English 2341 Spring 2015 Class discussion

What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"
I had to reread this story so that I could understand it. Once I got an understanding of "The gospel according to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges I am now able to answer the question. I am not to clear on Christians' perception of Jesus Christ but I am away that they see Him as the savor; the one who sacrificed himself to save mankind. Christian, that I'm aware of, saw Jesus Christ as a healer because he was able to heal the blind and cure the sick. In this short story by Borges, Espinoza was a man of contradictions. Espinoza was very intelligent but had not finished his degree due to laziness, "he venerated France but had contempt for the French; he had little respect for Americans but took pride in the fact that there were skyscrapers in Bueno Aires" shows how contradicting he was. In the story it was made a point to understand that he was a very good and effective public speaker. Espinoza is also portrayed as a man that can not say no and does things that he doesn't want to do just to please other. Later on in the story Espinoza reads the bible to the Gutres and you can start to see a change in them. The Gutres start to finish their meals faster so that they can get to the bible readings faster. At one point in the story the girls' lamb is injured and the Gutres were going to put spider webs on it to heal it but instead Espinoza uses medication to heal the lamb faster. From my understanding of Christian beliefs, which is not much in my defense, this is what Jesus Christ did; He traveled and preached to his followers and healed the sick. That is exactly what Espinoza did, he preached from the bible, he had traveled to his cousins ranch, and he healed the sick lamb. I believe that the Gutres believe that Espinoza was Jesus Christ reincarnated, and thus ultimately built a cross to sacrifice him.

In this short story of “The Gospel According to Mark” written by Jorge Luis Borgas have more than a handful of similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Baltazar Espinosa. Taking the surname, Espinoza, can be seen as a thorn bush. Jesus had a crown made from thorns and was placed on His head by a Roman soldier. In the story, Espinosa is said to have “the gift of public speaking….and an almost unlimited goodness.” This is a description of the Lord Jesus. Espinosa was 33 years of age, which was Jesus’ age at the time of His death. At a wedding, Mary the mother of Jesus, asks Jesus to turn the water to wine because they had run out of wine. Even though Jesus says, “Woman, my time has not come yet”, He still did what Mary asked and probably would never say no to His mother. “…his mother asked him to say the Lord’s Prayer every night and make the sign of the cross, and never in all the years did he break his promise.” Espinosa healed a little lamb that had been cut by barbed wire. Jesus was a healer. Espinosa had grown a beard, Jesus had a beard. “Espinosa, who was letting his beard grow out, would stop by the mirror to look at his changed face”. The fact that Espinosa read the Bible to a superstitious and backward people did not prepare him for their misinterpretation of what he read to them in the Gospel of Mark. They saw him as the one needing to be crucified in order to receive their salvation. “Then they cursed him, spat on him, and drove him to the back” (just like it was done on Jesus on the way to Golgotha). “The girl was weeping…they had torn down the roof beams to build the Cross”. Espinosa was not that knowledgeable on scripture, because when Gutre asks Espinosa if the soldiers that nailed Jesus to the Cross would be saved, Espinosa said yes. “And those that drove the nails will also be saved?” Yes, replied Espinosa (whose theology was a bit shaky)”. Had Daniel stayed, there would not have been any misinterpretation. Daniel in the Bible was a man of great faith, trusting totally in his God; a man that would not compromise his character for politics or business.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

In the story "The Gospel According to Mark" Espinoza seems like Jesus Christ a person who doesn't care about luxury or material things, he seems more like a person who enjoys all natural and simple things. Espinoza maybe without knowing became a preacher to the Gutre family, a family that maybe consider outsiders to any society, but Espinoza took the time to make them understand the verse Gospel According to St. Mark. which was the only reading that got the full attention of the Gutre a religious story. Espinoza became Jesus Christ to the Gutre family first they became his friends but then they betrayed him just like the apostles did with Jesus. They build a cross to crucified Espinoza in belief that Espinoza will safe them form going to hell.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

“The Gospel according To Mark,” by Jorge Luis Borges took place on a cattle ranch in a small ranch of Junín. Baltasar Espinosa was medical student but was too lazy to finish his degree. He later gets invited to this ranch by his cousin Daniel. He decided to stay while his cousin leaves for business. Espinoza later on wondering though the house he finds a bible so he starts reading the bible to the family he is staying with. The similarities, that this story has with Jesus Christ is that Espinoza cures the sick like Jesus. When Espinoza stared reading the bible at dinner they listen to him, “It’s in their blood he said”. Espinoza also gets crucified like Jesus.

In the short story “The Gospel According to Mark”, Jorge Luis Borges seems to recreate an event that happened long ago. Throughout the story the reader can make comparisons between the main character and Jesus Christ. At first the similarities are subtle, but later in the story Borges’ intent becomes clear when the main character is subjected to the same fate as Jesus. Initially, even the title alerts the reader to expect a story centered on the life of Christ. As the story begins, we learn the main character is named Baltasar Espinosa. This is significant because the name Baltasar means “Protected by God”, while the name Espinosa is pertaining to thorns. Through reading the Bible we learn that Jesus was protected by God and was subjected to wearing a crown of thorns. Another similarity is that the family begins to revere Espinosa, and would “trail him through the rooms and along the hallway” shortly after he cures the daughter’s sheep with pills. The objective reader, though aware of the similarities, can also identify contrasting characteristics between Christ and Espinosa. A notable difference was Espinosa’s laziness, which contrasts Jesus’ industrious qualities. However, the Gutres family sees Espinosa’s use of modern medicine as a miracle, similar to the miracles Jesus performed. Other events also lead the Gutres family to believe they are with a modern-day Christ. The story contains many additional similarities, the last being the death of the main character. This ending caught me off guard. I optimistically expected an ending that did not repeat the Biblical account, but instead allowed mankind to redeem itself. The Gutres family, looking to secure salvation decide to sacrifice their own modern-day Messiah. Perhaps this repetition shows that mankind does not learn, progress, or change, but instead looks to secure their own selfish interests.

I’m not sure if were supposed to answer the question or right our opinion of the story so, I’m going to do both. I am a Christian so, when I began to read that the bible was getting involved it caught my attention. Our goal as Christians is to become like Christ and we try our very best. I see in Espinoza wanting to be Christ like in this story by spreading the word of God, trusting it, and having faith that everything written is true. This is exactly what God wants us to do and to also do good works. Everyday God makes us like Christ with everything we go through. Now, when the father asks Espinoza, “whether Christ had allowed himself to be killed in order to save man kind?” the book says that “Espinoza felt obligated to defend what he just read.” I don’t think he should have felt obligated but to want to defend the word of God. It was the Holy Spirit tugging at his heart. Espinoza replied, “yes,.. To save all mankind from hell.” Espinoza could have not been aware he was becoming a little like Christ everyday but, the others around him did. I think this is why at the end of the story the cross is mentioned. Pretty much saying that if he believed that Christ died on the cross then you shall too.

In the short story “The Gospel According to Mark” written by Jorge Luis Borgas, the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza are recreated from earlier. Throughout the story I viewed Espinoza as if he was Jesus Christ helping the people including animals and in the end sacrificing for us. Espinoza was 33 years old, just like the age Jesus Christ had when crucified. Espinoza begins with a thundering night and some rain. There were flooded plains because of the rain, and farm animals even drowned. Espinosa begins to read the bible that he found that was printed in English “Gospel According to St. Mark.” Espinoza relates to Jesus Christ when a little girl’s lamb was hurt and instead of the Gutres family trying to cure it with spider webs, Espinoza gave it pills and the lamb recovered quickly, just how Jesus Christ would cure the people and animals when he would see them suffering in pain. The Gutres family treated Espinoza has if he was a leader “all treated him with respect; he was almost spoiled” Espinoza also related to Jesus when the Gutres daughter went to his bedroom during the night, but just showed kindness and sympathy. Later in the short story Espinoza also stated “to save all mankind from hell” which in other words refers back to Jesus Christ sacrificing his life for us. “The three of them had followed him, kneeling on the floor” the “girl was weeping.” In the end of the short story “Espinosa realized what awaited him on the other side” referring back to Jesus Christ when they hung him to the cross and nailed him to it, they crucified him. “They tore down the roof beams to build the cross”

" the gospel according to mark" demonstrates some similarities on how Espinoza have the gift of speaking to people as Jesus Christ had back on his time, but more interesting about Espinoza was that he looked simple he did not want any material thing he loved his family and friends as Jesus Christ did when he was in earth, that way people saw Espinoza as a saver from their sins they saw him as Jesus Christ. One more example was when a little girl was sick and instead of the family to to cure her with spiders and webs, Espinoza gave them pills and lamb and the girl was cure raptly, that way people now see him with respect and started to think we was the next Jesus Christ.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

The Gospel According to Mark, by Jorge Luis Borges, is a religious story that shows a comparison and representation with Jesus Christ. When I was reading throughout the story, it caught my attention very clear that the main character “Baltasar,” is a representation of the archetypal "Christ image." Borges made a lot of critiques about religion as well as humanity and human nature, but always with that literacy respect. Also, "listening to the first heavy drops of rain, thanked God." The rain may be a symbol that may represents purification and baptism. I did not like the end because I was expecting something different but I guess it followed the same pattern as the bible when Jesus dies.

In the short story "The Gospel According to Mark", I could see some of the similarities between the perception of Jesus Christ and Baltazar Espinoza. Christians believe Jesus Christ was sent to earth to teach the word of God to everyone especially the less fortunate. Also, it is said he made a lot of miracles like turning water into wine and healing the sick. Baltazar was a man that was not a full believer but he still would say his prayers every night in honor of his mother. When the storm arrived at his cousins ranch and the rivers overflowed there was no way he could leave. He started talking to the Grutes and would read the bible for them every night. Baltazar was teaching the word of God to a family that couldn't read or write, he even helped them in curing the girls sheep, which for them was a miracle. Once they knew Jesus Christ was sacrificed to save the people even the ones who sacrificed him, the Grutes believed that by sacrificing Baltazar they would be able to save them from their sins and go to heaven. When the Grutes learned everything that Jesus had done, it wasn't long until they related it on what Baltazar was doing with them.

What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?
In the Christian perception of Jesus Christ is that he was a loving and understanding. All what Jesus Christ purpose is to spread the word of God and show the love and the laws of the Lord. Espinoza, on the story of "The gospel according to mark" mentioned, that he wanted to spread the word of God like Jesus Christ. Espinoza, is a leader, kind and been thorough some trials just to fulfilled his mission. Doesn't it sounds like he has similar qualities as Jesus Christ. I am not saying he is. Yet, Espinoza did feel that he relate himself with Jesus Christ. So he find his way to save mankind that he said in his story.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

In "The Gospel According to Mark" by Borges the character Espinoza can be compared to Jesus Christ in some subtle but noted ways. Espinoza was quiet and a thinker and preferred to wander on his own much like Jesus Christ did. He was a scholar who liked to read and learn and more importantly as we can see by his 'readings' to the Gutres he also like to teach and guide people. The author very carefully places pieces of information to make this connection throughout the story. Espinoza saves the girls pet lamb using pills which the family (being from the country) had not used before, making it seem as though he used magic or as Christ did using divine power. It may also be no coincidence that they are reading about Noah's Ark and the storms that are going on around them at the time help lead the family to believe that they are being called by Espinoza himself to repeat a story. The name Espinoza itself in Spanish and in I believe in Latin is related to thorns which we see used on Jesus' head as he is being crucified. He has turned himself into their own personal Messiah and the Gutres not knowing any better seek to repeat the story that he has just enchanted them with to save their own souls and all of mankind as Jesus had done for man kind in The Bible. I personally anticipated the end a little towards the middle of the story, but still found the short story very interesting and really liked this read. I found it to be just to take from this story that instead of learning from past actions the Gutres thought they had to repeat the story and not change it. I also thought it interesting that Espinoza, not wanting to admit that he wasn't sure about something, chose to answer all their questions even when he wasn't sure of the answers; had he just said "I'm not sure" or "I will ask someone else who knows" perhaps they would have known he wasn't an all knowing Messiah and might have even spared his life.

There were a couple of similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinosa. The one that caught my eye first is that he was 33 years old, the same age of when Jesus was crucified. Espinoza was a medical student on the other hand Jesus was a miracle healer. Espinosa was also great at public speaking, “with not traits worthier of note that the gift of public speaking that had won him more that on prize at the English school”, at the same time, Jesus was a great, if not, the greatest public speaker of all time; he would mesmerize people with his words and wisdom. Jesus Christ also did not lack courage since one time he pay the church a visit and seeing how the they were selling a lot of things and taking advantage of people faith he decided to assault all the selling stands in church. Same way Espinosa, “ He did not lack courage; one morning, with more indifference that wrath, he had traded two or three blows with some of his classmates that were trying to force him to join a strike at the university”.

In "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges: there is obvious symbolism of what Espinoza is supposed to represent. In this case, Espinoza been a drop student that didn't really had what he needed to graduate, so he goes with his cousin's farm. Moreover, Espinoza reads the bible to the Gutres family, and the similarities between Jesus Christ start to appear. Espinoza cures a lamb with pills making the resemblance that in a way, Espinoza is capable of doing such things like Jesus. At the end of the story, Espinoza is going to be crucified since the Gutres family has been corrupted by noticing all the similarities with Jesus, yet, since the Gutres are following the bible in a literal way this ends provoking the same fate of Jesus to Espinoza.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"
In many ways, Espinosa, from "The Gospel According to Mark' by Jorge Luis Borges resembles Christ from his humility and his non-materialistic attitude. He shows no interest in gambling, nor winning in competitions. Espinosa also preached like Christ as well. He completely captivated the Gutres family that they 'would wolf down the spitted beef and canned sardines in order to arrive sooner at the Gospel". (99; paragraph 11). "It's in their blood' he would say. They had faith within their hearts. They just needed to be reminded of it. And that's exactly what Espinosa did. Just as Jesus did long ago and still does to this day.

Similarities in "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges are very visible when compared to Jesus Christ. The first thing I see and that caught my attention was the age, "lazy at 33 Jesus Christ was that age when he was crucified. Jesus Christ read the Bible to gain followers and lead them similar to how Baltasar read the word to the Grutes and brought them closer. Espinoza provided shelter for the Grutes and showed compassion for them, something that Jesus Christ was characterized for. The main similarity comes at the end of the story which was an extreme surprise when Baltasar Espinosa as Jesus Christ is crucified.

In the story" The Gospel According to Mark" there's a huge difference when it comes down to comparing the story to Jesus Christ crucifixion. with Espinoza in my opinion he was actually killed by the Gruts believes and faiths with Jesus it had a royalty different meaning he died for out sins in the cross.Jesus Christ is seen as a God and either some of us believe or not we still have our faith upon something or someone."The Gospel According to Mark"' particularly those connected with the farm, are of a prototype nature the endless lifestyle at La Colorada, his fantasies about the Flood and the representation of the farm as an island the enthusiasm and superstitions that the Gutres have in their blood; their distinguishing proof with a primitive race of individuals; the circle of men strumming the guitar. Through these primordial references, Borges brings out the dull, overlooked beginnings of presence.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

Some similarities between Espinoza and Christ in "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges is that they are both story tellers and they live simple lives in the country side. Both Espinoza and Christ healed and worked miracles. Espinoza curing the girl's lamb by treating it with pills vs the spider webs could be seen to the Gutre's as a miracle because they had never seen that before. Both Espinosa and Christ were the same age when they were both crucified on a cross. As far as contrasting qualities I would say the time era and I'm not sure how the girl comes into play. I do not recall Jesus sleeping with a girl.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

Similarities between Jesus Christ and Espinoza is that they both did deeds for others Jesus Christ deeds were good and loving intentions while Espinoza's where just good in a way. The Gutres are uneducated people who Espinoza decides to preach to them and they end up believing Espinoza should be sacrificed to safe the people just like Jesus Christ. In the end we see how they mention the girl whipping just like Jesus Christ mother was like Espinoza's only person that seemed to care about him.

What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?

In the "Gospel According to Mark" their are many similarities throughout the story between the main character Espinoza and Jesus Christ. For example when he cures the lamb with pills instead of how the Gutre's want to cure it with the spider webs. We can almost see how similar his actions are with what Jesus Christ would do. We can say that both Espinoza and Jesus Christ are both similar when it comes to healing, preaching and sort of making miracles. Espinoza was seen very highly by the Gutre's family and he was very well respected as well. Another thing was that he provided a home for the Gutre's family and he showed sympathy for them. We can see that they saw Espinoza as Jesus Christ. Another similarity is that both Jesus Christ and Espinoza were both the same age when they were both crucified. This is something that caught my attention a lot.

Senaida wrote: "Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

“The Gospel accordin..."

I agree with you Senaida Espinoza does get crucified like Jesus was however I personally cant compare his life style to Jesus what I do know is that some of us want to live the life Jesus lived but in realty is inevitable to have a his lifestyle.

Luis wrote: "There were a couple of similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinosa. The one that caught my eye first is that he was 33 years old, the same age of when Jesus was cruci..."

I agree with you Luis In the Story Epinoza had a lot of similarities with Jesus.His comparison with Jesus life still has me at doubt.Yet what the author wanted us to know was how faith is interrupted in the story and how our believes makes us take action yet at the end regret what we have done.

Thats true Rebecca I also don't recall Jesus sleeping with any girl.He was just a middle age and was crucified when he lived in earth. Ezpinoza can be compare to Jesus but till a certain extent:yes he was seen as a healer by him being a medical and yes he was crucified just how Jesus was, however Jesus is seen as a God by dying on the cross for our sins.

Elizabeth wrote: "Similarities in "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges are very visible when compared to Jesus Christ. The first thing I see and that caught my attention was the age, "lazy at 33 Jesus..."

Elizabeth, I agree with your point about Espinosa caring for the family as Jesus cared for people. Taking this into consideration it is very surprising to think that either Jesus or Espinosa would be killed by the same people for whom they cared. Perhaps Borgas was showing us that people are still guilty of not critically analyzing the situation for themselves.

Amanda wrote: "In the short story “The Gospel According to Mark” written by Jorge Luis Borgas, the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza are recreated from earlier. Throughout..."

Amanda, I too saw Espinosa as Jesus form the very beginning and through the entirety of the story. Even though Espinosa was lazy, there were still obvious similarities to Jesus. Reading the story, I was hoping that the Gutres family would see the wrongs committed when Jesus was killed, leading to an alternate ending. Alas, this realization did not occur, which might suggest that people do not learn from the past.

Elizabeth wrote: "Similarities in "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges are very visible when compared to Jesus Christ. The first thing I see and that caught my attention was the age, "lazy at 33 Jesus..."


Elizabeth I agree with your opinion, the age caught my attention on how it was the same age Jesus Christ was crucified. Like you stated “Espinoza provided shelter” it shows how similar Jesus Christ had compassion and faith in helping others. I must agree on how the ending was very shocking.

Lindsay wrote: "In the short story “The Gospel According to Mark”, Jorge Luis Borges seems to recreate an event that happened long ago. Throughout the story the reader can make comparisons between the main charact..."

Lindsay I agree with your response, Espinosa was reacting as if he was Jesus Christ. Espinosa was doing things similar on what Jesus did. Jesus helped cure people, and had faith with the people. When Jesus Christ was crucified he was 33 years old, just like Espinosa.

Monica wrote: "In the short story "The Gospel According to Mark", I could see some of the similarities between the perception of Jesus Christ and Baltazar Espinoza. Christians believe Jesus Christ was sent to ear..."

I agree with the way you say that Christians see Jesus. I also agree when you said, “he was not a full believer but he would still say his prayers every night in honor.” It can be looked like that God was using his mother to bring him closer to God.

Viviana wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?

There are similarities between jesu..."
I agree with you there are a lot. Especially the way he taught the gospel of Mark and protected it.

Mary wrote: "Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

The basic similariti..."

He was reading Mark for literature but, I think in a way as well he had faith it was real. If he would not have faith or believe it was true he would have not defended it. For example, when he was asked if it was true Jesus died for our sins and he replied,“yes...to save all mankind from hell.”

Maria L. wrote: "Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

The Gospel According..."
I also did not like the end of the history but I agree that the story was a representation of Jesus Christ life but only with another character which is Espinoza that clearly represents Jesus, thinking, acting as Jesus Christ.

Elizabeth wrote: "Similarities in "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges are very visible when compared to Jesus Christ. The first thing I see and that caught my attention was the age, "lazy at 33 Jesus..."

I agree with you when Espinoza live Jesus Christ in the short story because he acts and talks as same as Jesus and at the end of the story he died as the same for as Jesus Christ.

Elvia wrote: "In this short story of “The Gospel According to Mark” written by Jorge Luis Borgas have more than a handful of similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Baltazar Espinosa. T..."

I agree with you in the part where Espinoza has faith but at the same time he critics church,but in other way he without notice follow the same steps as Jesus Christ acting and talking as him and at the end has the same ending as Jesus.

Lindsay wrote: "In the short story “The Gospel According to Mark”, Jorge Luis Borges seems to recreate an event that happened long ago. Throughout the story the reader can make comparisons between the main charact..."

I really agree with your view on these stories and the title did advise of the connection to the Bible. I am surprised you researched the meaning of the name Baltasar Espinoza and applaud you for it, the meaning says a lot.

Amanda wrote: "In the short story “The Gospel According to Mark” written by Jorge Luis Borgas, the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza are recreated from earlier. Throughout..."

Amanda, I completely agree with all your views in the story and see there were many details that we can compare Espinoza with Jesus Christ. I never caught on to them like you did until the end of the story I was very surprised and then all those details came to mind.

Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

I think that “The Gospel According to Mark” written by Jorge Luis Borga, reminds us of the faith we all have within us and that we sometimes forget. The way I see that it is similar to Jesus Christ is that he was seen as knowledgeable, a healer and they wanted to learn from him. They worshiped him like their own God. "no one liked coffee in the house but there was always a cup pf coffee with spoonfulls of sugar". One thing tha I noticed is that until he scared them with hell, they started making points for him to like them more. It reminds me of the poem by Emily Dickinson “Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church”, because Dickinson is saying that people are only worrying about appearances by going to church and making it seem like they have faith, but they can just stay home and pray. The Gutres started doing nice things to Espinosa and after hearing about hell they were even nicer and even created a cross.

Mary Jane I completely agree with you. People interpret the bible in different ways. No one has the same views. But i do agree with you when Espinoza was the center of attention to the Gutre's family. He was well respected by them. To them he was Jesus Christ because like you said he fit the description of the gospel.

I totally agree with what you are saying Monica. Jesus Christ was seen as man who helped the less fortunate and did miracles, which was exactly what Espinoza did. Espinoza read the bible not with the intention to preach the word of God but to read to them a piece of literature because none of them knew how to read or write.

Amalia yes what God wants us to do is to preach his word to everyone and everything. But I don't think that is what he was doing with the Gutre's family. I personally feel like he was reading the bible to this family as a piece of work. Remember the family didn't know how to read or write. And your probably right, maybe Espinoza wasn't aware that he was becoming like Christ more and more each day.

Francisco wrote: "Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

In the story "The Go..."

I agree with you entirely. Espinoza didn't care for materialistic things, nor gambling, nor winning. Christ was the exact same way. Also, Espinoza was God for the Gutres family. He read the Gospel of Mark and they listened with anticipation, excitement, and dare I say belief? In the end, however, Espinoza was crucified just as Christ was. Both were martyrs and saviors to their own people.

Senaida wrote: "Monica wrote: "What are the similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinoza in this story. What is the significance of these contrasting qualities?"

“The Gospel accordin..."
I agree with you in that the Gutres saw Espinoza and compared him to Christ. He cured the girl's lamb and he read scriptures. Espinoza, like Christ was also crucified.

Luis wrote: "There were a couple of similarities between the Christian perception of Jesus Christ and Espinosa. The one that caught my eye first is that he was 33 years old, the same age of when Jesus was cruci..."

I agree with you Luis in the traits that you pointed out. There were many similarities between Jesus Christ and Espinoza. I also found the name Espinoza to be a little ironic in this story.

Eduardo wrote: "In the story" The Gospel According to Mark" there's a huge difference when it comes down to comparing the story to Jesus Christ crucifixion. with Espinoza in my opinion he was actually killed by ..."

I think in the minds if the Gutres they viewed him ss Christ. Espinoza was educated, a "miracle worker" since he used pills to cure the girl's lamb which was something they had never seen. They were used to using spider webs. Then, Espinoza like Christ was a great public speaker. So I don't think Espinoza was being compared to Christ directly person to person but more in the similarities in character traits.