Thaumaturgy
thaumaturgy, n., fr Gk thaumas (= wonder) + ergeia (=work); hence, 'wonderworking'
There is wonder, there is numinous intensity, there are marvels and miracles, there are many things we know might only be chemistry occurring in biology through the effects of physics. And yet, thaumaturgy.
Darkgazer, I used to be in a time long ago. I was a mage before there was an Ascension, and who could say that this was profane or unholy? For He incarnate was visited by those of the invisible college of the wise, and the eye is a dark-adapted organ which is the window to the soul. One which, fortunately, I have regained.
At which point, my colleagues of the Christian persuasion become uncomfortable. It is like fingernails on the blackboard, or a badly-tuned violin, they feel, that I should compare ta Biblion with Harry Potter. But I have to say this once in a while, just so we know where everyone should be standing: if you want to be a proper Christian, read your book and be prepared to defend it.
What is the difference between the final question in Nahum and that in Jonah? Why does Jonah speak no prophecy to the people of God? Or does he? And what is his sign? Why was Moses' foreskin a deadly insult to God? And what book has not God at all? Prophets buried in cisterns, sawn in half, fed by ravens. Monsters beyond belief, spectres of the dead, incest, a tent-peg driven through a sleeping general's head, adultery, and murder, murder, murder. Dark riders, pale horses, scarlet women and the blinding dissolution of the materia mundi. Pagan gods and their shamans, Adam's love for Eve so great that he chose exile with her than life apart from her - a model to us all.
I have to say it here. There is no fantasy novel I have ever read which has as many wondrous elements as the Book of God. Even if you read it as literature alone, sans religious perspective or irreligious perception, it would be the best-selling fantasy novel of all time. The spin-offs beggar description - from Dante's La Divina Commedia to Milton's Paradise Lost and all the others down the ages. The greatest story ever told, someone said. And so it is.
There is wonder, there is numinous intensity, there are marvels and miracles, there are many things we know might only be chemistry occurring in biology through the effects of physics. And yet, thaumaturgy.
Darkgazer, I used to be in a time long ago. I was a mage before there was an Ascension, and who could say that this was profane or unholy? For He incarnate was visited by those of the invisible college of the wise, and the eye is a dark-adapted organ which is the window to the soul. One which, fortunately, I have regained.
At which point, my colleagues of the Christian persuasion become uncomfortable. It is like fingernails on the blackboard, or a badly-tuned violin, they feel, that I should compare ta Biblion with Harry Potter. But I have to say this once in a while, just so we know where everyone should be standing: if you want to be a proper Christian, read your book and be prepared to defend it.
What is the difference between the final question in Nahum and that in Jonah? Why does Jonah speak no prophecy to the people of God? Or does he? And what is his sign? Why was Moses' foreskin a deadly insult to God? And what book has not God at all? Prophets buried in cisterns, sawn in half, fed by ravens. Monsters beyond belief, spectres of the dead, incest, a tent-peg driven through a sleeping general's head, adultery, and murder, murder, murder. Dark riders, pale horses, scarlet women and the blinding dissolution of the materia mundi. Pagan gods and their shamans, Adam's love for Eve so great that he chose exile with her than life apart from her - a model to us all.
I have to say it here. There is no fantasy novel I have ever read which has as many wondrous elements as the Book of God. Even if you read it as literature alone, sans religious perspective or irreligious perception, it would be the best-selling fantasy novel of all time. The spin-offs beggar description - from Dante's La Divina Commedia to Milton's Paradise Lost and all the others down the ages. The greatest story ever told, someone said. And so it is.
etched with acid at 4:22:00 am
2 Comments:
Haha thanks for the tag, but I really don't want to change into anotehr creature during inconvenient periods of the night at all =| Heard the results for the Prelims were quite disastrous...
Lucas
The Phantom Commenter strikes again!
Satire is good and healthy. Terry Pratchett is great. It's mostly tongue-in-cheek, and the humour is sharp.
Terry Pratchett. Wonderful stuff. There's even the token Christian-satire for the strong supporters of Christ-it's called "Good Omens" and it is CO-WRITTEN by NEIL GAIMAN.
Pratchett. Born a long time ago and still not dead yet.
Christianity. Live it. Learn it. Loathe it. BURN IT!
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