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April 04, 2010
Zeus, Hubris and True Religion.
Ah how shameless--the way these mortals blame the gods. From us alone, they say, come all their miseries, yes, but they themselves, with their own reckless ways, compound their pains beyond their proper share.
Do you need religion to check hubris? Does it matter who or what you use to curb folly and excess? We think not. Anyway, that's Zeus speaking above--in a rare public apppearance--in Homer's Odyssey. He's the last anthropomorphic god we at WAC/WAP? will let take liberties with us. Just for a little while longer, though.
Your religion is quite likely doing you and yours more harm than good.
You're not lazy, right?
You're not a peasant, correct?
So how about coming up with a little spirituality on your own? It's all there inside you, Jack. Mix and match and borrow, if you must. But have a little self-respect.
In short, please do your own work. Martin Luther, one of our favorite madmen, and who was truly wild, would agree with that idea.
OK, sorry, we'll stop. And should you view world religions as more than first-rate crowd control devices to keep you and yours in line, Zeus (also below) is seen either negotiating with you or practicing his aim--Westerners have never been sure which--with his lightning bolt. So be advised: 1. Be "good". 2. Aways follow someone else's rules. 3. And don't screw it up.
P.B. Persinger: "Semele and Zeus with Thunderbolt" (2007) 10" x 8" Oil
Posted by JD Hull at April 4, 2010 12:00 AM
Comments
I have just finished reading "God in the Dock" by C.S Lewis. He makes a very good point about Christianity. Either it is of no importance or it is the only thing of importance. There can be no middle ground.
Posted by: John O'Connor at April 4, 2010 10:57 PM
Why can't it be just one of hundreds of expressions down through the ages of The Exact Same Universal Thing?
Posted by: Holden Oliver at April 7, 2010 03:56 PM
This is the scene depicting Zeus and his power over Semele. She is smiling ans willing to walk forward and be "taken" by Zeus. She has a child with him.
Posted by: Koin Magus at May 4, 2010 08:36 AM