From zillah@INFI.NETThu Dec 12 11:55:51 1996 Date: Tue, 10 Dec 1996 22:12:49 -0500 From: C E R K Radio To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: C E R K Radio Announcement: READ THIS FIRST This is a Public Service Announcement brought to you by those responsible for "Nightwatch With The Nightcrawler." As we are approaching Christmas, it was decided that "Nightwatch With The Nightcrawler #2" would involve Christianity. The content of the monologue might be considered offensive to those with delicate sensiblities for the following reasons: 1. The basis of the monologue demands that you be able to consider the possibility that Jesus of Nazareth was a man, not a divine. 2. The dialogue is flip and sarcastic when refering to Jesus and his deeds. I don't hate Christianity particularly. I could have chosen to write about some other religion... I've studied a lot of religions and I can honestly say I have equal respect for all of them. I chose the Christian reference because LaCroix would have: it irks the largest audience. He would never have chosen a minority religion like Paganism/Wicca because it wouldn't have the greatest impact. If you find that you are easily offended, then this is your official warning NOT TO READ "Nightwatch With The Nightcrawler #2." If you read it anyway, do not send any hate mail because there was adequate warning. If something like this causes your faith to be shaken, you might consider spiritual or psychological guidance. For those who choose to read it, here is some of the background information that was used in the construction of this "Nightwatch" monologue. * First, let me thank my beta-readers who helped put this edition of the "Nightwatch" together. They are Joseph Cohen and Kelly Green. Their input has been invaluable. * The name "Jeshua" comes from "The Cartoon History Of The Universe II, volumes 8-13" by Larry Gonick, which covers early China through the fall of Rome. It contains sixty-seven books of source information in the footnote section and is designed to portray accurate history through humour and drawing. I heartily recommend it and any of the others in the series. The "a" ending is a bit of an inconsistancy in language. In most languages, an "a" usually designates a feminine ending, though there are notable exceptions. "Dracula" for instance (not the book but the man) translates as the "son of the dragon" or "the son of the devil." Romanian uses "a" as a feminine ending traditionally, but this is one of the exceptions... no one would ever have accused Vlad Tepes of being a girl. I asked my comparative religions prof about Jeshua and he told me that there were contentions about whether the "a" is supposed to be there or not because of it's use in a man's name. I have used it simply because I can document it. * "Jeshua ben Joseph" indicates Jeshua's family, in this case his mother's husband Joseph. You've probably heard of the film "Ben Hur"... well there you go. * The description of death by crucifixion is accurate. I hope that you have enjoyed the "Nightwatch With The Nightcrawler" monologues so far and will be looking forward to others in the furture. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or criticisms you may direct them to . Thank you for your patience. ___________________________________________________________ .Cousin Zillah. .zillah@infi.net. " Why give glory to a devil other than yourself? " ___________________________________________________________ From zillah@INFI.NETThu Dec 12 11:56:07 1996 Date: Tue, 10 Dec 1996 22:13:15 -0500 From: C E R K Radio To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: C E R K Radio presents " Nightwatch With The Nightcrawler" #2 Long, long ago the baby Jeshua, known in later centuries as Jesus, was born in squalor to a *virgin* mother. It is said angels appeared to shepherds about the matter, quite frightening them out of their wits. Jeshua's first trade was as carpenter, but in the later years of his life he gave that up in order to wander and preach. He told anyone who would listen that they should take responsibility for their lives, that it would be preferable that they be nice to one another, and that it would earn them the grandeur of Heaven. He was an exemplary man, if you like that sort of thing, a beggar who taught love and kindness for the satisfaction of the teaching. For his trouble, Jeshua met with the grotesque death of crucifixion, condemned by the very people he sought to help. Suspended by nails driven through his hands and feet, Jeshua slowly suffocated to death as the weight of his own body slowly ripped the muscle away from his lungs making it impossible to breath. How wonderful to be able to say that Jesus of Nazareth was the son of God, who died on the cross for our sins. Consider the alternative. Consider for the moment if this Jeshua was a just a man... a man who lead a life dedicated to giving to others and helping them, who cared enough to make himself the example to follow. A man who had enough kindness to pardon even his persecutors as he hung in agony on Golgotha. A man who was paid by those who benefited from his good deeds in betrayal and bloody death. Jeshua's accomplishments are listed in the oldest biographical text in existence. The common man vanishes, shrouded in mediocrity, nameless, and is remembered no more. Now ask yourself this question. Was Jeshua ben Joseph, Jesus the Christ, the Messiah come? ...or did we make him so to absolve us of the guilt of his murder? Good night, mes ami, from your Nightcrawler... and merry Christmas. _________________________________________________________________ Comments, criticisms, and replies may be sent to: