Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Here are the latest questions for D+D
The Questions
1. What religious actions constitute a sacrament (A means by which God graces his people)?
2. If Jesus is the answer what is the question?
3. Are people saved then become Christians or become Christians then are saved?
4. Are morals innate or are they learned? Ethics?
5. Are the “powers and the principalities” purely spiritual, purely physical, both, neither etc?
6. What is the miracle of the incarnation? What does it mean that God took on flesh?
The Questions
1. What religious actions constitute a sacrament (A means by which God graces his people)?
2. If Jesus is the answer what is the question?
3. Are people saved then become Christians or become Christians then are saved?
4. Are morals innate or are they learned? Ethics?
5. Are the “powers and the principalities” purely spiritual, purely physical, both, neither etc?
6. What is the miracle of the incarnation? What does it mean that God took on flesh?
Friday, November 28, 2003
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Monday, November 17, 2003
Here is a quote that I think fits the mood of the country right now.
This is from Aeschylus' Agamemnon
"While through the streets of Argos
Grief yet more grievous grows,
With all our manhood gathered
So far from earth of Hellas;
As in each home unfathered,
Each widowed bed, the whetted
Sword of despair assails
Hearts where all hope has withered
And angry hate prevails.
They sent forth men to battle,
But no such men return;
And home, to claim their welcome,
Come ashes in an urn."
This is from Aeschylus' Agamemnon
"While through the streets of Argos
Grief yet more grievous grows,
With all our manhood gathered
So far from earth of Hellas;
As in each home unfathered,
Each widowed bed, the whetted
Sword of despair assails
Hearts where all hope has withered
And angry hate prevails.
They sent forth men to battle,
But no such men return;
And home, to claim their welcome,
Come ashes in an urn."
Sunday, November 16, 2003
Hey, here is the latest. My attempt at apocalyptic writing.
Locke’s Apocalypse to the Democratic Underground
Apocalypse:
In biblical teminology, an "apocalypse" is not an event, but a "revelation" that is recorded in written form:
1. it is a piece of crisis literature that “reveals” truths about the past, present, and/or future in highly symbolic terms;
2. the revelation often comes in dreams or visions, and usually needs to be interpreted with the help of an angel;
3. it is usually intended to provide hope and encouragement for people in the midst of severe trials and tribulations.
Democratic:
1. of, characterized by, derived from, or relating to the principles of democracy
2. upholding or favouring democracy or the interests of the common people
3. popular with or for the benefit of all
Underground:
1 occurring, situated, used, or going below ground level
example: an underground tunnel
example: an underground explosion
2 secret; hidden
example: underground activities
noun
3 a space or region below ground level
4 a a movement dedicated to overthrowing a government or occupation forces, as in the European countries occupied by the German army in World War II
b (as modifier)
example: an underground group
5 [often preceded by the] an electric passenger railway operated in underground tunnels
U.S. and Canadian equivalent: subway
6 [usually preceded by the] a any avant-garde, experimental, or subversive movement in popular art, films, music, etc.
b (as modifier)
example: the underground press
example: underground music
1.
1Locke a man under the power of this current madness, a seeker of justice and truth. To those beloved on the Internet, those oppressed like me, and to all those yearning for freedom.
2Enoch came to me and said, “Here this, you, and all the earth.”
And I said, “what is this that I am hearing?”
And this is what he revealed to me, saying, 3“See, make through the darkness, come through the bitter times.”
4And then I arose, called up and caught upon a tile of flame that flew upon breath. It was the voice of angels and other heavenly things. I passed through the various levels of heaven, seeing the lesser and the greater beings, viewing the lesser as well as the greater things.
In this journey I saw more than can be written in any book. I saw things from this present age, things to come, and those things that have already passed.
I went to write all this down, but Enoch was with me, he was the tile, and he turned to me, saying, “Surely your eyes have touched more thing than can be written in a book?”
“What then should I do?” I asked him.
5He said to me, “There are things you have seen, and will see, which are not to be written down, but there are things which are to be written down, and things which are to be told through the ages.”
He was silent, so I asked, “Then what do I write Enoch?”
2.
1And he said, “These things that you see now, at this very moment. These shall you write down.”
So, at that very moment I saw these things which I am writing to you.
2There were twelve years of darkness. The poor were ground under foot, and people cried out in pain. The rulers for these years were called the Greater and Lesser Emperors, and their land was called the Empire.
3Then a man, like a giant wolf, tame, but dangerous, overthrew the Lesser Emperor. He was a good ruler; he ruled justly and was a friend of all. These were the eight prosperous years. 4But there were those of the Empire that plotted against the Great Wolf. They howled and moaned, nipping at his heels.
5And after this I saw the Wolf lay down and rest. A man from the Wolf, but not the Wolf, got up. He was beloved by the nations, and called a Man of Hope. He was to rule in place of the Wolf.
6The Son of the Empire arose from the heat of hell. He called out in a loud voice for the blood of the Wolf’s second, the Man of Hope. The One Who Owns, that is the one who is like a second to the Empire’s Son, but is in fact the first, told the Empire’s Son,
“Hide your face from the people, or they will surely flock to the one the Wolf has chosen, the one who is beloved by the nations. 7Fear the Man of Hope, for he offers progress, which we do not have.”
8And that is how the Son of the Empire put on the guise of compassion.
9The two powers, the Son of the Empire, with his face veiled with falsehood, and the Man of Hope, struggled, and fought. They struck mighty blows upon one another.
10A shrew came to the Son of the Empire and said, “The people, they are like deaf men. You may be empty, but if you appear full they will not know the difference.”
11So they continued to fight. The blue and red bled upon one another.
12At this point a bird, bleeding blue, came to me and said, “Hark Locke, to the South the battle was lost. By taunt and trick did we lose the day? Yes, that is how. Cry sorrow, sorrow, yet let good prevail.”
13I said to him, “Surely not. But it was true, the Man of Hope disappeared, his face covered with fur and failure.
3.
1Then I saw the nation. They laughed at the Empire’s Son, but he was a crueler joke still, for the One Who Owns was pulling strings and shaking worlds. He plotted and planned with the Century of Empire.
2The Son of Empire was falling, he looked a fool and was a fool. Then, oh why. Through a plume of smoke, the falling of the Great Towers was the fool reborn. The Great Nation bowed down to the Son of Empire. They worshipped Empire’s Child.
4.
1As the nations worshipped the false one he came to the dungeon that the Wolf had sealed up.
2The Son of Empire came to me and said, “See this, see this oh Locke?”
I shrunk away from him, but he called again, “See this? Do you see this oh Locke?” 3And I said, “Why, yes I do. The horrors of the twelve years are behind those doors.”
4“Yes they are,” he said.
Then he slammed his fist upon the door. Out came a lion, with gnashing teeth like swords. From his mouth came steel wasps, which cut down the children and peoples outside the Great Nation now Empire.
5This lion roamed across the seas, leaping upon a nation and devouring it.
6“Ah, but it is still hungry,” cried the Child of Empire, and sent it out again to Babylon.
7Again he smashed his fist upon the gate. This time a caustic mist came out.
“Go, devour the planet for profit and greed,” he said.
“I shall,” said the mist.
8The mist floated above the Great Nation. It ripped trees from the ground, and cried out, “Clean air. Clean air.” It filled the lungs of young and old alike.
9Again the Child of Empire rattled the gate with his hand. Out came a bloated unclean animal. It went to every house that did not have the mark of green upon its door. Those that had the mark of green were passed over. It cried out, “Poor. Poor. Feed the rich some more.”
5.
1Then some of the Blue Ones rallied against these things. But their champion fell.
2The rally became a dirge and ended at a dried up stone well. The Blue Ones were defeated smashed to the ground and became a pile of dust.
3But from this dust was formed a New Creature. It had nine horns, then ten, then nine again. It smelled the blood of the Child of Empire and struck him. 4But the New Creature also struck itself, horn scraped against horn.
Then news of horror came from the blue land to the west. A man, foreign born and plated with steel, whose eyes glowed red, attacked their inept king and won.
5These were dark times.
6.
1Then the bird came again, this time healed. He brought with him news from a land to the South, famed for their beaded parties. He said, “Locke.”
2“Yes?” I replied.
3He tweeted a happy tune, “There is a woman, who is blue, and has brought victory to our cause.”
4When I heard this I rejoiced.
5The New Creature with nine horns appeared before me. It was like a snake molting. The horns fell off, until I saw the creature for what it was. It was a Puma, one like the Man of Hope, yet with the smile of the Wolf. Beside him stood one of the horns, a White Horse, unblemished and good.
6Again I rejoiced. The Puma stalked the Son of Empire, dodging his arrows and the Shrew’s nets. When the time was right he and the White Horse galloped forward, and he pounced upon the Son of Empire. Red blood flew everywhere.
7A bird came to me, missing its right wing. It said, “See the dungeon is once gain filled, for the Puma has recaptured those thing that are evil. And look. The nations around us show respect, and I am at peace.”
8These are thing things I have seen. Rejoice, for the time of trouble will end. I know not the day or the hour, but the pain of this time is coming to an end.
9So send this news out, to all the ends of earth. Shout from the rooftops that the Son of Empire is defeated. Shout with hope that peace will return. Empire shall once again become Great Nation.
Locke’s Apocalypse to the Democratic Underground
Apocalypse:
In biblical teminology, an "apocalypse" is not an event, but a "revelation" that is recorded in written form:
1. it is a piece of crisis literature that “reveals” truths about the past, present, and/or future in highly symbolic terms;
2. the revelation often comes in dreams or visions, and usually needs to be interpreted with the help of an angel;
3. it is usually intended to provide hope and encouragement for people in the midst of severe trials and tribulations.
Democratic:
1. of, characterized by, derived from, or relating to the principles of democracy
2. upholding or favouring democracy or the interests of the common people
3. popular with or for the benefit of all
Underground:
1 occurring, situated, used, or going below ground level
example: an underground tunnel
example: an underground explosion
2 secret; hidden
example: underground activities
noun
3 a space or region below ground level
4 a a movement dedicated to overthrowing a government or occupation forces, as in the European countries occupied by the German army in World War II
b (as modifier)
example: an underground group
5 [often preceded by the] an electric passenger railway operated in underground tunnels
U.S. and Canadian equivalent: subway
6 [usually preceded by the] a any avant-garde, experimental, or subversive movement in popular art, films, music, etc.
b (as modifier)
example: the underground press
example: underground music
1.
1Locke a man under the power of this current madness, a seeker of justice and truth. To those beloved on the Internet, those oppressed like me, and to all those yearning for freedom.
2Enoch came to me and said, “Here this, you, and all the earth.”
And I said, “what is this that I am hearing?”
And this is what he revealed to me, saying, 3“See, make through the darkness, come through the bitter times.”
4And then I arose, called up and caught upon a tile of flame that flew upon breath. It was the voice of angels and other heavenly things. I passed through the various levels of heaven, seeing the lesser and the greater beings, viewing the lesser as well as the greater things.
In this journey I saw more than can be written in any book. I saw things from this present age, things to come, and those things that have already passed.
I went to write all this down, but Enoch was with me, he was the tile, and he turned to me, saying, “Surely your eyes have touched more thing than can be written in a book?”
“What then should I do?” I asked him.
5He said to me, “There are things you have seen, and will see, which are not to be written down, but there are things which are to be written down, and things which are to be told through the ages.”
He was silent, so I asked, “Then what do I write Enoch?”
2.
1And he said, “These things that you see now, at this very moment. These shall you write down.”
So, at that very moment I saw these things which I am writing to you.
2There were twelve years of darkness. The poor were ground under foot, and people cried out in pain. The rulers for these years were called the Greater and Lesser Emperors, and their land was called the Empire.
3Then a man, like a giant wolf, tame, but dangerous, overthrew the Lesser Emperor. He was a good ruler; he ruled justly and was a friend of all. These were the eight prosperous years. 4But there were those of the Empire that plotted against the Great Wolf. They howled and moaned, nipping at his heels.
5And after this I saw the Wolf lay down and rest. A man from the Wolf, but not the Wolf, got up. He was beloved by the nations, and called a Man of Hope. He was to rule in place of the Wolf.
6The Son of the Empire arose from the heat of hell. He called out in a loud voice for the blood of the Wolf’s second, the Man of Hope. The One Who Owns, that is the one who is like a second to the Empire’s Son, but is in fact the first, told the Empire’s Son,
“Hide your face from the people, or they will surely flock to the one the Wolf has chosen, the one who is beloved by the nations. 7Fear the Man of Hope, for he offers progress, which we do not have.”
8And that is how the Son of the Empire put on the guise of compassion.
9The two powers, the Son of the Empire, with his face veiled with falsehood, and the Man of Hope, struggled, and fought. They struck mighty blows upon one another.
10A shrew came to the Son of the Empire and said, “The people, they are like deaf men. You may be empty, but if you appear full they will not know the difference.”
11So they continued to fight. The blue and red bled upon one another.
12At this point a bird, bleeding blue, came to me and said, “Hark Locke, to the South the battle was lost. By taunt and trick did we lose the day? Yes, that is how. Cry sorrow, sorrow, yet let good prevail.”
13I said to him, “Surely not. But it was true, the Man of Hope disappeared, his face covered with fur and failure.
3.
1Then I saw the nation. They laughed at the Empire’s Son, but he was a crueler joke still, for the One Who Owns was pulling strings and shaking worlds. He plotted and planned with the Century of Empire.
2The Son of Empire was falling, he looked a fool and was a fool. Then, oh why. Through a plume of smoke, the falling of the Great Towers was the fool reborn. The Great Nation bowed down to the Son of Empire. They worshipped Empire’s Child.
4.
1As the nations worshipped the false one he came to the dungeon that the Wolf had sealed up.
2The Son of Empire came to me and said, “See this, see this oh Locke?”
I shrunk away from him, but he called again, “See this? Do you see this oh Locke?” 3And I said, “Why, yes I do. The horrors of the twelve years are behind those doors.”
4“Yes they are,” he said.
Then he slammed his fist upon the door. Out came a lion, with gnashing teeth like swords. From his mouth came steel wasps, which cut down the children and peoples outside the Great Nation now Empire.
5This lion roamed across the seas, leaping upon a nation and devouring it.
6“Ah, but it is still hungry,” cried the Child of Empire, and sent it out again to Babylon.
7Again he smashed his fist upon the gate. This time a caustic mist came out.
“Go, devour the planet for profit and greed,” he said.
“I shall,” said the mist.
8The mist floated above the Great Nation. It ripped trees from the ground, and cried out, “Clean air. Clean air.” It filled the lungs of young and old alike.
9Again the Child of Empire rattled the gate with his hand. Out came a bloated unclean animal. It went to every house that did not have the mark of green upon its door. Those that had the mark of green were passed over. It cried out, “Poor. Poor. Feed the rich some more.”
5.
1Then some of the Blue Ones rallied against these things. But their champion fell.
2The rally became a dirge and ended at a dried up stone well. The Blue Ones were defeated smashed to the ground and became a pile of dust.
3But from this dust was formed a New Creature. It had nine horns, then ten, then nine again. It smelled the blood of the Child of Empire and struck him. 4But the New Creature also struck itself, horn scraped against horn.
Then news of horror came from the blue land to the west. A man, foreign born and plated with steel, whose eyes glowed red, attacked their inept king and won.
5These were dark times.
6.
1Then the bird came again, this time healed. He brought with him news from a land to the South, famed for their beaded parties. He said, “Locke.”
2“Yes?” I replied.
3He tweeted a happy tune, “There is a woman, who is blue, and has brought victory to our cause.”
4When I heard this I rejoiced.
5The New Creature with nine horns appeared before me. It was like a snake molting. The horns fell off, until I saw the creature for what it was. It was a Puma, one like the Man of Hope, yet with the smile of the Wolf. Beside him stood one of the horns, a White Horse, unblemished and good.
6Again I rejoiced. The Puma stalked the Son of Empire, dodging his arrows and the Shrew’s nets. When the time was right he and the White Horse galloped forward, and he pounced upon the Son of Empire. Red blood flew everywhere.
7A bird came to me, missing its right wing. It said, “See the dungeon is once gain filled, for the Puma has recaptured those thing that are evil. And look. The nations around us show respect, and I am at peace.”
8These are thing things I have seen. Rejoice, for the time of trouble will end. I know not the day or the hour, but the pain of this time is coming to an end.
9So send this news out, to all the ends of earth. Shout from the rooftops that the Son of Empire is defeated. Shout with hope that peace will return. Empire shall once again become Great Nation.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
And now for something mildly Heretical, or at least non-Canonical!
This message is not flagged. [ Flag Message - Mark as Unread ]
From: "Chris Halverson" | This is spam | Add to Address Book
To: dfalk@oregon.uoregon.edu
Subject: Re: Re: The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 23:08:02 -0600
Attached, as a PDF file, is my translation of the Christian diary the 82nd airborne recently found in Baghdad. As you can tell by all the brackets it was not in the best shape of its life. I hope it helps you with the book you and Judith are doing about early Christian feminism.
=====
In the Grace that has redeemed all,
C.L. Halverson
http://luthermatrix19.blogspot.com/
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
http://shopping.yahoo.com
>From: Big D. Falk < dfalk@oregon.uoregon.edu >
>To: "Chris Halverson"
>Subject: Re: The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
>Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2003 18:39:07 -0700 (PDT)
>
> Yes Chris, I would be very interested in this manuscript your GI friend found in Baghdad. Send me more >information as soon as you can.
>
>
>Daniel
>
>
>
>
>>From: "Chris Halverson" | This is spam | Add to Address Book
>>To: dfalk@oregon.uoregon.edu
>>Subject: The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
>>Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 20:32:04 –0600
>>
>>Hey! I have a GI friend with the 82nd over in Iraq. A rocket recently misfired and blew open an old cave. >>In it were several Christian scrolls. These included variable copies of the Gospels of Thomas andJohn. >>The feature I think you might be interested in is a diary. I remembered you were going to work on >>that feminist book, “The Dead Sea Codes” and I think this diary, of a teenage Christian girl, might be a >>real help.
>>=====
>>In the Grace that has redeemed all,
>>
>>
>>C.L. Halverson
The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
Translation and commentary by Chris Halverson
Entry 26, [The year of our] Lord 221
But for the crucifixion of the Lord I would not believe there is a more painful state than that of being a woman. I say this not for melodramatics or effect, but from the fabric of my heart.
Father has [chosen this] man, this supposed super-deacon. He is a man with the social skills of a goat and the aptitude of a bucket of swill (the meaning of this word is uncertain). Yet by father’s account he is a wondrous thing, a man who will be quickly raised to his status. I can not imagine Alexander as a Bishop and I told father as much. I said to him, “gazing into Alexander’s eyes is like looking into blank space.” Of course he rebuked me, listing off what Paul says qualifies a man to be a Bishop (1 Tim. 3:2-4). He thinks Alexander has every one of those qualities. I told [him I] didn’t think he was hospitable, or an apt teacher in any sense of the word. Father got [in a huff] and mentioned offhand that I was not being submissive in every way (1 Tim. 3:4).
It just doesn’t make sense to me. I have no problem being a good daughter, but this decision is a decision about my whole life. It reminds me of the story of Thecla. She was forced to marry Thamyris, but with silence she refused (Acts of P and T 20). Maybe I should re-read the story.
Entry 27, The year of our Lord 221
I spent much of yesterday as well as today in contemplation of the scriptures. I also read The Acts of Paul and Thecla, as well as the Gospel of the others, (from Mary’s quotations of this Gospel I believe she is referring to the Gospel of Thomas or a variant thereof) which father has a deep hatred for.
After reading the scriptures while thinking about my present situation I am left wondering. I like the Gospel of the others, and I adore Thecla. In the other [Gospel] (once again it is understood this is the Gospel of Thomas) it says, “when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that [the male not be male nor] the female female… then will you enter the kingdom.” (Thomas 22) I suppose father would think this to be just a fanciful thought, not to mention heresy, but it releases my heart up toward the highest heavens!
It makes sense too! In Paul’s letter to the Romans he praises both men and women (Romans 16). Would Julia, or Prisca or Aquila bend down and accept their father’s yoke? No, I think not. So why should hard working Mary? (Contrary to various pseudo-scholars already in Iraq no reputable academic would believe the Mary writing this diary is the same Mary from Romans 16:6, instead she is making a joke referring back to Romans 16:6). Further, it was a woman who anointed Jesus (Mat 26:7) and women who first realized our Lord was raised (Mat. 28:6). Was it not the woman from Syrophoenicia who’s fearlessness earned her daughter the crumbs of the table? (Mrk. 7:28-29)
It all makes sense, until I find other places [that say] I am told not to speak (1 Corinthians 14:34) and not to fight against my father’s ill wishes for me (Tim. 3:4). My father’s favorite book (1 Timothy) goes on to claims those who are like Thecla are hypocrites, and those who listen to them are, “paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.”(Tim. 4:1-2) I don’t understand. If women were good enough for Jesus and his good news, why does Paul object to us? For that matter does Paul object? He praises individual [women], why will he not praise all of us? Why does he change his message in Timothy and parts of 1 Corinthians?
It is all very infuriating. The more I come up against these inconsistencies the more I like the story about Paul and Thecla. All I need to do is, “fear only one God and live in chastity.” (Acts of P and T 9) It seems it at least is quite clear, “There is for you no resurrection unless you remain chaste and do not pollute the flesh.” (Acts of P and T 12).
Paul says slaves must be submissive to their masters, and women submissive to their husbands (Titus 2:5, 2:9) but I refuse to become a slave to a husband. I can see [myself as] a noble Lioness, (Acts of P and T 28) owning myself. I am more than just a gossip and a busybody (1Tim. 5:13). I am a Lioness. It is late, and I’ve worn myself out. Maybe I will write again tomorrow night.
Entry 28, The year of our Lord 221
Things are horrible. I’ve been too contrary with father; he has been of a very ill sort over it. He has in fact said he can’t control the family with the way he is acting. He is worried that he is a failed Bishop (1 Tim. 3:4-5). I am so worried about him, but at the same time I can not, I will not [submit]. I am scared and still very confused.
Entry 29, The year of our Lord 221
I can not believe these things that have happened. Father knows I have been reading those books. He said if I did not submit to Alexander he would resign as bishop. I responded that none of this would be a problem if he saw me neither as male nor as female (Thomas 22). He said the Gospel doesn’t allow for such things. I responded, “Make me a living spirit father, resembling that of a man,”(Thomas 114) he knew where I was gaining this knowledge (Mary is referring to gnosis) and burned with anger because of it. He yelled that I have no authority because I am a daughter, an Eve (1 Tim. 2:13). I responded badly, worsening the situation. I said, “And for that I am not ashamed!”(This may be a response to Acts of P and T 10). He chased me out of the house. I am writing this underneath a fig tree. By tomorrow I must decide. Will this lioness face the lion, or rip Thecla to shreds? Why must I decide?
Entry 30, The year of our Lord 221
O’ paper, sweet [paper], you listen to my every ill. I [cry upon] you. The lioness becomes a martyr to the lion. I raise my bonds to the air, and kiss them as Thecla kissed Paul’s bonds (Acts of P and T 18). I shall become Alexander’s wife. I submit, but within myself my hair is cut off (Acts of P and T 25), and this knowledge (gnosis) is mine. As the passions of the fire did not touch Thecla (Acts of P and T 22) the passion of Alexander shall not touch me.
This message is not flagged. [ Flag Message - Mark as Unread ]
From: "Chris Halverson"
To: dfalk@oregon.uoregon.edu
Subject: Re: Re: The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 23:08:02 -0600
Attached, as a PDF file, is my translation of the Christian diary the 82nd airborne recently found in Baghdad. As you can tell by all the brackets it was not in the best shape of its life. I hope it helps you with the book you and Judith are doing about early Christian feminism.
=====
In the Grace that has redeemed all,
C.L. Halverson
http://luthermatrix19.blogspot.com/
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
http://shopping.yahoo.com
>From: Big D. Falk < dfalk@oregon.uoregon.edu >
>To: "Chris Halverson"
>Subject: Re: The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
>Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2003 18:39:07 -0700 (PDT)
>
> Yes Chris, I would be very interested in this manuscript your GI friend found in Baghdad. Send me more >information as soon as you can.
>
>
>Daniel
>
>
>
>
>>From: "Chris Halverson"
>>To: dfalk@oregon.uoregon.edu
>>Subject: The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
>>Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2003 20:32:04 –0600
>>
>>Hey! I have a GI friend with the 82nd over in Iraq. A rocket recently misfired and blew open an old cave. >>In it were several Christian scrolls. These included variable copies of the Gospels of Thomas andJohn. >>The feature I think you might be interested in is a diary. I remembered you were going to work on >>that feminist book, “The Dead Sea Codes” and I think this diary, of a teenage Christian girl, might be a >>real help.
>>=====
>>In the Grace that has redeemed all,
>>
>>
>>C.L. Halverson
The Diary of Mary, daughter of Damion, the Bishop of New Antioch
Translation and commentary by Chris Halverson
Entry 26, [The year of our] Lord 221
But for the crucifixion of the Lord I would not believe there is a more painful state than that of being a woman. I say this not for melodramatics or effect, but from the fabric of my heart.
Father has [chosen this] man, this supposed super-deacon. He is a man with the social skills of a goat and the aptitude of a bucket of swill (the meaning of this word is uncertain). Yet by father’s account he is a wondrous thing, a man who will be quickly raised to his status. I can not imagine Alexander as a Bishop and I told father as much. I said to him, “gazing into Alexander’s eyes is like looking into blank space.” Of course he rebuked me, listing off what Paul says qualifies a man to be a Bishop (1 Tim. 3:2-4). He thinks Alexander has every one of those qualities. I told [him I] didn’t think he was hospitable, or an apt teacher in any sense of the word. Father got [in a huff] and mentioned offhand that I was not being submissive in every way (1 Tim. 3:4).
It just doesn’t make sense to me. I have no problem being a good daughter, but this decision is a decision about my whole life. It reminds me of the story of Thecla. She was forced to marry Thamyris, but with silence she refused (Acts of P and T 20). Maybe I should re-read the story.
Entry 27, The year of our Lord 221
I spent much of yesterday as well as today in contemplation of the scriptures. I also read The Acts of Paul and Thecla, as well as the Gospel of the others, (from Mary’s quotations of this Gospel I believe she is referring to the Gospel of Thomas or a variant thereof) which father has a deep hatred for.
After reading the scriptures while thinking about my present situation I am left wondering. I like the Gospel of the others, and I adore Thecla. In the other [Gospel] (once again it is understood this is the Gospel of Thomas) it says, “when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that [the male not be male nor] the female female… then will you enter the kingdom.” (Thomas 22) I suppose father would think this to be just a fanciful thought, not to mention heresy, but it releases my heart up toward the highest heavens!
It makes sense too! In Paul’s letter to the Romans he praises both men and women (Romans 16). Would Julia, or Prisca or Aquila bend down and accept their father’s yoke? No, I think not. So why should hard working Mary? (Contrary to various pseudo-scholars already in Iraq no reputable academic would believe the Mary writing this diary is the same Mary from Romans 16:6, instead she is making a joke referring back to Romans 16:6). Further, it was a woman who anointed Jesus (Mat 26:7) and women who first realized our Lord was raised (Mat. 28:6). Was it not the woman from Syrophoenicia who’s fearlessness earned her daughter the crumbs of the table? (Mrk. 7:28-29)
It all makes sense, until I find other places [that say] I am told not to speak (1 Corinthians 14:34) and not to fight against my father’s ill wishes for me (Tim. 3:4). My father’s favorite book (1 Timothy) goes on to claims those who are like Thecla are hypocrites, and those who listen to them are, “paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.”(Tim. 4:1-2) I don’t understand. If women were good enough for Jesus and his good news, why does Paul object to us? For that matter does Paul object? He praises individual [women], why will he not praise all of us? Why does he change his message in Timothy and parts of 1 Corinthians?
It is all very infuriating. The more I come up against these inconsistencies the more I like the story about Paul and Thecla. All I need to do is, “fear only one God and live in chastity.” (Acts of P and T 9) It seems it at least is quite clear, “There is for you no resurrection unless you remain chaste and do not pollute the flesh.” (Acts of P and T 12).
Paul says slaves must be submissive to their masters, and women submissive to their husbands (Titus 2:5, 2:9) but I refuse to become a slave to a husband. I can see [myself as] a noble Lioness, (Acts of P and T 28) owning myself. I am more than just a gossip and a busybody (1Tim. 5:13). I am a Lioness. It is late, and I’ve worn myself out. Maybe I will write again tomorrow night.
Entry 28, The year of our Lord 221
Things are horrible. I’ve been too contrary with father; he has been of a very ill sort over it. He has in fact said he can’t control the family with the way he is acting. He is worried that he is a failed Bishop (1 Tim. 3:4-5). I am so worried about him, but at the same time I can not, I will not [submit]. I am scared and still very confused.
Entry 29, The year of our Lord 221
I can not believe these things that have happened. Father knows I have been reading those books. He said if I did not submit to Alexander he would resign as bishop. I responded that none of this would be a problem if he saw me neither as male nor as female (Thomas 22). He said the Gospel doesn’t allow for such things. I responded, “Make me a living spirit father, resembling that of a man,”(Thomas 114) he knew where I was gaining this knowledge (Mary is referring to gnosis) and burned with anger because of it. He yelled that I have no authority because I am a daughter, an Eve (1 Tim. 2:13). I responded badly, worsening the situation. I said, “And for that I am not ashamed!”(This may be a response to Acts of P and T 10). He chased me out of the house. I am writing this underneath a fig tree. By tomorrow I must decide. Will this lioness face the lion, or rip Thecla to shreds? Why must I decide?
Entry 30, The year of our Lord 221
O’ paper, sweet [paper], you listen to my every ill. I [cry upon] you. The lioness becomes a martyr to the lion. I raise my bonds to the air, and kiss them as Thecla kissed Paul’s bonds (Acts of P and T 18). I shall become Alexander’s wife. I submit, but within myself my hair is cut off (Acts of P and T 25), and this knowledge (gnosis) is mine. As the passions of the fire did not touch Thecla (Acts of P and T 22) the passion of Alexander shall not touch me.
I guess I'd never actually searched for links to my blog. Check this out !!! Ain't it cool? Man, with all this "exposure" I should blog more often!
Here were last weeks D+D questions.
The Questions
1. Do angels fit into your picture of “Religion”? What is the point of angelic beings?
2. There is a process of knowing God by looking at humans and saying God is the reverse. E.g. Humans are mortal therefore God is an unmortal (immortal) does this process make sense? Or can it only be taken so far?
3. Does the written word hold spiritual power? If so how?
4. Is mysticism a spiritual reality, or is it simply a way to tap into unconscious thought, or both?
5. What is the resurrection of the dead?
6. How should Christians resolve conflicts with one another? with non-Christians?
7. There was a Reformation, can there be a Reconciliation?
8. If other letters of Paul were found would they become scripture?
9. How should Christians view the non-Canonical Gospels?
It was a really good D+D, we had a new member, Samuel, he added quite a bit to the conversation.
The Questions
1. Do angels fit into your picture of “Religion”? What is the point of angelic beings?
2. There is a process of knowing God by looking at humans and saying God is the reverse. E.g. Humans are mortal therefore God is an unmortal (immortal) does this process make sense? Or can it only be taken so far?
3. Does the written word hold spiritual power? If so how?
4. Is mysticism a spiritual reality, or is it simply a way to tap into unconscious thought, or both?
5. What is the resurrection of the dead?
6. How should Christians resolve conflicts with one another? with non-Christians?
7. There was a Reformation, can there be a Reconciliation?
8. If other letters of Paul were found would they become scripture?
9. How should Christians view the non-Canonical Gospels?
It was a really good D+D, we had a new member, Samuel, he added quite a bit to the conversation.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Hey, here is a really good article about how the rhetoric of war/diplomacy has gotten all off kilter.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Oh, one final post for the day. Here were last weeks D+D questions.
The Questions
1. What does it mean to “Believe” is it purely a cognitive thing or is it a trust thing or something else?
2. Will there be an “end times?” Or just an end of time? Is the end times a literal thing or a metaphorical thing?
3. What exactly are the “hosts” that the LORD is Lord over?
4. What is the proper method of prayer?
5. Does God change God’s mind?
6. What is Evangelism and what is its point?
The Questions
1. What does it mean to “Believe” is it purely a cognitive thing or is it a trust thing or something else?
2. Will there be an “end times?” Or just an end of time? Is the end times a literal thing or a metaphorical thing?
3. What exactly are the “hosts” that the LORD is Lord over?
4. What is the proper method of prayer?
5. Does God change God’s mind?
6. What is Evangelism and what is its point?
Hey, my cousin has this really cool site. check it out.
Other than that not too much is going on. I've started my second draft of Faith and Grace, my latest novel. I had a migrane last night, which was no fun.
Other than that not too much is going on. I've started my second draft of Faith and Grace, my latest novel. I had a migrane last night, which was no fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)