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Dominik Diamond thought he had it all figured out: on Holy Week, the Scottish TV host would head to the town of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga, Philippines. There he would join local penitents by carrying a cross up a hill... then having himself nailed to it. Dominik Diamond would be crucified in real life. And have the whole ordeal broadcast on primetime!
Sadly, the whole thing went awry at the last minute. As the Irish Independent newspaper puts it:
The docco, Crucify Me, was to focus on Diamond's quest for spiritual salvation but has now turned into something of a comedy after he carried the cross to his appointed spot, prayed for 10 minutes, broke down in tears, bottled the whole thing and was led off to a chorus of jeers from the punters.
A suitably embarrassed Diamond has tried to defend his choking, saying: "At all times in this journey I have been guided by my God in ways I could never have predicted. Having experienced the humility of bearing my own cross through the streets, I felt my God wanted me only to pray at the foot of my cross." ("I've changed me mind about that crucifixion", Independent.ie)
Whatever, Dominik, you yellow wanker. If you really want to see crucifixion done right, head on over to San Pedro Cutud in the Philippines, and try to grasp the motivations of otherwise sane people who take a day or two off of their lives to have themselves nailed up to crosses.
why should these people suffer like this. jesus has already suffered for us so that we dont suffer in these ways. these people just wanted to show off!!!
Hi Kate. I personally wouldn’t want to have myself nailed up on a cross, but I understand the motivation. In deeply Catholic parts of the Philippines (like San Pedro Cutud) crucifixion is seen as a way of expiating sins or fulfilling vows to God (panata).
From your language, I take it you’re a born-again Christian? Catholic Christianity has a totally different theology from that of evangelical Christianity (I say this with some authority derived from 12 years of Catholic instruction + repeated conversion attempts from well-meaning born-again friends).
If you look at this through evangelical eyes, yes, Christ has already redeemed us through his blood and this is totally unnecessary.
If you look at this through the folk Catholicism that permeates towns like San Pedro Cutud, though, this is an admirable act of self-sacrifice and devotion.
I’m not saying you’re wrong – I’m just saying you look at it differently.
since the early ages, there has no man dead by crucifiction, they might hurt, but never dead, so didn’t Jesus. “Turin Shroud” (National Geographic Movie) scientifically prove it so.
@sahar hutapea what your saying is absolutely FALSE and don’t have basis. If you don’t believe what we believe then don’t spend time saying that “Jesus doesn’t die 2000 years ago” because we will not believe it.
If you believe about zeitgeist I can show you a video that debunks and refute zeitgeist claims about Jesus.
Anyways, I am not catholic, but a born again christian that lives here in the Philippines. I think the motive of this people is to save themselves and to prove to GOD that they can do anything for him.
But according to the bible. Jesus paid it ALL! So by imitating what Jesus has done is not biblical. But we can’t judge them. Lets just pray and let GOD pour his mercy on them.
I want to do it for the first time in my country during 2012 Holy week procession. How can i get sm help from someone who is expert ? Feel free to knock me in my emai…edward.tony@gmail.com Looking forward for soon response.
GOD bless you all. Specially to them who tried to feel the passions of CHRIST by doing this.
Hi Edward, sorry to burst your bubble, but the embarrassment of foreigners backing out at the last minute has forced the local authorities to bar outsiders from being crucified. You can go and watch, though, nothing stopping you there! Cheers!