Blinded by the Power /////// Isabelle Ferguson

 "Thus Satan talking to his neerest Mate / With Head up-lift above the wave, and Eyes / That sparkling blaz'd, his other Parts besides / Prone on the Flood, extended long and large / Lay floating many a rood, in bulk..." (Milton).

This passage reminded me of an interesting conversation between my brother and I the other night. It's true, some religions are so similar to each other that identical passages can be found in each religion's sacred text. However, there are some that simply miss the mark completely on worship, god or gods, sin, etc. The same topic my brother and I came back to was how some have been led so astray from Christianity. So let's analyze this description.

The wording is terrifying in and of itself. You can get a clear picture of what this would look like in the sea. But imagine seeing it. Personally, this is a description of my worst fear, because I am not into the ocean or the dark. I can easily conjure the image of this gargantuan monster appearing as the waves rolled back. I can see him staring into my soul. The only word I have for that is fear. This is terrifying. Going back to the conversation with my brother, could this sight turn its viewers into worshippers? Humans have a tendency to worship what is more powerful. We have a basic desire to survive, which can be our own worst enemy in ethical situations. Our need for safety and security can turn into worship. Money is the easiest example. Another is idolizing celebrities and internet sensations, because something as simple as what they wear one day can influence an entire generation. I can't help but wonder what earlier civilizations witnessed that stirred such a fear in them that they began to worship it. 

I commented on Taylor Vice's post and Lily Caswell's post.

Comments

  1. Emma DSeptember 6, 2021 at 9:25 PM

    One thing that is interesting about this scene to me is that "rood" is a symbol for cross in old English (courtesy of "Dream of the Rood" in Brit Lit!). I find it fascinating how even in this terrifying moment where Satan and his henchman regather their strength, the cross is still there, subtly reminding the reader of the future hope, and the greater defeat Satan will face. Adding a huge note of irony, these "roods" also end up saving Satan and Beezlebub from the waves. Even in this moment of fear, there is an interesting note of foreshadowing that provides readers with a lifeline in the fear.

    The roods also present a nagging question: does this mean God not only allowed Satan and the demons to live, but SAVED them? (I am 100% sure I am overthinking this, but this seems to be one big, glaring problem in Milton's theology if the implications are meant to be there... I don't know what to make of this fictionalizing of Genesis at all, frankly!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lily CaswellSeptember 7, 2021 at 9:33 AM

    I think fear is definitely a factor in salvation. A lady in my church actually made the decision to get saved when she was younger because there was concern that a meteor could strike.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lily CaswellSeptember 7, 2021 at 9:34 AM

    (This is from Brooke)

    Isabelle, your blog post was very intriguing to me. It’s a unique perspective, but I definitely see where you are coming from. I often give into somethings just because I feel physically safe or comforted by them, especially money. I often feel like just by having money in my account I’m more safe, but in reality this can be dangerous for the soul. It’s best to resist greed and idols even when they are a source of comfort.

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  4. Emma Kate PattersonSeptember 12, 2021 at 10:50 AM

    I like that you made the point that humans tend to worship things more powerful than us. I think this is so true in todays society. We see posters and internet sensations constantly being "worshipped." I think this brings up the question of what true worship is. Often times these celebrities are "worshipped" for a short period of time until their popularity fades. Is it true worship if it only last for a short period of time? Or do we only see true worship and devout worship in religion when we truly believe and love what we are worshipping?

    ReplyDelete

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