Ok, Shammah, I need to point out that I only get 4 posts a day, so would you quit giving me so much fodder? ;-)

The concept of blaming Jews for the crucifixion of Jesus really hit stride around the 3rd and 4th centuries C.E. (That's A.D. for those of you who count that way.)

At this time, Christianity is really taking root in the Roman Empire. The Romans have not quite yet established Christianity as the "state" religion, but Christians are not being tortured and killed (well, in great numbers) like the previous couple hundred years.

Now, it would be political suicide for Christians to continue blaming Romans for the death of their savior. The new-found goodwill might go away and start the pogroms against Christianity again.

So, who makes a convenient scapegoat? The parent religion, Judaism, which is not quite as loved by them wacky Romans.

This, by the by, is where passion plays originated. They were used to put the blame for the death of Jesus on the Jews.

Now, I could go into the whole cross or pole for crucifixion thing, but that is a whole argument in itself.

Now, can we get off of Jesus for a while?

Kosher dietary laws? Who started them?

Discuss.