Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon with Judas Iscariot from the Bible
Have you ever played the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon"? The concept is that any actor can be connected to Kevin Bacon within six steps. But what about connecting a Bible character to Kevin Bacon? Let’s try it with Judas Iscariot, the infamous disciple who betrayed Jesus.
Step 1: Judas Iscariot to Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who ultimately sentenced Jesus to be crucified. According to the Bible, Judas betrayed Jesus to the religious authorities who then brought him to Pilate.
According to historical records, Pilate was not well-liked by his superiors and was eventually removed from his post.
Pilate’s name is mentioned in the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith used by many Christian denominations.
Step 2: Pontius Pilate to King Herod
After Pilate found no fault with Jesus, he sent him to King Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. Herod questioned Jesus but ultimately returned him to Pilate.
Herod was known for his extravagant building projects, including the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Herod had a complicated family history, with multiple marriages and conflicts with his own relatives.
Step 3: King Herod to Salome
One of King Herod’s stepdaughters, Salome, famously danced for him and requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
The story of Salome and John the Baptist has been portrayed in numerous works of art, including paintings by Caravaggio and Gustave Moreau.
Salome’s name is sometimes used to refer to a seductive woman in popular culture.
Step 4: Salome to Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando played the role of Mark Antony in the film "Julius Caesar," which also starred Deborah Kerr as Portia. Kerr co-starred with Audrey Hepburn in "The Unforgiven," who starred with Kevin Bacon in "Footloose."
Marlon Brando is considered one of the greatest actors of all time, with iconic roles in "The Godfather" and "On the Waterfront."
Deborah Kerr was nominated for six Academy Awards but never won.
Step 5: Marlon Brando to Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep co-starred with Marlon Brando in "The Last Tango in Paris."
Meryl Streep has won three Academy Awards and has been nominated for a record-breaking 21 Oscars.
"The Last Tango in Paris" was controversial for its explicit sexual content and was banned in several countries.
Step 6: Meryl Streep to Kevin Bacon
Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon both appeared in the film "The River Wild."
"The River Wild" was filmed on location in Montana and Oregon and features some thrilling whitewater rafting scenes.
Kevin Bacon has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, including the SixDegrees.org charity platform.
Bible Verse
Despite his infamous betrayal, Judas Iscariot is still a significant figure in the Bible. In Matthew 27:3-5, it says:
"When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’"
Even in his final moments, Judas recognizes the gravity of his actions and expresses regret for his betrayal. This serves as a reminder that even the worst mistakes can be redeemed through repentance and forgiveness.