Page 51 - Step and repeat document 1
P. 51
Boa quidem serpens quem tellus Itala nutrit
24
Hunc bubulum plures lac enutrire docent.
annoynt your lips with a little of it, they will looke passing redde: and, if the face be annoynted
Boa quidem serpens quem tellus Itala nutrit
therewith, it will receive no spot or fleck, but causeth it to have an orient and beautiful hue.” Ashton
Hunc bubulum plures lac enutrire docent.
24
apparently accepted these wild myths as truthful: “Hitherto we have only seen that side of a
Ashton also quoted Pliny: “The blood of a serpent is more precious than Balsamum, and if you
Dragon’s temperament that is inimical to man, but there are stories, equally veracious, of their
annoynt your lips with a little of it, they will looke passing redde: and, if the face be annoynted
affection and love for men, women, and children: How they, by kindness, may be tamed, and
therewith, it will receive no spot or fleck, but causeth it to have an orient and beautiful hue.” Ashton
brought into kindly relations with the human species.” These claims, barely a century old (from
apparently accepted these wild myths as truthful: “Hitherto we have only seen that side of a
1890 until today), have continued to shape the minds of too many today.
Dragon’s temperament that is inimical to man, but there are stories, equally veracious, of their
affection and love for men, women, and children: How they, by kindness, may be tamed, and
Such unfounded claims from ancient mythology and Victorian Cryptozoology are enriched and
brought into kindly relations with the human species.” These claims, barely a century old (from
enlivened by more recent claims. Examples would include Christopher Columbus’s report in his
1890 until today), have continued to shape the minds of too many today.
journal of seeing “mermaids,” and an authority in Florida in 1954 who supported the accounts of
the St John’s River Serpent that he would not be “surprised at all” if in “the wilds of Florida” there
Such unfounded claims from ancient mythology and Victorian Cryptozoology are enriched and
25
enlivened by more recent claims. Examples would include Christopher Columbus’s report in his
would be “some creature like that monster.”
journal of seeing “mermaids,” and an authority in Florida in 1954 who supported the accounts of
the St John’s River Serpent that he would not be “surprised at all” if in “the wilds of Florida” there
With this aside, which may have been unconsciously stimulated when I suddenly was face to face
25
would be “some creature like that monster.”
26
with a cobra that was the largest in captivity, we may continue with our questions. How can
storks fly from Amsterdam or Beijing to Australia, often stopping on the way in the Hula Valley
With this aside, which may have been unconsciously stimulated when I suddenly was face to face
in Galilee; and how do they know the way without compasses? How are humans similar to animals
26
with a cobra that was the largest in captivity, we may continue with our questions. How can
and also different from them? When we are living during the centuries in which we have proven
storks fly from Amsterdam or Beijing to Australia, often stopping on the way in the Hula Valley
the ability to annihilate all life and buildings, what advantage then do humans have? Are we
in Galilee; and how do they know the way without compasses? How are humans similar to animals
humans obliterating the life-giving dimensions of our fragile earth? Did not the ancient
and also different from them? When we are living during the centuries in which we have proven
apocalyptists envision such a possible scenario? what advantage then do humans have? Are we
the ability to annihilate all life and buildings,
humans obliterating the life-giving dimensions of our fragile earth? Did not the ancient
apocalyptists envision such a possible scenario?
Fourth, the OTP is full of death bed scenes and reflections on finality. It seems that some passages
in our sacra scriptura imply that the patriarchs knew the time of their deaths. And is Death
[Two Anguiped Serpents pulling a chariot. Courtesy: Sienna Museum]
Fourth, the OTP is full of death bed scenes and reflections on finality. It seems that some passages
imagined to visit humans to take souls to heaven? In one pseudepigraphon, Abraham refuses to
in our sacra scriptura imply that the patriarchs knew the time of their deaths. And is Death
[Two Anguiped Serpents pulling a chariot. Courtesy: Sienna Museum]
allow his soul to be taken. Is it a gift to know when we are about to die? Is it a gift not to know the
imagined to visit humans to take souls to heaven? In one pseudepigraphon, Abraham refuses to
specific day and hour when one will die?
ְ
ֹ
must now “walk on his belly” [ךְ ָ֔ל ת ֣ךנחְג־לַּע]. Distant mythology and ancient art, see above, often
allow his soul to be taken. Is it a gift to know when we are about to die? Is it a gift not to know the
In our culture, many are confused by the account in Genesis in which the serpent is cursed and
imagine a serpent with feet. He lost it in the Fall: ֙הָתַּא רוּ ָ֤ ראָ ֒תאֹ ז ָתי ִּ֣שָׂע יִּ֣כּ ׁ֮שָחָנַּה־לַֽ ֶא ׀םיִֵּּ֥הלֱֹא הָ֨וֹ הְי ֩רֶמאֹ יַּו
specific day and hour when one will die?
ְ
must now “walk on his belly” [ךְ ָ֔ל ת ֣ ךנחְג־לַּע]. Distant mythology and ancient art, see above, often
ֹ
ֹ
ְ
ָ
ֹ
ְ
׃ךיֶיַּח יֵּ֥ מי־לָכּ לַָּּ֖כאת רֵָּ֥פָעְו ךְ ָ֔ל ת ֣ךנחְג־לַּע הֶּ֑דָשַּה תַּ֣יַּח ל ָּ֖ ֹ כִּּמוּ ה ָ֔מ הְבַּה־לָכִּּמ. καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ὁ θεὸς τῷ ὄφει Ὅτι יַּו
ַֽ imagine a serpent with feet. He lost it in the Fall: ֙הָתַּא רוּ ָ֤ ראָ ֒תאֹ ז ָתי ִּ֣שָׂע יִּ֣כּ ׁ֮שָחָנַּה־לַֽ ֶא ׀םיִֵּּ֥הלֱֹא הָ֨וֹ הְי ֩רֶמאֹ
ֹ
ֹ
ְ
ָ
ְ
ַֽ
׃ךיֶיַּח יֵּ֥ מי־לָכּ לַָּּ֖כאת רֵָּ֥פָעְו ךְ ָ֔ל ת ֣ ךנחְג־לַּע ה ֶּ֑דָשַּה תַּ֣יַּח ל ָּ֖ ֹ כִּּמוּ ה ָ֔מ הְבַּה־לָכִּּמ. καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ὁ θεὸς τῷ ὄφει Ὅτι
ἐποίησας τοῦτο, ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν κτηνῶν καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν θηρίων τῆς γῆς,
ἐποίησας τοῦτο, ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν κτηνῶν καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν θηρίων τῆς γῆς,
24
ἐπὶ τῷ στήθει σου καὶ τῇ κοιλίᾳ πορεύσῃ [Gen 3:14]. The ancient artists and the author of Genesis
John Ashton, Curious Creatures in Zoology (London: John C. Nimmo, 1890). He began his book as follows:
ἐπὶ τῷ στήθει σου καὶ τῇ κοιλίᾳ πορεύσῃ [Gen 3:14]. The ancient artists and the author of Genesis
“TRAVELLERS see strange things.” He added that their claims were not “put under the microscope of modern
24
3 assume that the serpent once had feet but it must now crawl “on its breast” ἐπὶ τῷ στήθει (cf. 2
John Ashton, Curious Creatures in Zoology (London: John C. Nimmo, 1890). He began his book as follows:
3 assume that the serpent once had feet but it must now crawl “on its breast” ἐπὶ τῷ στήθει (cf. 2
“TRAVELLERS see str
scientific examination.” ange things.” He added that their claims were not “put under the microscope of modern
23
Enoch, History of the Rechabites).
23
25 scientific examination.”
Enoch, History of the Rechabites).
“Big Dough Offered For the Monster,” Orlando Sentinel (October 22, 1953). From 1954 to 1960, I explored the
25
“Big Dough Offered For the Monster,” Orlando Sentinel (October 22, 1953). From 1954 to 1960, I explored the
Everglades and I was often fueled by apparently wise counsel.
Ancient mythology is sometimes not so ancient. In 1890 John Ashton’s Curious Creatures in
26 Everglades and I was often fueled by apparently wise counsel.
Ancient mythology is sometimes not so ancient. In 1890 John Ashton’s Curious Creatures in
See the opening of and the information in Charlesworth, “Phenomenology, Symbology, and Lexicography: The
Zoology imagined that:
26
See the opening of and the information in Charlesworth, “Phenomenology, Symbology, and Lexicography: The
Zoology imagined that:
Amazingly Rich Vocabulary for ‘Serpent’ in Ancient Greek,” Revue biblique 111 (2004) 499-515. Also see,
Amazingly Rich Vocabulary for ‘Serpent’ in Ancient Greek,” Revue biblique 111 (2004) 499-515. Also see,
Charlesworth, The Good and Evil Serpent: How a Universal Symbol Became Christianized. The Anchor Yale Bible
Charlesworth, The Good and Evil Serpent: How a Universal Symbol Became Christianized. The Anchor Yale Bible
The Boas Serpent which Italy doth breede,
Reference Library. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2010) and Charlesworth, “Teologia biblica e simbolismo del
The Boas Serpent which Italy doth breede,
Reference Library. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2010) and Charlesworth, “Teologia biblica e simbolismo del
Men say, upon the milke of Cowes doth feede.
serpente,” in Voci dall’area santuariale di Lanuvium: Un percorso storico- religioso con ricadute nel presente, edited
Men say, upon the milke of Cowes doth feede.
serpente,” in Voci dall’area santuariale di Lanuvium: Un percorso storico- religioso con ricadute nel presente, edited
by Marcello Del Verme. (Bornato in Franciacorta: Sardini Editrice, 2013) pp. 81-114 with illustrations. [= Biblia e
by Marcello Del Verme. (Bornato in Franciacorta: Sardini Editrice, 2013) pp. 81-114 with illustrations. [= Biblia e
Oriente 55, 255-256].
Oriente 55, 255-256].
23
23
Often, I cite the Septuagint because its text is often older and better than the Masoretic Text.
Often, I cite the Septuagint because its text is often older and better than the Masoretic Text.
16
In our culture, many are confused by the account in Genesis in which the serpent is cursed and Ashton also quoted Pliny: “The blood of a serpent is more precious than Balsamum, and if you
om
e
na
prof
?
ssors tea
c
se
mi
rsiti
hin
banished from schools? In which universities or seminaries are professors teaching that the The ke y c onf e ssi on is that the God of the J e ws is n ot to be wor shipp e d for his g e n e rous be ne fic e n c e Fifth, are there other worlds? When I began in astrophysics, we knew about only seven planets. Constantinopolitan Creed those confessing belief in Jesus did not want simply to equate Jesus with
ba
s
h unive
n whic
I
r
e
fr
rie
a
nished
or
hools
that the
e
The key confession is that the God of the Jews is not to be worshipped for his generous beneficence
s
g
sc
found a ti ons of a ll c ult ure s a re g round e d in apoc a ly p ti c im a g inations and c ompos it ions ? but bec a use H e is t he onl y God a nd c a nnot b e ma nipul a ted: All were in our solar system. Now, today, we know about millions of planets. Are not some of God. Did not the earliest Christians affirm that Jesus was “crucified, dead and buried” and
foundations of all cultures are grounded in apocalyptic imaginations and compositions?
but because He is the only God and cannot be manipulated:
them inhabited by beings somewhat like us? If UFO’s are real and represent life from elsewhere, represented God on earth. The highest Christology in the New Testament is in the Gospel of Saint
to
le
ve
r us
F
ve
de
ns
li
a
e
L
r,
ord,
whom
we
f
is
a
b
is
who
our onl
y
God
During the sixties, too many of my students and close friends returned from afar in black bags or
or
in
the he
who is
Dur ing the six ti e s, too m a n y of m y students a nd c lose fr iends re turne d f ro m a fa r in blac k ba g s or For God who is in the heavens is our only Lord, whom we fear, who is able to deliver us did any who composed the Bible or the pseudepigraphical and apocryphal books intimate such John; and in this masterpiece, Jesus is celebrated with the asyndetic affirmation? Two nouns are
a
burnin
r
ow
obtaine
ha
our
the
wisdom
h
ll
ds,
O
fr
fie
n
a
g
ht
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om
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,
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these
e
fu
fr
nd fr
rna
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om
students
om
v
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c
s
wooden boxes. Their former fellow students might have obtained more wisdom from these from the burning fiery furnace, and from your hands, O king, he will rescue us. And then, knowledge? What about Ezekiel’s ascent in a chariot that resembles a flying saucer? Is the biblical not separated but side by side: “the Logos Word became flesh”; subsequently, Jesus collapsed,
u
r
woode
The
re
e
s.
e
ir
fo
And
us.
rme
then,
, he
f
e
king
n box
will
Fifth, are there other worlds? When I began in astrophysics, we knew about only seven planets.
Constantinopolitan Creed those confessing belief in Jesus did not want simply to equate Jesus with
perpetual occurrences than the insulated contemporary students. Maybe some students today
be it known to you, that we will neither serve your idol nor worship the golden image which
pe rpe tual oc c urr e nc e s th a n the insu late d c ontem pora r y students. Ma y be some students toda y be it known to y ou, that w e will ne it he r se rve y our i dol nor wor ship the g olde n im a g e whic h report possibly a garbled account of something else? Are we allowed to learn from areas too often exhausted and thirsty, by the well in Samaria and stood weeping outside Lazarus’s tomb. Jesus’
God. Did not the earliest Christians affirm that Jesus was “crucified, dead and buried” and
All were in our solar system. Now, today, we know about millions of planets. Are not some of
e
y
u ha
se
would understand that becoming wealthy is not bad but it demands peace and a culture defined by
o
would unde rsta nd that be c omi ng we a lt h y is not ba d but it de mands pe a c e a nd a c ult ure de fine d b y you have set up. considered fantastic? Is it not possible that weird accounts and apocalyptic visions may have early followers experienced him as a man who transcended human abilities; but, in my opinion, he
t up
.
them inhabited by beings somewhat like us? If UFO’s are real and represent life from elsewhere,
represented God on earth. The highest Christology in the New Testament is in the Gospel of Saint
v
John; and in this masterpiece, Jesus is celebrated with the asyndetic affirmation? Two nouns are
ἔστι γὰρ θεὸς ἐν οὐρανοῖς εἷς κύριος ἡμῶν, ὃν φοβούμεθα, ὅς ἐστι δυνατὸς ἐξελέσθαι
did any who composed the Bible or the pseudepigraphical and apocryphal books intimate such
qualifying values. Perception and prosperity should always be married.
qua li f y in g va lu e s. P e rc e p ti on a nd pr ospe rit y shoul d a lwa y s be ma rr ied. ἔστι γὰ ρ θεὸς ἐν οὐρ α νοῖς εἷς κ ύ ριο ς ἡ μ ῶν, ὃν φο βού μ εθα , ὅς ἐστι δυ να τὸς ἐξ ελ έσθαι hidden experiences? Do we have access to our subliminal consciousness? What has shaped our sought to point them to God, the Father: “It is not possible that I do anything on my own. As I
hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of him who
mind?
ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῆς καμίνου τοῦ πυρός, καὶ ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν σου, βασιλεῦ, ἐξελεῖται ἡμᾶς, καὶ καὶ knowledge? What about Ezekiel’s ascent in a chariot that resembles a flying saucer? Is the biblical not separated but side by side: “the Logos Word became flesh”; subsequently, Jesus collapsed,
ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῆς καμίνου τοῦ πυρός, καὶ ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν σου, βασιλεῦ, ἐξελεῖται ἡμᾶς,
sent me;” Οὐ δύναμαι ἐγὼ ποιεῖν ἀπʼ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐδέν· καθὼς ἀκούω κρίνω, καὶ ἡ κρίσις ἡ ἐμὴ
the
τότε φανερόν σοι ἔσται, ὅτι οὔτε τῷ εἰδώλῳ σου λατρεύομεν οὔτε τῇ εἰκόνι σου τῇ
s the
se
a
y
I In the forties, the USA armies defeated both the Nazis and the Japanese almost as soon as they τότ ε φ α νερόν σοι ἔστα ι, ὅτι οὔ τε τ ῷ εἰ δώλ ῳ σ ου λ α τρεύ ομ εν οὔτε τῇ εἰκ ό νι σου τῇ report possibly a garbled account of something else? Are we allowed to learn from areas too often exhausted and thirsty, by the well in Samaria and stood weeping outside Lazarus’s tomb. Jesus’
Na
USA a
ne
J
ted
a
n the
a
a
ti
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the
fe
lm
for
ost
s
de
is
z
e
s soon a
the
a
nd
rmie
pa
both
If the answer to all these questions is “no,” then why are we so fascinated by stories and accounts
δικαία ἐστίν, ὅτι οὐ ζητῶ τὸ θέλημα τὸ ἐμὸν ἀλλὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με. (John 5:30). Did
e
lost
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e
ica
v
e
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ha
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ontemplate
v
be
ns
began to fight. Since then, many around the world contemplate that Americans have lost every χρυσῇ, ἣν ἔστησας, προσκυνοῦμεν. considered fantastic? Is it not possible that weird accounts and apocalyptic visions may have early followers experienced him as a man who transcended human abilities; but, in my opinion, he
κ
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round
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Jesus not emphasize that he sought to share what he heard ὁ πατήρ (the Father) instructing him?
found in the biblical and related books? If many are too fanciful for modern science is that not also
r,
a
wa
rs
nd the
XX
s unde
L
r the
slation i
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niel 3:17
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a
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conflict or war - the Korea Conflict or War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Afghanistan. Why? [Daniel 3:17-18; my translation is under the influence of Brenton’s LXX]. hidden experiences? Do we have access to our subliminal consciousness? What has shaped our sought to point them to God, the Father: “It is not possible that I do anything on my own. As I
or
the
the
r
-
hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of him who
mind?
true of many recent discoveries and inventions? My grandfather took a steamer to Palestine before Did this confession and understanding create the Nicene Creed that stipulated that Jesus was fully
sent me;” Οὐ δύναμαι ἐγὼ ποιεῖν ἀπʼ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐδέν· καθὼς ἀκούω κρίνω, καὶ ἡ κρίσις ἡ ἐμὴ
Is i t not pa rtia ll y be c a us e the humaniti e s a r e no l ong e r the prima r y purpo se of our dist ing uish e d Othe r tex ts a nd tra nslati ons of Da niel 3:17 - 18 (16 - 18 in He bre w) diff e r; for e x a mpl e , note th e 1913 and was on board for almost two weeks; what would be his response to my claim that I took human and fully divine? Confessions must not be reduced to simplistic Umgangsprache
Is it not partially because the humanities are no longer the primary purpose of our distinguished
Other texts and translations of Daniel 3:17-18 (16-18 in Hebrew) differ; for example, note the
δικαία ἐστίν, ὅτι οὐ ζητῶ τὸ θέλημα τὸ ἐμὸν ἀλλὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με. (John 5:30). Did
If the answer to all these questions is “no,” then why are we so fascinated by stories and accounts
mot
r
y
c
hig
?
f
of
m
he
the
onti
oving
so,
le
ons
it
h
a
I
uti
a
do
rning
tos
y
BHS:
suc
rd
to
c
pla
a
institutions of higher learning? If so, why do they continue to placard moving mottos such as s B HS: the same journey but I needed only about ten hours? (colloquial speech).
nue
inst
wh
found in the biblical and related books? If many are too fanciful for modern science is that not also
Jesus not emphasize that he sought to share what he heard ὁ πατήρ (the Father) instructing him?
eruditio et religio, dei sub numine viget, dominus illuminatio mea, lux et veritas, in deo speramus,
e rudi ti o e t re li gio, de i su b numine v iget , dominus il luminat io me a , lux e t v e rit as , in de o spe ramus , true of many recent discoveries and inventions? My grandfather took a steamer to Palestine before Did this confession and understanding create the Nicene Creed that stipulated that Jesus was fully
ָ
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כ
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and Die Luft der Freiheit weht, or simply Veritas? Now, too many perceive that Deus, Dominus,
a nd Die L uft de r Fre iheit w e ht , or sim pl y Ve rit as ? Now , too man y pe r c e ive that De us, Dom inus , ׃ךְ ָתוּבָתֲהַּל םָָּ֖גְתִּפ הִָ֛נְד־לַּע הנְחַָּ֧נֲא ןי ֨חְשַּח־אָל ר ָ֔צנְדַּכוַּֽבנ אָּ֑כְּלַּמְל ןי ִָּּ֖רְמאְָו וֹ ָ֔גנ ד֣ בֲעַּו ֙ךְַּשי מ ךְ ַָּ֤רְדַּש וֹ ָ֗נֲע Who made science superior and the only source of knowledge? Albert Einstein warned us not to In seeking understanding about our nature, our origins, and the
1913 and was on board for almost two weeks; what would be his response to my claim that I took
human and fully divine? Confessions must not be reduced to simplistic Umgangsprache
the same journey but I needed only about ten hours?
(colloquial speech).
rit
the
re
e
a
lux
a
is
pung
n lost
a
e
ofte
s
is
nd
t v
a
dim
g of
g
e
a
too
x
nd
in
li
in
d,
e
gio
s
Religio are expunged, lux is dimmed, and et veritas is too often lost in a fog of agendas seen in the ׃בִּזי שי אָָּ֖כְּלַּמ ךְֵּ֥ ד ָ ְ ְ י ־ ן מ וּ אִ֛ ת ָ ד ְ ק ַֽ ִּ ָ ָ י ָ֧ ר ָ וּ נ ן וּ ת ֨ א ַּ ־ ן מ ִּ א ָ נ ָ ּ֑ תוּ ב ז ָ ָ י ש ל לָּ֖ כ ִּ ָ י ָ ן י ח ִּ ִּ ָ֔ ל ְ ַֽ פ א נ ָ ָ ח֣ נ ַּ א ֲ ־ י ַֽ ַֽ ד ִּ א ֙ ָ נ ָ ה ֨ ל ָ א י תי א ִּ ן֣ ה make such absurd errors. He eschewed “the religious paradise” which was “domina
Re
e
med, a
n
se
fo
e
ב
ַֽ
א
ִּ
ַּ
י
ַּ
ַֽ ׃
ז
ש
י
ְ
ְ
ְ
ל
ָ
אָּ֖
ַּ
כּ
ָ
ַֽ
ַּ
ְ
מ
ָ֗
ַּ
ֱ
ִּ
ַּ
ךְֵָּ֥די־ןִּמוּ אִָ֛תְדַֽ ִּקי א ָָ֧רוּנ ןוּ ֨תַּא־ןִּמ אנַּּ֑תוּבזי שְל לִָּּ֖כי ןי ָ֔חְל ָפ אנְחַּ֣נֲא־י ִּד ֙אנ ֨הָלֱא י ָ֗תיִּא ן֣ ה
ְ
of
a
the
d for
li
the
nd more
”
r.
lea
re
on of
“
us
g
e
rnin
a
of
Mor
a
ti
g
ht
c
ne
omput
a
rc
e
h
e
light of a computer. More and more of us see the need for the restoration of “learning” – the search hopes, and primitive feelings.” He chose another path: “The road to this paradise was not as reflections about Jesus warn that definitions should be clear but also open ended? Are all the so-
stor
–
se
e
the se
ֲ
ם
יֵּ֥
ִּ
ֲ
ַּ
אִ֛
ה
ָ
ב
ֶ
צ
ה
ד
ד
לָ֧
ַּ
ה
מ
ל
־
א
ָ
ךְָּ֖
ל
י
ד
ָ֤
ַֽ
ל
ָ
ְ
כּ
ִּ
אּ֑
ן֣
יֵּ֥
ד
ַּ
ע
י
א
ְ
ִּ
ְ
ל
ָ
ָ֔
ו
ל
ֶ
ָ
ה
ֱ
ַֽ
פ א
ַֽ
ַֽ
ל
ְ
ָ
ְ
נ
ָ
ָ
וּ
ן
ְ
ֶ
ל
ח
ָ֔
ִּ
י
ִּ
ְ
י
ִּ
ִּ
ךְ
֙
ל
א
ָ
ה
ָ
א
ִּ
ַּ
י
תי
ל
ָ
־
א
ק
ְ ׃ד גְְִּנ אֵָּ֥ל ָת מ ָת
י
ְמי ָּ֖
ְ
ְ
comfortable and alluring as the road to the religious paradise; but it has proved itself as trustworthy,
called Gnostic Gospels heretical? Why were only “Jews” at Jamnia and only “Christians” at
for W isdom – a nd not j us t “tr a ini ng” for a lucr a ti v e job. ְ ׃ ד ַֽ ַֽ ג ְִּנ אֵָּ֥ל ָּ֖ קֲה יִֵּּ֥ד אִָ֛בֲהַּד םֶלֶָ֧צְלוּ ןי ָ֔חְל ָפ אניַּתיִּא־אָל ֙ךְיָהָלא ל יִָּ֤ד אָּ֑כְּלַּמ ךְָָּ֖ל־א וֱהֶל ַּעיִֵּּ֥די א ָ֔ל ן֣ הְו ו ְ Who made science superior and the only source of knowledge? Albert Einstein warned us not to In seeking understanding about our nature, our origins, and the universe, let us not be misled by
for Wisdom – and not just “training” for a lucrative job.
27
and I have never regretted having chosen it.” Einstein continued to believe in God and in an
Nicaea? How has our theology been contaminated by endeavors and predilection for too precise
make such absurd errors. He eschewed “the religious paradise” which was “dominated by wishes, those who claim myopically to have the proper theology or Christology. Did not the early
impersonal supreme Being and was captivatingly “enthralled by the luminous figure of the
definitions? “Either-or” is blind sometimes; “both-and” may offer a world in which harmony is
lea
As
As we all can see now, hopefully, more clearly and as I began: Life is improved if we know the Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we hopes, and primitive feelings.” He chose another path: “The road to this paradise was not as reflections about Jesus warn that definitions should be clear but also open ended? Are all the so-
e
rove
s
I
full
d if
p
the
,
we
y
c
ll
a
a
n
w
we
rl
n
se
ope
kno
h
y
d a
more
a
now,
n:
im
fe
a
g
be
i
is
c
L
Me
o
r,
the
dne
sa
N
e
r
,
Abe
a
z
dra
nd
king
z
g
d
O
h,
ha
c
“
we
c
a
a
to
a
bu
id
ha
a
we
c
h,
ns
S
nd
dne
sh
e
comfortable and alluring as the road to the religious paradise; but it has proved itself as trustworthy,
called Gnostic Gospels heretical? Why were only “Jews” at Jamnia and only “Christians” at
28
past and appreciate the encouraging visions of those who composed the masterpieces in the Bible,
pa st a nd a ppre c i a te the e nc oura g in g visi ons of tho se who c ompos e d the maste rpie c e s in the B ibl e , ha ve no ne e d to pr e se nt a de fe nse to y ou in thi s matter . I f our God whom we se rv e is a ble Nazarene,” Jesus. 27 perceived, promised, and experienced because no option is excluded for human speculation and
have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able
and I have never regretted having chosen it.” Einstein continued to believe in God and in an
Nicaea? How has our theology been contaminated by endeavors and predilection for too precise
their
c
e
pigra
e
the
r
l
li
Apoc
c
pha
ve
y
P
s
our
. L
e
ue
t
the
vote
the Apocrypha, and the Pseudepigrapha. Let us celebrate all our colleagues who devote their lives to deliver us fr om t he fur na c e of bla z in g fir e a nd o ut of y our ha nd, O kin g , l e t hi m deliver impersonal supreme Being and was captivatingly “enthralled by the luminous figure of the contemplation. As we seek for an improved theology should we not also learn from the concept of
g
de
ph
a
e
te a
, a
us
ude
se
ll
bra
a
oll
s who
nd
definitions? “Either-or” is blind sometimes; “both-and” may offer a world in which harmony is
to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver
a
nd
wo
ou
with
ll
I
dd, pre
m
to lea
re
e
to learning, sharing it with all students, and to improving our world – and I add, preserving freedom [ [us]. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will Sixth, is there life after death? Is that not a focus of many apocryphal works? Do not the Logos according to Heraclitus (c. 535- c. 475 BCE), from so-called Lao-Tzu (c. 500 BCE) who
f
g
a
r
rvin
rld
a
rnin
students,
oving
–
e
do
s
it
pr
a
g
, sh
g
im
a
rin
nd to
28
Nazarene,” Jesus.
perceived, promised, and experienced because no option is excluded for human speculation and
will
a
kno
a
not
ou, O
not,
us]
t
nd we
ou
. B
be
gods
king
, th
y
it
se
r
ut
if
rve
to
y
wn
will
we
of e x pre ssi on a nd a b e tt e r li fe . F rom the a nc ient J e wish a nd C hristi a n a po c a l y p se s, we c ompre h e not worship the golden statue that you have set up.” apocalypses contain descriptions of postmortem life? Of course, they do. And it is possible to note according to old Chinese traditions composed the Tao-Te-Ching urging that we live and act
of expression and a better life. From the ancient Jewish and Christian apocalypses, we comprehend nd
contemplation. As we seek for an improved theology should we not also learn from the concept of
n
t
e
y
s
olden st
he
tue tha
g
t up.”
ou ha
a
ve
ot wor
ship t
Sixth, is there life after death? Is that not a focus of many apocryphal works? Do not the
the origins of the dreams that excite each of us.
the or ig ins of the d re a ms t ha t ex c it e e a c h of u s. [JHC] that the emphasis shifted from suffering for the unrighteous, and blessedness for the righteous - to according to the energetic force that unites the universe, and from the Upanishads, the great
Logos according to Heraclitus (c. 535- c. 475 BCE), from so-called Lao-Tzu (c. 500 BCE) who
]
HC
[J
according to old Chinese traditions composed the Tao-Te-Ching urging that we live and act
annihilation of the wicked, and eternal blessed and unimaginable glory and happiness for those
apocalypses contain descriptions of postmortem life? Of course, they do. And it is possible to note treasury of wisdom in India that took shape from about 500 BCE to the Middle Ages, and tried to
demonstrate the human’s universal oneness. Is not the goal of world-wide theological speculations
faithful to God and the Torah.
What do we see? We perceive that our dreams are ageless. All of us dream for hope, peace,
W ha t do we se e ? W e pe rc e iv e that our d re a ms a re a g e l e ss. All of us d r e a m fo r hop e , pe a c e , The purpose of the pseudepigraphon is clear: that the emphasis shifted from suffering for the unrighteous, and blessedness for the righteous - to according to the energetic force that unites the universe, and from the Upanishads, the great
ud
ose
purp
of th
r:
e
le
a
e
pig
The
r
c
pse
a
phon is
basically human endeavors, guided by the spirit (variously defined), to arrive at a sense of Awe?
appreciation, and love.
a ppre c i a ti on, a nd love. annihilation of the wicked, and eternal blessed and unimaginable glory and happiness for those treasury of wisdom in India that took shape from about 500 BCE to the Middle Ages, and tried to
Seventh, why do too many claim or assume an absolute dichotomy between Jewish thoughts and
“ Ne buc h a dne z z a r a nswe re d a nd sa id: ‘B lesse d be the God of S ha dra c h, Me sha c h, a nd faithful to God and the Torah. demonstrate the human’s universal oneness. Is not the goal of world-wide theological speculations
“Nebuchadnezzar answered and said: ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and
Today, too much has changed. Religion and philosophy have been too often abandoned and even
Conclusion
C onc lusi on Abe dne g o, who s e nt hi s a nge l and de li ve re d his s e rva nts who t ruste d in hi m.’” Christian reflections in the first century CE? Were Jesus and all his disciples not Jewish? Were not basically human endeavors, guided by the spirit (variously defined), to arrive at a sense of Awe?
Abednego, who sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him.’”
Seventh, why do too many claim or assume an absolute dichotomy between Jewish thoughts and
29
W e ha ve c ompl e ted our se ve n e x plora ti ons. He re a re m y summ a riz e d a nd suc c inct re fl e c ti ons on the books in the Christian Bible all composed by Jews, with maybe a few exceptions: the so-called dismissed from too many curricula. In the late 1960s, when I began to teach at Duke, students
We have completed our seven explorations. Here are my summarized and succinct reflections on
Today, too much has changed. Religion and philosophy have been too often abandoned and even
Christian reflections in the first century CE? Were Jesus and all his disciples not Jewish? Were not
these questions:
these que sti ons: Catholic Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. If “the Messiah,” “the Savior,” “the Christ,” and knew they needed courses in physical education, languages, religion, and history. Why? The
29
dismissed from too many curricula. In the late 1960s, when I began to teach at Duke, students
the books in the Christian Bible all composed by Jews, with maybe a few exceptions: the so-called
ְ
נ
ְ
נ
ִּ
ָ֔
ב
וֹ
ְ
ג
ב
ר
ַֽ
ָ
צ
ַּ
ַּ
ו
ר
כ
ְ
ֶ
נ
ה
ַּ֜
ד
ֶ
ַּ
ַּ
֨
ע
מ
וּ
ָ֗
ַּ
ְ
אָ
נ
֙
ן
ַּ
וֹ
ו
ךְ
ה
ֲ
ע
א
ה
ֲ
ָ
ל
ְ
ד
ַּ
ש־
מ ָ֤
ַּ
ר
ַּ
ַֽ
ד
ִּ
ַֽ
ךְ
שי
֙
י
ֱ
ְ
ר
י
ְ
ב
ד֣
ךְ ָ֤
וֹ ָ֔גנ ד֣ בֲעַּו ֙ךְַּשי מ ךְ ַָּ֤רְדַּש־י ִּד ֙ןוֹהֲהָלֱא ךְי ִָּ֤רְב ר ָ֗מאְָו ר ַּ֜צנְדַּכוַּֽבנ ה ֨נָע “the Son of Man,” are originally Jewish neologisms, why do their appearances mislead so many Vietnam War brought home a recognition of human limitation, the importance of values and
Catholic Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. If “the Messiah,” “the Savior,” “the Christ,” and
knew they needed courses in physical education, languages, religion, and history. Why? The
ha
a
se
t
Most
a
pti
I
fa
e
g
it
y
o Apoc
the
orta
R
hful
h int
om
nt
fr
1.What are the Most Important Insights from Research into Apocalypticism? The faithful יִּה ּ֑ וֹלֲע וּצִָּּ֖ח ְרְתִּה יִֵּּ֥ד יִּהוֹ ָ֔דְבַּעְל בִּ֣זי שְו ֙ה כֲאְלַּמ חַָּ֤לְש־י ִּד scholars into assuming the work is composed by “a Christian”? sacrifices – and a view that extended beyond our nation’s borders. Now, too many students want
ism
mp
I
hts
rc
c
nsi
The
?
a
l
re
1.W
Vietnam War brought home a recognition of human limitation, the importance of values and
“the Son of Man,” are originally Jewish neologisms, why do their appearances mislead so many
ְ
ִּ
ת
ה
ל
ל
ְ
ר
ח
ְ
ַּ
חָ֤
וֹ
ש־
ל
ב֣
ִּ
צ
מ
ִּ
ו
ְ
י
ה
ב
ז
ִּ
י
ִּ
ָ֔
ד
ש
ַֽ
ַֽ
ד
ִּ
י
ֲ
וֹ
ע
ֲ
ִּ
א
ה
ְ
י
ְ
ל
ה
ַּ
֙
ַּ
ד
ע
ְ
כ
יֵּ֥
ּ֑
וּ ָּ֖
st
ti
know that in the worst of times, the Creator has not abandoned them. God should not be defined scholars into assuming the work is composed by “a Christian”? to ignore these disciplines and prepare for a lucrative job. Why? Have they concluded that the
the
wor
of
that in
sacrifices – and a view that extended beyond our nation’s borders. Now, too many students want
know
a
tor
de
d not
a
C
d
re
be
a
God
n
mes,
fine
d them.
h
ot
shoul
ba
the
s
ndone
niel 3:28).
(D
a
to ignore these disciplines and prepare for a lucrative job. Why? Have they concluded that the
ὸ μ
ς
s
χ
r a
mac
ἀ
α
νῆ
God obe
π
nd
ou ins
y
x
θεός
(
e
as
hina
e
)
as a deus ex machina (ἀπὸ μηχανῆς θεός) in which you insert a prayer and God obeys you. As we (Daniel 3:28). When can we distinguish between “Judaism” and “Christianity”? And, is it not true that today humanities in which values and peace are cherished are no longer valuable or worth the sacrifice?
in which
de
rt a
us e
a
pra
y
η
y
e
y
ou. As w
Where are young people to learn values and transfer apocalyptic hopes when the church has
some great minds, like David Flusser and Geza Vermes, showed that they are not only “Jewish”
l be G
e
rn f
a
rom the
a
ontroll
learn from the author of Daniel, God will be God and cannot be influenced or controlled: When can we distinguish between “Judaism” and “Christianity”? And, is it not true that today humanities in which values and peace are cherished are no longer valuable or worth the sacrifice?
lea
od
il
nd c
uthor of
d:
nnot be inf
Da
nc
e
d
e
lu
niel, God w
or c
a
become passé, the family no longer enjoys dinners in which morality is taught, and religion is
but also deeply “Christian”? Each shared many hours with me, over decades, and I remember each
Clearly, the attentive Jew who read the message knew the blessing is upon all וּצִָּּ֖ח ְרְתִּה יִֵּּ֥ד יִּהוֹ ָ֔דְבַּעְל some great minds, like David Flusser and Geza Vermes, showed that they are not only “Jewish” Where are young people to learn values and transfer apocalyptic hopes when the church has
lea
a
r
ִּ
w
ה
ד
ת
who
ְ
ָ֔
ב
ר
ְ
י
ה
tt
nti
ִּ
ve
e
J
יֵּ֥
ִּ
rl
e
ִּ
וֹ
ד
ח
g
ng is
e
C
d the
messa
upon a
the
the
bl
w
kne
ssi
e
a
y
,
ַּ
וּ ָּ֖
ְ
e
צ
ע
ל
ְ
ll
saying something like: “Jim I believe in one supreme Being, YHWH, and the divinity of Jesus but
–
S
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we – we – י ּ֑ וֹ ל ע . but also deeply “Christian”? Each shared many hours with me, over decades, and I remember each become passé, the family no longer enjoys dinners in which morality is taught, and religion is
dn
ha
c
d the
z
e
O
“
,
bu
Ne
king
z
–
e
we
r,
e
a
e
r
w
Abe
a
sha
nd
dra
nsw
h, M
dne
g
e
c
o
h,
a
ha
c
ִּ
ה
יִּה ּ֑ וֹלֲע.
ֲ
never will I imagine Jesus was God.” Contemplating, that statement, I imagine before the Nicene-
γῇ
τῇ
d
ἐπ
pl
ὶ
(οὐ
ομ
ἐπ
thi
in
ιτα
ἡ
y
r
y
to
εν
e
χ
μ
ρείαν
to
ou
ἔχ
εῖς
α
nd
ύ
c
τ
ne
τῃ
have no need to reply to you in this command (οὐ χρείαν ἔχομεν ἡμεῖς ἐπὶ τῇ ἐπιταγῇ ταύτῃ saying something like: “Jim I believe in one supreme Being, YHWH, and the divinity of Jesus but
ha
ve
a
omm
no
s
e
never will I imagine Jesus was God.” Contemplating, that statement, I imagine before the Nicene-
ἀποκριθῆναί σοι). If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of
ἀ π οκ ριθ ῆ να ί σοι). I f our God whom we se rv e is a ble to de li ve r us f rom the fur na c e o f 2. Do W e L e a rn fr om O ur Mis take s? S c holar s de voted to hist oric a l re se a rc h prov e that
2. Do We Learn from Our Mistakes? Scholars devoted to historical research prove that
29
blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you,
blaz ing fir e a nd out of y o ur ha nd, O king , let him d e li ve r us. B ut if not, be it known to y ou, humans tend to repeat themselves and their errors; humans apparently fail to learn from their own 29 They would do well to ponder the insights in Yaron Z. Eliav, A Jew in the Roman Bathhouse: Cultural Interaction
rn f
re
rom their
nd to re
ntl
humans te
y
own
to l
e
a
fa
il
They would do well to ponder the insights in Yaron Z. Eliav, A Jew in the Roman Bathhouse: Cultural Interaction
a
s a
ppa
nd their
a
t t
; hum
ns a
e
mselve
e
h
rr
pe
s
or
27
Albert Einstein, “Autobiographical Notes,” in Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist, edited by Paul Arthur Schilpp.
in the Ancient Mediterranean (in press) and his “Bathhouses as Places of Social and Cultural Interactions,” in The
27
Albert Einstein, “Autobiographical Notes,” in Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist, edited by Paul Arthur Schilpp.
O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you
O king , that we will not se rve y ou r g ods a nd w e wi ll not wor ship the g olden statue that y o u Library of Living Philosophers. (Evanston, 1949) p. 5. Einstein’s quotation as assed by Max Jammer, Einstein and in the Ancient Mediterranean (in press) and his “Bathhouses as Places of Social and Cultural Interactions,” in The
Oxford Handbook of Jewish Daily Life in Roman Palestine, edited by Catherine Hezser (Oxford: Oxford University
Library of Living Philosophers. (Evanston, 1949) p. 5. Einstein’s quotation as assed by Max Jammer, Einstein and
Oxford Handbook of Jewish Daily Life in Roman Palestine, edited by Catherine Hezser (Oxford: Oxford University
6
have set up.” [Daniel 3:16-18] Religion (Princeton: PUP, 1999) p. 28. Press, 2010) pp. 605-22. Among his many publications, see Anita Norich and Yaron Z. Eliav, editors, Jewish
Da
se
-
18]
t up.” [
niel 3:1
ha
ve
Religion (Princeton: PUP, 1999) p. 28.
Press, 2010) pp. 605-22. Among his many publications, see Anita Norich and Yaron Z. Eliav, editors, Jewish
28 See Jammer, Einstein and Religion, respectively pp. 264 and 22. Literatures and Cultures: Context and Intertext. Brown Judaic Studies 349. (Providence RI, 2008).
28
See Jammer, Einstein and Religion, respectively pp. 264 and 22.
Literatures and Cultures: Context and Intertext. Brown Judaic Studies 349. (Providence RI, 2008).
20 21 18
