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Word Gems 

exploring self-realization, sacred personhood, and full humanity

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The Greek writer Hesiod (circa. 800-700 BC), in his Theogony (“origin of the gods”), recounts a mythic event of the Olympians, chaired by Zeus, meeting with the first humanoids to discuss a proper way of sacrificial propitiation to the gods. Sounds a little self-serving this conference, but we'll let it pass.

Prometheus, first-cousin of Zeus, not a member of the inner-circle of Olympians, but, nonetheless, a formidable Titan, is present for this noted occasion. Prometheus wants things to go well for the humans; that is, the males, as females had not yet been invented. Why does Prometheus care for the welfare of humans? Hesiod does not inform us but later writers assert that it was Prometheus who brought humans into existence: we are his beloved pets.

This patronage element becomes a factor in the family politics of dealing with Zeus. Here’s what happened according to Hesiod. Regarding those instructions on how to sacrifice an animal, Prometheus tries to sabotage the arrangement of the offering. He hides the good stuff, the edible meat, under the fur and horns, hoping that Zeus will choose the inedible portions as “good enough” sacrifice. This would leave the tenderloins and hamburgers for his pets, scraps under the table.

As it happened, though, Zeus saw through this ruse immediately, and then, understandably browned-off, took it out, not just on Prometheus but on all humans, for all time. How was this trip to the woodshed accomplished? By retracting the gift of fire from the Earth, leaving humans without a heat source.

But this is getting ahead of our story, which actually contains a useful kernel of wisdom; to be discussed in the "Omega" book. For our purposes here, however, I’d like to reference a comment by classical mythologist, Dr. Elizabeth Vandiver. She offered an interesting observation (paraphrased):

“Why should it mean so much to Prometheus that Zeus be tricked, right at the start, in this primal discussion of sacrifices? There seems to be an unwritten rule in the myths, governing the activities of gods and men. First impressions count for much, and the way something is done the first time, in some manner, seems to bind the hands of all subsequent comers, forever after. This makes no sense, of course, as, why should the actions of Smith have an iota to do with what Jones does? However, we see this ‘forever after’ principle in play in thousands of cases throughout ancient literature.”

This strikes us as reminiscent of the narrow, dogmatic thinking of cult religion. Once the Grand Poohbah as spoken, it’s now written in concrete for all ages to come. All other opinions are to be suppressed and censored.

So, what’s up with this? Well, one thing, when Dr. Vandiver said this, I immediately thought of a lecture way back in bible college, 50 years ago. The instructor asserted, with grave tone (to the effect): “The first time something is mentioned in Scripture is very important. It sets the tone for all usages of that word or activity throughout the entire Bible.”

“Wow,” I thought at the time, “that is really something.” Well, it would be really something if the principle were true; in the real world, however, it’s not good for much. But, in the Bible, it is true, they'll tell you it's true, as the “holy writings” are constructed in this fashion. During my days as sedulous bible student of these things I recall encountering a great many examples of this “forever after” principle.

What are they? Well, I’ve forgotten them all – except for some famous ones. In the book of Romans, it’s stated that what Adam did in the Garden, so many eons ago, has now somehow branded all of us as total losers. Talk about a kangaroo-court of baseless charges. We could suggest that the inventor of such precept might take up a career in politics.

But, why stray so far from home? Let’s talk about Hesiod's example of blood sacrifice. Pretty much any student of the Bible will recall that the first animal sacrifices occur quite early in the book of Genesis. And, don’t you know, this blood-letting is nothing other than a dire foreshadowing of the Great Blood Sacrifice to come, so needful, you know, for despicable, scum-of-the-earth, born-in-sin descendants of Adam that we are. Do you see how the mind-control games are played?

And so, what is the conclusion of this matter?

The “forever after” principle has no foothold in reality. The real world, that way the universe really works, is the quantum world of probabilities. Your future is not set in stone. You are master of your own destiny. What you become is up to you. And any Spirit Guide in the afterlife will happily explain this to you.

The "forever after" principle is a cheap cultish literary device employed to incite fear and guilt in the minds of the plebs.

The fact that the “forever after” principle finds warm hearth-and-home in the Bible is sure indication that the Bible, and the portrayal of "God" therein, is part of a vast mythic literature, a very worldly literature (with a few exceptions in Scripture) reflecting common attitudes in mundane ancient society, all designed to further the power-and-control interests of Dear Leaders since long-ago times.