Via Dolorosa

Synopsis

'My whole life, it's been assumed, Western civilisation is an old bitch gone in the teeth. And so people say, go to Israel. Because in Israel at least people are fighting. In Israel, they're fighting for something they believe in.' Via Dolorosa. In 1997, after many invitations, the 50-year-old British playwright resolved finally to visit the 50-year-old State of Israel. The resulting play, written to be performed by the author himself, offers a meditation on an extraordinary trip to both Israel and the Palestinian territory, which leaves Hare questioning his own values as searchingly as the powerful beliefs of those he met. Accompanying Via Dolorosa is the 1996 lecture When Shall We Live?, which also addresses questions of art and faith. Originally given in Westminster Abbey as the Eric Symes Memorial Lecture, it attracted record correspondence when an abridged version was published in the Daily Telegraph.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Arrest

Jesus is arrested in Gethsemane by a band of soldiers led by Judas Iscariot. Peter attempts to resist, but Jesus rebukes him and heals the ear of the servant whom Peter had cut off. Jesus is then led away to the house of Annas, the former high priest.

Real example: The arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane has been depicted in numerous works of art, including the famous painting by Caravaggio. In the painting, Jesus is shown being arrested by a group of soldiers, while Peter is shown brandishing a sword.

Chapter 2: The Trial Before Annas and Caiaphas

Jesus is interrogated by Annas and then Caiaphas, the current high priest. Caiaphas accuses Jesus of blasphemy and finds him guilty of death. Jesus is then mocked and beaten by the soldiers.

Real example: The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin has been the subject of many theological debates. Some scholars believe that Jesus' trial was unfair and that he was unjustly condemned to death.

Chapter 3: The Denial of Peter

Peter, who had vowed to remain loyal to Jesus, denies knowing him three times. After the third denial, a rooster crows, and Peter remembers Jesus' prediction that he would deny him.

Real example: Peter's denial of Jesus has been interpreted as a symbol of human weakness and the need for repentance. The story of Peter's denial has been used to encourage Christians to be faithful to God even in the face of adversity.

Chapter 4: The Trial Before Pilate

Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate tries to find a way to release Jesus, but the crowd demands his crucifixion. Pilate reluctantly agrees and sentences Jesus to death.

Real example: The trial of Jesus before Pilate has been the subject of numerous historical and theological studies. Some scholars believe that Pilate was a weak and indecisive ruler who was pressured by the crowd into condemning Jesus to death.

Chapter 5: The Crucifixion

Jesus is led to Golgotha, where he is crucified. He is joined by two criminals, one of whom repents and is promised paradise. Jesus dies on the cross, uttering the words "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Real example: The crucifixion of Jesus has been depicted in countless works of art and religious literature. It is a central event in the Christian faith, as it represents the sacrifice of God's Son for the sins of humanity.

Chapter 6: The Resurrection

Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rises from the dead. He appears to Mary Magdalene and other disciples, and he ascends into heaven.

Real example: The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most important events in Christian history. It is celebrated each year on Easter Sunday, which is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar.