There are many stories in the Bible that I find too far-fetched. I mean, yes, God is the one with power and rules over mankind, therefore he has these crazy privileges that allow him to do as he wishes. As we saw in Noah, were the rain won't stop or in Adam and Eve, were the snake has the power to get them to eat an apple, the Bible is full of magical stories. The story of Moses, Exodus, is no exception.
I really liked some parts of Exodus, it's probably the story I've enjoyed the most in the Bible up to now. There was one very important conflict that remains present throughout most of Exodus. The way I interpret this, is Moses's basically "betraying" his Egyptian adoptive family to lead his people into a better place. This also reminded me, in a way, of Abraham and Jesus. These three biblical figures all have in common that they were sent by God to teach the people of his existence and prove himself to the people. My personal opinion is that God chose Moses's fate just as he chose that of Jesus because he had something waiting for them. God wouldn't have taken the time to lead Moses's crib into the hands of the royal family if Moses wasn't going to do something big. Out of all of the characters in the Bible, probably what shocked me the most was that God gave Moses the will and power to do so many things. The importance of Moses not only for God but the continuation and the development of the plot, is that from now on, everyone in the Bible has some official standards or "rules" to live by. This changes the development completely since now, the people have limits and have a better idea of what God expects of them. I think that God found this necessary since he was probably tired of having to deal with the people's behavior and having to send terrible things upon them like the plagues he sent on Egypt or the flood he sent to Noah.
So, having already talked about the ten commandments, there were also some things that as I mentioned before are too far-fetched. For example, the parting of the seas. This is absurd, and although I'm a catholic and I should not be saying this, it's like the famous Ali Baba saying, "open sesame" and it just magically opens the door or whatever it is they want to open. It's not like the ocean is going to separate just like that. I mean, it's a very romantic view on how Moses and his people crossed the sea, but really? It's those things that make me question the Bible. I think that even though some people like to look at it as if it were a miracle, it's far from it. I believe that miracles are things like the end of corruption, or brainwashing terrorists into becoming good people. Miracles cannot separate the waters so that some people can just cross through. This also reminded me of how in Genesis, God says to Adam and Eve that they have power over all of nature. My point is, Moses had power not only over the creatures, but this time he could also control other things and if you look at this way, God's creation.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
And the Family Grows
As the story of Abraham develops, I have been very curious as to why everyone keeps having children with their relatives, "Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother" (Genesis 24:15). I'm still trying to understand why it is that the only suitable lovers for anyone at this point are in some way related. Incest is something that I've never been able to agree with. I suppose though, that given the small population of people inhabiting the earth, they are all bound to marry a relative. On the bright side, there is something I really liked about these parts: the romance. Well, maybe the Bible is not so romantic but at least everyone is happy loving each other.
One thing that I still haven't understood is how Abraham being more than a century old is still thinking about wives and children. I keep thinking that Abraham must have a lot of energy and love for life in order to continue living. Then again, this was probably God who was handling his lifespan.
I've seen that God's role has become more distant and less direct as the stories have developed. Before, God, Adam and Eve had a very close relationship, now it's more like God now, only God today doesn't actually speak to you (you're supposed to interpret his actions and then make the most of them) anyways, it's as if now, Abraham's growing family has taken the spotlight from God. Another aspect that I've seen throughout the Bible is its normal for Abraham to have many wives. I'd say that it's fine, Abraham can do whatever he wants but this just means that God is fine with it too. This got me thinking that maybe God decided on the ten commandments after looking at Abraham's behavior (even though he never really wished for his neighbor's wife).
Isaac and Rebekah's children are two very different people and this reminded me of Enkidu and Gilgamesh. Esau, with very similar physique to Enkidu and Jacob with very similar characteristics to Gilgamesh. As I read the descriptions it surprised me how similar these characters are yet they are all coming form different backgrounds. Something else that attracted my attention was that Isaac's sons are also similar to Abel and Cain. Jacob, being Abel and Esau, being Cain, the stories are repeating themselves.
One thing that I still haven't understood is how Abraham being more than a century old is still thinking about wives and children. I keep thinking that Abraham must have a lot of energy and love for life in order to continue living. Then again, this was probably God who was handling his lifespan.
I've seen that God's role has become more distant and less direct as the stories have developed. Before, God, Adam and Eve had a very close relationship, now it's more like God now, only God today doesn't actually speak to you (you're supposed to interpret his actions and then make the most of them) anyways, it's as if now, Abraham's growing family has taken the spotlight from God. Another aspect that I've seen throughout the Bible is its normal for Abraham to have many wives. I'd say that it's fine, Abraham can do whatever he wants but this just means that God is fine with it too. This got me thinking that maybe God decided on the ten commandments after looking at Abraham's behavior (even though he never really wished for his neighbor's wife).
Isaac and Rebekah's children are two very different people and this reminded me of Enkidu and Gilgamesh. Esau, with very similar physique to Enkidu and Jacob with very similar characteristics to Gilgamesh. As I read the descriptions it surprised me how similar these characters are yet they are all coming form different backgrounds. Something else that attracted my attention was that Isaac's sons are also similar to Abel and Cain. Jacob, being Abel and Esau, being Cain, the stories are repeating themselves.
God is in Charge when it comes to Sons and Circumcision
Ok. I admit. I've heard about circumcision many times. To begin, many holocaust survivors that were not circumcised were saved because of this. I've also heard of female circumcision in Africa and indigenous tribes. But I had never heard of it in the Bible. It surprises me that the Bible, being the holiest text for the Christians contains this information that only the those who practice Judaism follow. So, to have a better idea of what circumcision really was I succumbed to my best friend on the internet: wikipedia. Although it contained very graphic explanations of what the procedure is, I was surprised to know that a circumcised man has actually less probability of getting HIV than a man who isn't. Anyways, returning to the point, I always thought circumcision was actually a bigger deal than it actually is. Then again, I'm not Jewish so it doesn't have anything to do with my relationship with God, and I have not been circumcised so I have absolutely no idea of what that is like (not that I ever want to know).
Straying away from circumcision, there were some points in these chapters that I found very interesting. First, God's messengers or angels. The angels play a huge role in the Bible since they are a very direct connection between God and the people. Today though, we have a very vague idea of what angels are like and so it is hard for me to picture anything different from the renaissance-like babies popping in on Abraham and letting him know the news. During this time, when angels begin to appear almost spontaneously and they were not included in God's creation it makes me wonder what angels really are. I know their purpose and I know they have good intentions, but are angels the souls of the dead? Or are they perhaps souls that (like Virgin Mary) never died and just rose up to heaven? I've never asked anyone these things but then again, it's not something that has been very explicit throughout my life as a "Catholic".
Second, the naming. When God renames Abraham and Sarah, "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee." (Genesis 17:5) "And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be." (Genesis 17:15) I thought it was as if from now on, God saw them differently and probably in a more appreciative way. Something else that relates to this part is when God tells them that the name of their child will be Isaac. This reminded me of Archangel Gabriel telling virgin Mary about Jesus. I suppose that just like history, the Bible repeats itself. I also think that Abraham was very important not just for the people but also for God. I definitely believe that God couldn't have chosen anyone better for the job. God needed someone like Abraham who, one was worthy of his name, and second could get the job done.
Finally, what probably got my attention the most was the episode in which Abraham almost kills Isaac. To begin, how can God test Abraham with something like this? If God loved Abraham (and this is an assumption) just like Abraham loved him, how could he ask such a thing specially knowing that Abraham was capable? This leads me to the next point. How can a father who loves his son so dearly and has struggled for so long to have him, even think of being able of killing his son, just to please his God? It just doesn't make any sense. I do however, think that Abraham could not have lived with the regret but would have continued to follow God's orders. This might sound a bit contradictory, but why would God, especially God want anyone that follows his orders without question? Basically, what I'm saying is, if God wanted someone to just do as he commands, God's job would be awfully boring. Instead, God wants the people to misbehave and fight and contradict each other because that's just how we were created. The point is, there would come a time in which if Abraham had killed Isaac, nothing else would matter to him and from that point on, he would just do as God said. In the end, what is going to end up happening is that Abraham loves God more than himself to the point where he even kills his own son (with no apparent reason) but why would he love God more than himself? (I'd call that crazy). How can you love something more tah yourself? This may sound ego-centric or whatever you want to call it but it's actually very accurate. When you love yourself you have enough love to share with others, but when your love is directed towards something bigger(like God) it becomes an unhealthy relationship in which you give yourself to that and forget that anything ever went on i your life because you are so caught up in that. Again, the point here is, God stopped it right on time but I think its a very stupid way of getting attention, God could have easily caused a landslide in Abraham's life with the murder of his son.
Anyways, to finish this I do not agree with God in the way he wants Abraham to sacrifice his son. This sacrifice (which is also the first human sacrifice) remind a bit of Jesus again, and if I'm not wrong, I think that these are the only approaches to a human sacrifice in the Bible so I suppose it is sort of important.
Straying away from circumcision, there were some points in these chapters that I found very interesting. First, God's messengers or angels. The angels play a huge role in the Bible since they are a very direct connection between God and the people. Today though, we have a very vague idea of what angels are like and so it is hard for me to picture anything different from the renaissance-like babies popping in on Abraham and letting him know the news. During this time, when angels begin to appear almost spontaneously and they were not included in God's creation it makes me wonder what angels really are. I know their purpose and I know they have good intentions, but are angels the souls of the dead? Or are they perhaps souls that (like Virgin Mary) never died and just rose up to heaven? I've never asked anyone these things but then again, it's not something that has been very explicit throughout my life as a "Catholic".
Second, the naming. When God renames Abraham and Sarah, "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee." (Genesis 17:5) "And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be." (Genesis 17:15) I thought it was as if from now on, God saw them differently and probably in a more appreciative way. Something else that relates to this part is when God tells them that the name of their child will be Isaac. This reminded me of Archangel Gabriel telling virgin Mary about Jesus. I suppose that just like history, the Bible repeats itself. I also think that Abraham was very important not just for the people but also for God. I definitely believe that God couldn't have chosen anyone better for the job. God needed someone like Abraham who, one was worthy of his name, and second could get the job done.
Finally, what probably got my attention the most was the episode in which Abraham almost kills Isaac. To begin, how can God test Abraham with something like this? If God loved Abraham (and this is an assumption) just like Abraham loved him, how could he ask such a thing specially knowing that Abraham was capable? This leads me to the next point. How can a father who loves his son so dearly and has struggled for so long to have him, even think of being able of killing his son, just to please his God? It just doesn't make any sense. I do however, think that Abraham could not have lived with the regret but would have continued to follow God's orders. This might sound a bit contradictory, but why would God, especially God want anyone that follows his orders without question? Basically, what I'm saying is, if God wanted someone to just do as he commands, God's job would be awfully boring. Instead, God wants the people to misbehave and fight and contradict each other because that's just how we were created. The point is, there would come a time in which if Abraham had killed Isaac, nothing else would matter to him and from that point on, he would just do as God said. In the end, what is going to end up happening is that Abraham loves God more than himself to the point where he even kills his own son (with no apparent reason) but why would he love God more than himself? (I'd call that crazy). How can you love something more tah yourself? This may sound ego-centric or whatever you want to call it but it's actually very accurate. When you love yourself you have enough love to share with others, but when your love is directed towards something bigger(like God) it becomes an unhealthy relationship in which you give yourself to that and forget that anything ever went on i your life because you are so caught up in that. Again, the point here is, God stopped it right on time but I think its a very stupid way of getting attention, God could have easily caused a landslide in Abraham's life with the murder of his son.
Anyways, to finish this I do not agree with God in the way he wants Abraham to sacrifice his son. This sacrifice (which is also the first human sacrifice) remind a bit of Jesus again, and if I'm not wrong, I think that these are the only approaches to a human sacrifice in the Bible so I suppose it is sort of important.
The Father of Nations
I had studied how Judaism had spread during my history class last year so I had kind of an idea of what Abraham's story was about. However, I never expected that Abraham's story would be so different to what I had imagined previously. While I was reading about Abraham and how the sons of Noah created their own nations it came to my attention how important it must have been for men like these to be chosen by God. This is a topic that has caused much discussion in class and only after the class discussions, did I find that it is actually a very important topic. As we move on in the Bible, we will most likely read about Jeese make God's followers even more loyal to him. I don't know if it has to do with Jesus, and Jesus is one of the most important characters in the Bible so it is important to question ourselves, why is Jesus so important? I suppose it's a little premature to be thinking about Jesus right now, but I've come to realize that as much as I need to be understanding the story and the events, I also need to know why it is that those things are happening and what makes their protagonist this person and not that.
As far as I've read I'm leaning towards the fact that most of the men God chooses to be his followers are men that in some ways act like him. In this case, I totally understand God because, just like him, I would also like to have followers with authority and loyalty (anyone who wants anything to get done better think of this before hiring). Also, I've found that God tends to pay back his followers and they tend to make covenants with him as well. "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates" (Genesis 15:18). I think the covenants are another aspect we will continue to observe as the we continue the Bible. Covenants are also the things that motivate God's followers into satisfying his wishes. For example, Abraham left his homeland and into the "promised land" even though this cost him many years and having children with a woman other than his wife. This was all the result of the covenant. I also think that God is beginning to get a reputation and men now trust him because they know he keeps his word. I think that any God that wishes to have people worshiping him/her must keep his/her word or at least have a reputation for this.
As far as I've read I'm leaning towards the fact that most of the men God chooses to be his followers are men that in some ways act like him. In this case, I totally understand God because, just like him, I would also like to have followers with authority and loyalty (anyone who wants anything to get done better think of this before hiring). Also, I've found that God tends to pay back his followers and they tend to make covenants with him as well. "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates" (Genesis 15:18). I think the covenants are another aspect we will continue to observe as the we continue the Bible. Covenants are also the things that motivate God's followers into satisfying his wishes. For example, Abraham left his homeland and into the "promised land" even though this cost him many years and having children with a woman other than his wife. This was all the result of the covenant. I also think that God is beginning to get a reputation and men now trust him because they know he keeps his word. I think that any God that wishes to have people worshiping him/her must keep his/her word or at least have a reputation for this.
Shem and Ham
Noah’s son, Ham becomes very patient towards the end. He and Lila care for the rest of the community more than his father does. As Ham tries to insist to his father that he should allow more people on his ark instead of the animals, we see Ham as a very caring and generous person. However, he seems very impatient at the beginning as he sees his father so loyal to God but not really there for the rest of the people. Ham tries his best but in the end he sees there’s nothing he can do about it and so he waits for the rain to stop.
Shem, on the other hand, is a little less clever than his brother and his father often refers to him as stupid and scolds him for almost everything he does or says.
Shem, on the other hand, is a little less clever than his brother and his father often refers to him as stupid and scolds him for almost everything he does or says.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Generations of Adam
This post is about three of the most widely known stories in the Bible. Following the creation is the story of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve are two very complex characters that in a way, are responsible for the state in which man is right now. This story reminded me of Pandora's box. I've known about Adam and Eve since I was born but I hadn't realized how similar these stories are and how these characters that have to do with Gods or Deities are in some way responsible for things that happen to people today or people's behaviors. This also led me to conclude that the story of Adam and Eve, is in its way, myth. After looking at Adam's behaviors towards God and his reactions it didn't look as if Adam was a "manly-man" but instead, naive and a bit of a coward, "[9] And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
[10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid". On the other hand, the more daring and intelligent Eve gets the blame, "[12] And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." I suppose that it was Eve who got the blame since it was she who was brave enough to defy God. Although Eve ate the apple and gave it to Adam unintentionally, at least she tried it and humanity isn't that bad right now because of that. I also think that if God had not wanted Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge, he would've stopped the serpent or stopped them, or even put the tree of knowledge even farther away so that they could not reach it.
The second story is about Adam and Eve's sons, Cain ad Abel. Once Cain kills his younger brother, Abel with no particular reason, h is sent to the lands east of Eden, Nod. Althoough Cain protests, "13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.[14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
[15] And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him" there's not much he can do. There, he finds a wife and has many children (the generations of Adam). I think this part is very random because Cain just leaves, finds a wife (not the daughter of Adam or Eve) with no background, and has children. This made me question incest and how it was that he and he his wife came to find each other. Also, something else that I kept questioning myself was how was it possible that someone with no childhood (literally)could raise two boys and not expect them o kill each other. Anyways, coming back to the incest part, I do think that incest is a sin and that it will later appear in the bible as we move on in the text. So, just as Baghavad-Gita the Bible is also very contradictory.
The third and final story in this post is the story of Noah. This reminded me of Gilgamesh and the story the old man tells him about a flood. However, before the story begins, there's a list of the children and the generations (which lasted on average, around 500 years each) previous to Noah. This also got me to think that probably God had to create more men (and women) along with Adam and Eve since many generations couldn't have just appeared spontaneously. Anyway, coming back to Noah, when I read Gilgamseh I had a vague idea of what Noah was all about but I was sure that they had similar aspect that linked these two stories. I really like the story of Noah because although it's the outcome of the wickedness of men, I do think that it sends a message like "don't leave anyone behind" and something like "care for your world". I really like these ideas and since God ordered Noah to include two of each species in his boat, itlike God wanted his creatures to be cared for. I think that this part is crucial because if God had wanted only people on Noah's boat, then it would have probably been after more personal benefits. It's like God letting the people know that yes, nature does matter and we should be generous enough to care for it. This is something I hadn't realized before.
[10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid". On the other hand, the more daring and intelligent Eve gets the blame, "[12] And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." I suppose that it was Eve who got the blame since it was she who was brave enough to defy God. Although Eve ate the apple and gave it to Adam unintentionally, at least she tried it and humanity isn't that bad right now because of that. I also think that if God had not wanted Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge, he would've stopped the serpent or stopped them, or even put the tree of knowledge even farther away so that they could not reach it.
The second story is about Adam and Eve's sons, Cain ad Abel. Once Cain kills his younger brother, Abel with no particular reason, h is sent to the lands east of Eden, Nod. Althoough Cain protests, "13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.[14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
[15] And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him" there's not much he can do. There, he finds a wife and has many children (the generations of Adam). I think this part is very random because Cain just leaves, finds a wife (not the daughter of Adam or Eve) with no background, and has children. This made me question incest and how it was that he and he his wife came to find each other. Also, something else that I kept questioning myself was how was it possible that someone with no childhood (literally)could raise two boys and not expect them o kill each other. Anyways, coming back to the incest part, I do think that incest is a sin and that it will later appear in the bible as we move on in the text. So, just as Baghavad-Gita the Bible is also very contradictory.
The third and final story in this post is the story of Noah. This reminded me of Gilgamesh and the story the old man tells him about a flood. However, before the story begins, there's a list of the children and the generations (which lasted on average, around 500 years each) previous to Noah. This also got me to think that probably God had to create more men (and women) along with Adam and Eve since many generations couldn't have just appeared spontaneously. Anyway, coming back to Noah, when I read Gilgamseh I had a vague idea of what Noah was all about but I was sure that they had similar aspect that linked these two stories. I really like the story of Noah because although it's the outcome of the wickedness of men, I do think that it sends a message like "don't leave anyone behind" and something like "care for your world". I really like these ideas and since God ordered Noah to include two of each species in his boat, itlike God wanted his creatures to be cared for. I think that this part is crucial because if God had wanted only people on Noah's boat, then it would have probably been after more personal benefits. It's like God letting the people know that yes, nature does matter and we should be generous enough to care for it. This is something I hadn't realized before.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Busy Week for God
I've never actually read the Bible and yes, I've been to mass but it's not like I follow along with what the priest reads all the time. Today, however I read the first pages of Genesis. I'm beginning to think that I will soon feel more "Catholic" once I fully understand what the Bible is all about. Seriously, I have no idea what I'm doing calling myself a Catholic. I seldom go to mass and I don't pray. Anyway, so I read Genesis for the first time ever in my life and I'm proud to say that I now know what God was doing when he created the world.
To begin, I learned God began with light, then night and day, continuing with water, land and heaven, and finally, man. Ok, well I'm not that lost in general culture and I did know that this world was worth a week of creation. However, what really interested me the most was the order on which everything was created in. Light is one of the first things God creates "[3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
[4] And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness". What makes this so relevant is because its almost as if since the beginning light has been a salvation, something that will bring good things your way. The way I see it, is that light allows people to see through the world. In a dark world, it is harder to get by and do as you please. As I mentioned before, I know very little about Christianity, but I do know that light plays a big role in Christian beliefs. It serves as inspiration, guidance, and set straight right from wrong. Obviously, God can't bring any life or creatures into this world without having the appropriate orders or suitable conditions. One of the most important things is knowing right from wrong, light from darkness. So, after thinking about it for a while, separating good from bad is actually, a good way to start the creation.
To begin, I learned God began with light, then night and day, continuing with water, land and heaven, and finally, man. Ok, well I'm not that lost in general culture and I did know that this world was worth a week of creation. However, what really interested me the most was the order on which everything was created in. Light is one of the first things God creates "[3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
[4] And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness". What makes this so relevant is because its almost as if since the beginning light has been a salvation, something that will bring good things your way. The way I see it, is that light allows people to see through the world. In a dark world, it is harder to get by and do as you please. As I mentioned before, I know very little about Christianity, but I do know that light plays a big role in Christian beliefs. It serves as inspiration, guidance, and set straight right from wrong. Obviously, God can't bring any life or creatures into this world without having the appropriate orders or suitable conditions. One of the most important things is knowing right from wrong, light from darkness. So, after thinking about it for a while, separating good from bad is actually, a good way to start the creation.
The Final Transformation
Metamorphoses (Mary Zimmerman's adaptation) ends with the story of Baucis and Philemon. I found this story to be full of surprises since it was a bit different form the ones before it. In the previous stories all the characters were after something that would personally benefit them in some way, emotionally or in a material way. For example, Midas was searching for his own material wealth while Vertumnus was just looking for someone he could be with. In this case, Baucis and Philemon are the complete opposite in the sense that they are only worried about making their guests feel at home even tough they had no idea of the true identity of those visiting them.
I've heard similar stories in the past, and if I'm not wrong I think there's one by Leo Tolstoy that has to do with a man who makes shoes and is in a constant lookout for God. All the man wants is for God to come into his house. God says he will be there sometime soon, instead the man receives different people and later asks God why he didn't stop by. God replies that he was there, he was all those people who had stopped at his house. Anyways, my point is that these stories are almost as if Gods wanted to check-up on their mortal followers every once in a while and do so taking human-like forms just like Hermes and Zeus when they visited Baucis and Philemon.
If Metamorphoses was a holy text like the Bible or the Torah, I think that if I were a follower to which ever religion it belonged to, this is the story that would have the most impact on me. I suppose that many times we get too caught up in our own welfare and become very selfish people without realizing it. Now, I'm not saying that you have to go ope your doors so that anyone can stay under your roof, but in a more realistic sense, what I'm saying is that you can always be a little more generous and a little less rude. One of the reasons why I find this story so influential is because of the very humble and honest ways in which Baucis and Philemon received the guests. Another reason why I really liked this story was the final wish that Baucis and Philemon ask of the Gods. This part reminded me of a movie, The Notebook because in the end, the two protagonists of the story, happen to be lovers and die at the same moment. Although Baucis and Philemon don't actually die (they transform) I thought it was very romantic that they both wanted that.
I've heard similar stories in the past, and if I'm not wrong I think there's one by Leo Tolstoy that has to do with a man who makes shoes and is in a constant lookout for God. All the man wants is for God to come into his house. God says he will be there sometime soon, instead the man receives different people and later asks God why he didn't stop by. God replies that he was there, he was all those people who had stopped at his house. Anyways, my point is that these stories are almost as if Gods wanted to check-up on their mortal followers every once in a while and do so taking human-like forms just like Hermes and Zeus when they visited Baucis and Philemon.
If Metamorphoses was a holy text like the Bible or the Torah, I think that if I were a follower to which ever religion it belonged to, this is the story that would have the most impact on me. I suppose that many times we get too caught up in our own welfare and become very selfish people without realizing it. Now, I'm not saying that you have to go ope your doors so that anyone can stay under your roof, but in a more realistic sense, what I'm saying is that you can always be a little more generous and a little less rude. One of the reasons why I find this story so influential is because of the very humble and honest ways in which Baucis and Philemon received the guests. Another reason why I really liked this story was the final wish that Baucis and Philemon ask of the Gods. This part reminded me of a movie, The Notebook because in the end, the two protagonists of the story, happen to be lovers and die at the same moment. Although Baucis and Philemon don't actually die (they transform) I thought it was very romantic that they both wanted that.
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