I’ve been struggling mightily with how to end this series without creating a bunch of new threads I’ll feel compelled to tie up before moving on. It’s already delayed me too long, so I’m just gonna start typing and see what we get. I’ll start this essay by restating two thoughts I’ve covered earlier in the series, and which will serve as the basis for this final installment.
I can’t tell you guys how many times I publish something thinking, “OK, this is the one, they’re definitely going to hate it, probably cancel their subscriptions, I wonder if I could get my old job back…” and every time you all pick me right back up. I really appreciate it.
I tell people you do a history podcast, but with the kind of humanity that is so hard to have conveyed in a reading or studying of history.
In your amazing Israel/Palestine podcast series two moments I think illustrated this humanity most. The first was the story where the man leads his wife and children through a riot, to a police officer, only to be bludgeoned to death by his would be savior. The second was the thematic conclusion.
I felt the same sort of thing with this essay. I guess if I were to sum this up pithily, I'd say God designed you as a man and not a machine and we are all better for it.
So long as you stick to the formula that brought us all here, I can't see us hating your work or rage quitting, even if we don't agree with your conclusions. Thanks.
“A universe without change is one which does not grow or evolve, but to creatures caught in the wheel of time, change is experienced as suffering” when you feel forsaken you can still trust that God loves you looking at it like that. that quote alone was well worth the lost productivity from reading this during work.
Don't sweat it over thinking on how to wrap things up, or keep them from being too long. I think most of us probably feel the longer the better, and any content is appreciated.
I grew up in the church, attended a Christian college, I studied the bible . . . a lot, I very much appreciate your perspective on Job . . . the thought that God learned from his creation is intriguing and maybe dangerous.
Over the years it's all grown very distant - I really don't know what I believe anymore. It all seems such a dark labyrinth of possibilities and confusion, when it surfaces I tend to say that's for another day.
I don't know where to even start anymore with it -
Similar to him but different, I've avoided Christianity for most of my life because I just couldn't believe it. Even when I tried. The entire thing felt like a dishonest and non genuine type of fairytale told make us all act right. Whatever that is
But, what you said about God learning from his creation and the universe itself being made to grow and evolve, god himself seemingly changing.....
Damn, now so much about it makes sense to me.
Life evolves and adapts or it dies. I've tried to convince Christians that God is the source of all things, and we exist in God.
I hope you read this, because my as a man who's not a Christian I believe we exist in God in a similar way that you can dream and that dream exists within you, not separate from you, but part of you. We exist in God something like that
And this thing, God, the cosmic mind behind all of creation is itself changing and evolving as the thing's inside it, us change with it or die.
I think I might take another look at Christianity.
Keep going, keep searching... we all feel lost unless we feel grounded... the searching and deep diving grounds you, even if not completely answering all questions...we are not God even if a part of, as we do not have that level power of creation.... Define what you mean by feeling lost, for yourself, and that will help you go deeper at your own pace. Nice comment!
There's some parts of Hinduism you'd probably find interesting as well. Specifically the idea that the act of creation was unconscious, and the rise of sentience is God trying to figure out what He just did.
It might be well to consider, in the full breadth of this series you've written so beautifully and powerfully, that only in Judaism of the three Abrahamic religions is it culturally acceptable to argue with and protest directly to God. Jesus is doing such a Jewish thing there.
I see the lesson of Job (and perhaps of Arjuna too) as the ultimate obligation of a human being to hold onto his integrity and to not ignore his instincts, no matter the temptation or the brute force arrayed against him.
In Islam, the worshipper is known as the slave of God. In Christianity the faithful must endure the blood-guilt of original sin. In Judaism too the fall exists as a warning and chastisement, the command to be fruitful and multiply requires the actual extremeness of the laboring of women, but the evolution within the Old Testament provides a dignity to humanity I think the daughter faiths have diluted.
PS: I support the evolved viewpoint but nevertheless adhere to none of the dogma and do not consider any of these sacred texts. Just great psychological insight and we went downhill thereafter.
“One of the most striking things about the Old Testament is that God gradually withdraws His presence over the course of the story. The God of Genesis walks and the Garden of Eden, speaks directly with Adam and Eve. One of my favorite little details is that, after the Fall, when poor Adam and Eve had covered their nakedness with leaves, God made them some clothes before throwing them out into the world. The Creator of the Universe probably caused the clothes to appear by snapping His figurative fingers, but I like to picture Him taking their measurements, making the cuts, and sitting down with His sewing needle. Either way, the God we find in the second book, Exodus, is not one who would condescend to making a human’s undergarments.”
And by the time we get to Moses, God can only interact with humans as a "burning bush" (hologram?) And on Mt. Sinai, when Moses does dare to sneak a peek, he can only see the "back parts of God". Some people snicker at Moses looking at God's ass, but that line always stuck with me. The description is NOT evocative of some kind of Sky Santa.
Thanks Darryl. Your insight is really appreciated by me.
I'm kind of at the beginning of my faith, I'm not really sure what church to go or how to practice properly or even why I'm going to church and although I've heard a lot of these stories many times I have never feasted in the canonical understanding of each of them. Maybe I'm a bit impressionable because of this but there's something in the way you've written about Job that makes me want to internalise this outlook. It feels more full than what I've read and heard about Job (many friends also claim it as a book they truly love and it's one of the few books I've read start to finish in one sitting)
I often see pain that The Son of Man must have been experiencing on this earth when I read between the lines in the Gospel. He seemed a little cranky at times with his closest disciples. I can picture him suffering from a headache, dehydration, diarrhea, or a toothache in some of those moments when He's also settling arguments amongst his friends over who will be greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. I imagine the angst of a young man at a wedding in Cana, when His mother tells Him, "They have no wine," and Jesus replies with, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." I read: "Really, Mom—I've been sent here to suffer and die at their hands, for the sake of their salvation—and you want me to do party tricks for these drunk fools!"
Thanks for sharing your insight. It's always appreciated!
His response to his mother might’ve meant that. I’ve always read it in a similar way: he knew that once he did that first miracle, the countdown to his death would begin.
I have enjoyed your take on Job and I think it gave me perhaps a better understanding of God and of man. Some lightbulbs came on due to your insight. Thanks for taking up this subject.
Great article! As I near 50 I find religion, and it's deeper meanings, constantly on my mind. Your opinion on the book of Job is enlightening. Love, love, love your interpretation. Recently, I've been uncharacteristically reading fiction novels, specifically Frank Herbert's Dune series, and the similarities to the bible are sprinkled throughout the entire series. Paul Maud'dib, God Emperor Leto II, The Golden Path. Things that make you go hhmmm.
I can’t tell you guys how many times I publish something thinking, “OK, this is the one, they’re definitely going to hate it, probably cancel their subscriptions, I wonder if I could get my old job back…” and every time you all pick me right back up. I really appreciate it.
Absolutely loved the three essays. Deeply moving and again, worth the wait.
Hope personal matters get quickly resolved - first obviously for you, but selfishly, also for us who love to be enriched by your erudition and wisdom
You're one of the very few writers here who haven't disappointed me after my first joyful enthusiasm for their work.
[edited for grammar!]
I tell people you do a history podcast, but with the kind of humanity that is so hard to have conveyed in a reading or studying of history.
In your amazing Israel/Palestine podcast series two moments I think illustrated this humanity most. The first was the story where the man leads his wife and children through a riot, to a police officer, only to be bludgeoned to death by his would be savior. The second was the thematic conclusion.
I felt the same sort of thing with this essay. I guess if I were to sum this up pithily, I'd say God designed you as a man and not a machine and we are all better for it.
So long as you stick to the formula that brought us all here, I can't see us hating your work or rage quitting, even if we don't agree with your conclusions. Thanks.
I don't believe in God and still found this series interesting.
It was this series that convinced me I had to become a paid subscriber! Thank you for it.
Darryl, you're deeply appreciated.
“A universe without change is one which does not grow or evolve, but to creatures caught in the wheel of time, change is experienced as suffering” when you feel forsaken you can still trust that God loves you looking at it like that. that quote alone was well worth the lost productivity from reading this during work.
Nice.
Absolutely incredible take on the reason for the crucifixion and it makes total sense to me this way. You are truly a blessing Darryl. Thank you.
Don't sweat it over thinking on how to wrap things up, or keep them from being too long. I think most of us probably feel the longer the better, and any content is appreciated.
Thank you for a very thought provoking read.
I grew up in the church, attended a Christian college, I studied the bible . . . a lot, I very much appreciate your perspective on Job . . . the thought that God learned from his creation is intriguing and maybe dangerous.
Over the years it's all grown very distant - I really don't know what I believe anymore. It all seems such a dark labyrinth of possibilities and confusion, when it surfaces I tend to say that's for another day.
I don't know where to even start anymore with it -
Just start whatever you are.
Similar to him but different, I've avoided Christianity for most of my life because I just couldn't believe it. Even when I tried. The entire thing felt like a dishonest and non genuine type of fairytale told make us all act right. Whatever that is
But, what you said about God learning from his creation and the universe itself being made to grow and evolve, god himself seemingly changing.....
Damn, now so much about it makes sense to me.
Life evolves and adapts or it dies. I've tried to convince Christians that God is the source of all things, and we exist in God.
I hope you read this, because my as a man who's not a Christian I believe we exist in God in a similar way that you can dream and that dream exists within you, not separate from you, but part of you. We exist in God something like that
And this thing, God, the cosmic mind behind all of creation is itself changing and evolving as the thing's inside it, us change with it or die.
I think I might take another look at Christianity.
I feel lost
Keep going, keep searching... we all feel lost unless we feel grounded... the searching and deep diving grounds you, even if not completely answering all questions...we are not God even if a part of, as we do not have that level power of creation.... Define what you mean by feeling lost, for yourself, and that will help you go deeper at your own pace. Nice comment!
There's some parts of Hinduism you'd probably find interesting as well. Specifically the idea that the act of creation was unconscious, and the rise of sentience is God trying to figure out what He just did.
“Father! Father! Where are you? Why have you forsaken me?”
------------------------------------------------------
It might be well to consider, in the full breadth of this series you've written so beautifully and powerfully, that only in Judaism of the three Abrahamic religions is it culturally acceptable to argue with and protest directly to God. Jesus is doing such a Jewish thing there.
I see the lesson of Job (and perhaps of Arjuna too) as the ultimate obligation of a human being to hold onto his integrity and to not ignore his instincts, no matter the temptation or the brute force arrayed against him.
In Islam, the worshipper is known as the slave of God. In Christianity the faithful must endure the blood-guilt of original sin. In Judaism too the fall exists as a warning and chastisement, the command to be fruitful and multiply requires the actual extremeness of the laboring of women, but the evolution within the Old Testament provides a dignity to humanity I think the daughter faiths have diluted.
PS: I support the evolved viewpoint but nevertheless adhere to none of the dogma and do not consider any of these sacred texts. Just great psychological insight and we went downhill thereafter.
“One of the most striking things about the Old Testament is that God gradually withdraws His presence over the course of the story. The God of Genesis walks and the Garden of Eden, speaks directly with Adam and Eve. One of my favorite little details is that, after the Fall, when poor Adam and Eve had covered their nakedness with leaves, God made them some clothes before throwing them out into the world. The Creator of the Universe probably caused the clothes to appear by snapping His figurative fingers, but I like to picture Him taking their measurements, making the cuts, and sitting down with His sewing needle. Either way, the God we find in the second book, Exodus, is not one who would condescend to making a human’s undergarments.”
---------------------------------------------------
The intimacy one feels with one’s first children. Everything afterwards is a little more removed from the moment one becomes a parent.
I'll come back with more commenting after reading the full piece. Didn't want to lose my fine thought.
And by the time we get to Moses, God can only interact with humans as a "burning bush" (hologram?) And on Mt. Sinai, when Moses does dare to sneak a peek, he can only see the "back parts of God". Some people snicker at Moses looking at God's ass, but that line always stuck with me. The description is NOT evocative of some kind of Sky Santa.
Nice parallel
Hello Darryl, from Down Under…I so appreciate all your works…I’m continually astounded at your intellect…
Your Job piece has been very thought provoking for me a Pastor… so much info but your last paragraphs really bought it home for me…
Thank you.
This is a satisfying end. Thank you
Wow Darryl, that was powerful.
I've never considered myself a Christian and avoided it most of my life
I think I'm going to study it again in this new light.
This essay made a lot of sense to me.
Thanks Darryl. Your insight is really appreciated by me.
I'm kind of at the beginning of my faith, I'm not really sure what church to go or how to practice properly or even why I'm going to church and although I've heard a lot of these stories many times I have never feasted in the canonical understanding of each of them. Maybe I'm a bit impressionable because of this but there's something in the way you've written about Job that makes me want to internalise this outlook. It feels more full than what I've read and heard about Job (many friends also claim it as a book they truly love and it's one of the few books I've read start to finish in one sitting)
Awesome as always, brother!
I often see pain that The Son of Man must have been experiencing on this earth when I read between the lines in the Gospel. He seemed a little cranky at times with his closest disciples. I can picture him suffering from a headache, dehydration, diarrhea, or a toothache in some of those moments when He's also settling arguments amongst his friends over who will be greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. I imagine the angst of a young man at a wedding in Cana, when His mother tells Him, "They have no wine," and Jesus replies with, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." I read: "Really, Mom—I've been sent here to suffer and die at their hands, for the sake of their salvation—and you want me to do party tricks for these drunk fools!"
Thanks for sharing your insight. It's always appreciated!
His response to his mother might’ve meant that. I’ve always read it in a similar way: he knew that once he did that first miracle, the countdown to his death would begin.
I have enjoyed your take on Job and I think it gave me perhaps a better understanding of God and of man. Some lightbulbs came on due to your insight. Thanks for taking up this subject.
Ditto
Amen
Great article! As I near 50 I find religion, and it's deeper meanings, constantly on my mind. Your opinion on the book of Job is enlightening. Love, love, love your interpretation. Recently, I've been uncharacteristically reading fiction novels, specifically Frank Herbert's Dune series, and the similarities to the bible are sprinkled throughout the entire series. Paul Maud'dib, God Emperor Leto II, The Golden Path. Things that make you go hhmmm.
Dune is a masterpiece. Especially God Emperor.