Cool post, I like how you walked through lots of concepts. You could even do a post on each of your sub-headers here.
This is more biblical typology, but I have always found the connection with Eden and Angels interesting. Man is expelled from Eden, because of the 'Yes' of Eve, and an angel bars re-entry. Man is restored to Eden, when an angel announces good news to Mary. And after her 'Yes', by the obedience of the Second Adam, by means of a tree, man is restored.
And then later, angels stand at the empty tomb, in a garden.
I would, but I've found there's not a lot of interest in series walking through concepts like that, I've tried it in the past. It comes off a bit formulaic and stiff. But I might do something along those lines in the future
Yeah, I get that. I think your style is accessible: you did a drive-by on all kinds of esoteric and academicy stuff in this post, but it was down-to-earth and enjoyable to read. I am still very green at writing, but to me that sort of tone only comes occasionally with a flow-state about a topic I am passionate about. Great work though man.
If the creator sundered our cousins from us, we should perhaps not undo that sundering. My mind instantly went to thoughts of the fallen creatures of the flood, which humans were commanded to not eat in the old covenant. And, to the Nephilim.
Interesting article and glad to see you posting more frequently! I had a period about a year ago where I was interested in the lore on household spirits like brownies and others like gnomes and such. Was very disappointed to find how many of them were said to flee at the sign of the Cross or from baptism (though I imagine baptizing a non human creature would be pointless anyway, and also ties in to the Eve's children origin interestingly enough). It was amazing to read accounts from ~16 c. (including from King James VI of KJV fame) that wrote about the creatures in a credulous way which is pretty much unimaginable today. It's really a shame as well, I could certainly use a little hairy man to keep up my house.
I'm familiar with the origin story of Eve's unwashed children. Also one that says that during Satan's rebellion he was joined by 1/3 of the angels, 1/3 were loyal to God, and the remaining 1/3 were neutral, so were only cast halfway to hell and are now kicking around on earth. I think Pageau and Rohlin have discussed this in their Universal History podcast which definitely ties in with your series of articles.
This might be my favorite article you've done, ties a lot of important things together. If anyone is interested in more on the idea of the cosmic mountain this is a video I find really helpful.
It’s funny that in recent years we are speculating about whether there was an advanced civilisation or group of people that disappeared. The Irish have always had Tir na nOg (the Land of Eternal Youth) which has all the same elements from different mythologies. Plus it was said to be reached by going under the sea.
Thanks for this, a great summary and comparison. I’ve been looking into these things recently and found Ancient Cosmologies by Carmen Blacker a good read.
Medieval churches, I believe more of the gothic and romanesque style, were built in a way that their vaulted ceilings looked much like the underside of a forest canopy. Look at photos of Gloucester Cathedral in England. It is breathtaking, and almost superhuman.
This is IMO your best and most important essay yet because it gives us a unified theory about possible missing elements of the supernatural. Those of us Christians who are willing and able to ask these questions, have an important starting point in writing like this. You offer a sensible framework explaining the alienation from the mystical that we as Western Christians unfortunately often feel despite our best efforts.
I do lend a word of caution about theorizing about "gods" and "deities," even "lesser" deities though. It's a little unclear in the article if you are saying ancient mythological beings might be merely supernatural creatures or if you're saying lesser deities might actually exist as such. As Christians, we are of course strictly monotheistic. I’m sure some would try to make a distinction between a deity and a "lesser" deity, but I'm not sure that's pleasing in God's sight because we must remember that our God is a jealous God, and therefore we should be careful using such terms even in any kind of ambiguous way. With elves, fae, etc. it's not very provable either way and the Bible is pretty much silent on it, so that seems like safer terrain to speculate.
All in all, very rewarding essay. I first read it months ago, and have thought about it a lot since. I think you are really on to some things. Thank you for continuing to lead your readership in this important search.
I like the idea of the longevii (sp?) being cousins still in Eden-Avalon-Valinor. It tracks with stories of saints communing and baptising mermaids and centaurs. That third categorisation, neither demonic nor angelic, but other.
Tolkien's elves have always been an enigma to me. They're not actually fairies proper; the closest analogue I've found in myth is the Tuath Dé Danann, an elder advanced race, who then diminish into barrow-dwelling fairies. But then the fairies of folklore are too mean-and-little-spirited and amoral to be Eldar.
I'll have to give this a second read to absorb more, but these were my initial thoughts.
Cool post, I like how you walked through lots of concepts. You could even do a post on each of your sub-headers here.
This is more biblical typology, but I have always found the connection with Eden and Angels interesting. Man is expelled from Eden, because of the 'Yes' of Eve, and an angel bars re-entry. Man is restored to Eden, when an angel announces good news to Mary. And after her 'Yes', by the obedience of the Second Adam, by means of a tree, man is restored.
And then later, angels stand at the empty tomb, in a garden.
I would, but I've found there's not a lot of interest in series walking through concepts like that, I've tried it in the past. It comes off a bit formulaic and stiff. But I might do something along those lines in the future
Yeah, I get that. I think your style is accessible: you did a drive-by on all kinds of esoteric and academicy stuff in this post, but it was down-to-earth and enjoyable to read. I am still very green at writing, but to me that sort of tone only comes occasionally with a flow-state about a topic I am passionate about. Great work though man.
If the creator sundered our cousins from us, we should perhaps not undo that sundering. My mind instantly went to thoughts of the fallen creatures of the flood, which humans were commanded to not eat in the old covenant. And, to the Nephilim.
Interesting article and glad to see you posting more frequently! I had a period about a year ago where I was interested in the lore on household spirits like brownies and others like gnomes and such. Was very disappointed to find how many of them were said to flee at the sign of the Cross or from baptism (though I imagine baptizing a non human creature would be pointless anyway, and also ties in to the Eve's children origin interestingly enough). It was amazing to read accounts from ~16 c. (including from King James VI of KJV fame) that wrote about the creatures in a credulous way which is pretty much unimaginable today. It's really a shame as well, I could certainly use a little hairy man to keep up my house.
I'm familiar with the origin story of Eve's unwashed children. Also one that says that during Satan's rebellion he was joined by 1/3 of the angels, 1/3 were loyal to God, and the remaining 1/3 were neutral, so were only cast halfway to hell and are now kicking around on earth. I think Pageau and Rohlin have discussed this in their Universal History podcast which definitely ties in with your series of articles.
Keep up the great work brother! ☦️
This might be my favorite article you've done, ties a lot of important things together. If anyone is interested in more on the idea of the cosmic mountain this is a video I find really helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrfr2vUKyAM&list=PLf2SB_PO7jtooVEpf_7y9rrAj5jKoqCoG&index=4
Good video
Beautiful.
It’s funny that in recent years we are speculating about whether there was an advanced civilisation or group of people that disappeared. The Irish have always had Tir na nOg (the Land of Eternal Youth) which has all the same elements from different mythologies. Plus it was said to be reached by going under the sea.
Thanks for this, a great summary and comparison. I’ve been looking into these things recently and found Ancient Cosmologies by Carmen Blacker a good read.
Followed you for years now, and this might be the best piece you’ve written. Well done☦️
Medieval churches, I believe more of the gothic and romanesque style, were built in a way that their vaulted ceilings looked much like the underside of a forest canopy. Look at photos of Gloucester Cathedral in England. It is breathtaking, and almost superhuman.
There is really nothing that compares to Gothic architecture.
This is IMO your best and most important essay yet because it gives us a unified theory about possible missing elements of the supernatural. Those of us Christians who are willing and able to ask these questions, have an important starting point in writing like this. You offer a sensible framework explaining the alienation from the mystical that we as Western Christians unfortunately often feel despite our best efforts.
I do lend a word of caution about theorizing about "gods" and "deities," even "lesser" deities though. It's a little unclear in the article if you are saying ancient mythological beings might be merely supernatural creatures or if you're saying lesser deities might actually exist as such. As Christians, we are of course strictly monotheistic. I’m sure some would try to make a distinction between a deity and a "lesser" deity, but I'm not sure that's pleasing in God's sight because we must remember that our God is a jealous God, and therefore we should be careful using such terms even in any kind of ambiguous way. With elves, fae, etc. it's not very provable either way and the Bible is pretty much silent on it, so that seems like safer terrain to speculate.
All in all, very rewarding essay. I first read it months ago, and have thought about it a lot since. I think you are really on to some things. Thank you for continuing to lead your readership in this important search.
Very good work here!
I like the idea of the longevii (sp?) being cousins still in Eden-Avalon-Valinor. It tracks with stories of saints communing and baptising mermaids and centaurs. That third categorisation, neither demonic nor angelic, but other.
Tolkien's elves have always been an enigma to me. They're not actually fairies proper; the closest analogue I've found in myth is the Tuath Dé Danann, an elder advanced race, who then diminish into barrow-dwelling fairies. But then the fairies of folklore are too mean-and-little-spirited and amoral to be Eldar.
I'll have to give this a second read to absorb more, but these were my initial thoughts.
This is very cool stuff man. I like this a lot.