On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ

Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) ^ | March 21, 1986 | | William D. Edwards, MD; Wesley J. Gabel, MDiv; Floyd E. Hosmer, MS, AMI

[Oakleaf]

ABSTRACT: Jesus of Nazareth underwent Jewish and Roman trials, was flogged, and was sentenced to death by crucifixion. The scourging produced deep stripelike lacerations and appreciable blood loss, and it probably set the stage for hypovolemic shock as evidenced by the fact that Jesus was too weakened to carry the crossbar (patibulum) to Golgotha. At the site of crucifixion his wrists were nailed to the patibulum, and after the patibulum was lifted onto the upright post, (stipes) his feet were nailed to the stipes. The major pathophysiologic effect of crucifixion was an interference with normal respirations. Accordingly, death resulted primarily from hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia. Jesus’ death was ensured by the thrust of a soldier’s spear into his side. Modern medical interpretation of the historical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead when taken down from the cross. (JAMA 1986; 255:1455-1463)

[Oakleaf]

Other references on this topic. “A Doctor At Calvary: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ as Described by a Surgeon” Pierre Barbet, M.D. This is probably the single best book. I have given it to several priests over the years as a gift for Lent. “The Crucifixion ol Jesus, Completely Revised and Expanded, A Forensic Inquiry” by Frederick T. Zugibe. If you get the two-disc, Definitive Edition of the “Passion of The Christ” he is one of the people interviewed in the section on crucifixition.

DVD “How Jesus Died: The Final 18 Hours” Trinity Pictures Ltd. This includes sections with interviews with Frederick Zugibe and with Dr. John Bonica, one of the founding fathers of the modern study and understanding of pain and its treatment.

DVD “Crucifixtion” The History Channel.

[sauropod]

Bkmk

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Bkmrk.

[Swordmaker]

Earlier thread on the Shroud of Turin this morning:

A Physicians View of the Crucifixion,