home in on The Chosen at some point.
P.S. This might be a wild tangent, but it connects to historical verification like you did with Gladiator 2. I once encountered Brian Weiss's interpretation of John 9:1-2, suggesting belief in soul reincarnation (nefesh gilgul) was part of the New Testament world. His argument was that questions about a man born blind sinning made sense only in this context. If you could comment on this interpretation or point to reliable sources addressing it, I'd much appreciate it. With reincarnation beliefs still prevalent today (including among a quarter of Americans), understanding its historical context would be very valuable.
There is a book coming out (late 2025) with Eerdmans which gives several scholarly takes on THE CHOSEN. Keep an eye out. I didn't write for it, but I heard about it.
So I watched the film and your analysis becomes even more useful and interesting. Thank you! Also, after watching that film, I was left wondering whether the script writers were somehow anticipating a certain political event the world that has captured the world's attention for the past few days.