STUDIES IN THEOLOGY: 12/14/2006 - continued - (Holy Day? Economics And Atonement? Making Sure That God Gets A Nibble?)

STUDIES IN THEOLOGY;

Popular Christianity 12/14/2006

(continued)

Study Notes And Journal Entries,

Holy Day? Economics And Atonement? Making Sure That God Gets A Nibble?

An Observation

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

(r.f.p.p.s.h.)

12/14/2006 (continued)

Continuing in chapter 15 of 1 Samuel, it of course states that a first born animal with defect cannot be used as offering - though in this turn of instruction, it is stated that it may be kept and consumed in the home town - and further yet again, anyone ceremonially clean or un-clean may eat of it. ~

Again, in reference to the servant(s) being released - more so in the event that they choose to remain - it is described to pierce their ear against the door frame (where the commandment(s) are presumably displayed), and they will remain as your servant for life. ~

Another rather progressive aspect here-in, is it is said to extend the same treatment (and option) to female servants as well. ~

I find myself again considering the obvious beginnings of consistent value and commerce depicted in these past few passages - and further find in considering the modern dollar in near chide - seeing it from a perspective of In God We Trust then with a somewhat extended meaning in relation to the established consistency (within the inconsistency no less) when compared with the social movements and structure described here, and the resulting stability of commerce. ~

01/31/2007 Again, as note... I tend to see this as example of idea having been introduced into the human perspective long before it becomes presented and implemented in a most efficient form. The similarities within these presented ideas and modern commerce, are strikingly similar in many ways concerning concept. I do not tend to think that the similarities are necessarily purposeful, but more that over the years of development within civilizations... as humans have progressed, a more efficient understanding surfaced pertaining to such directions. Most notably in the presence of idea pertaining to civilization and society beyond the war driven versions of economy so prominent in recent history. To look at these ideas in the context of extendable potential(s) - again, for instance beyond the idea of warring and raiding that was prominent of the day depicted and even until most recent history... perhaps those initial human tendencies and drives were converted even through the further developed idea of commerce itself, into that which we now see as modern commerce (in the more effective and efficient examples). No longer relying upon the war in the spring time to drive the economy.

As further note as I continue my studies, it is reasonable to assert that such developments may even have begun to occur within kingdoms of the day as can be seen briefly depicted in the Story of David for instance... though eventually failed due to a lack in much of what has been socially constructed within the larger development of which we have the benefit of in the modern day - though apparently seldom tend to utilize to an efficient degree. Such of course as is observable, then rendered the cycling and progressive effect of rise and fall coupled with the progression of various forms of despotism progressing within the established structure(s) at a similar rate. Within the example of King David can be seen the progression from plundering for spoils to an established compliment pertaining to worth and value. Even the tendenc(ies) away from dependence upon the yearly war in beginning the exploration of use of celebrity for instance within the aspect of commerce, though still coupled with the idea of religious compliance.

I further feel I should mention the various mimicry's pertaining to both popular Christianity and modern economics in tending a focus on the result of marketing as if it were a driving force of value. ~

The modern atmosphere tending to give the largest consumer body (% of certain purchase for instance), the illusion of being the reason for value itself. These (those) particulars only having an effect on supply and demand, and trend in popularity if anything. Very much things that exist of the moment within that consumer mentality. ~

Things very much easily influenced with the very marketing ploys used to emulate (as a larger unit consideration themselves) the idea of value. ~

01/31/2007 I consider this consistency in the modern day - the modern version of society within the commerce/power marriage, and while it is that it exists to great extremes, a person must consider that it is/was by design at least to some degree - regardless of the extreme mutations which have taken shape. If not only in the interest of creating said illusion for the benefit of the perceived quality of living experience... then perhaps as well in establishing a consistent motion in use of it. A person must consider this from the perspective of considering the presumed attempt in establishing a Utopia in order to get the gist of what I am approaching in this small supplemental note. A part in the idea of Utopia would very much be the perception of such involvement to some extent. The sensation of being an active and integral part of the prosperity which exists. Similar in comparison perhaps with the perceived, though vicarious, sensation of being victorious (and even conquered) in association with sporting events, being admitted to a place of higher learning, some affiliation with a person of celebrity such as autograph(s), etc..... The perceived potential of importance through some relation acting as a similarly important part as would be the actual affiliation with such.

In considering the implementation of such Holy Day activities as are described, in such a consistent way - it shows the social transition in that sense of value from a person/group of people fixing a rigid standard - to a flowing market/commerce potential. ~

Again, though not to go too far on an economic bent - a horde of people wanting something can (and does in the modern day) effect the price of something. But such action (within supply and demand) does not equate to value. ~

Of course, in considering this early area for such potential - supply and demand probably began as smaller (varying portions) of something in the effort to insure that everyone could partake of that offering. Meaning it probably wasn't inflationary in that day and age of charging more if less product was on hand - but more in rationing for the same atonement price to insure the availability in those instances of many people and fewer of a given supply in first born food stuffs (pertaining to the interest in religious compliance as opposed to profitability at the time). ~

From that perspective, it is somewhat of an inversion of the modern motion within supply and demand. This obviously being that in most commerce settings - the product is predisposed to a certain size and amount, where obviously then it is the price that tends to fluctuate - the atonement amount so to speak in comparison - and not the portion. Which, if considered in the context of atonement offering - then would equate to an exclusionary result - which doesn't seem to have been the idea in such group like feasts. A selective dynamic derived from monetary wealth. ~

Of course, the comparison there is hypothetical in regard to common goods and luxuries - but it illustrates the gist all the same. ~

In the religious and ceremonial sense, there is more in the feasting and eating than in the act of purchase. Which again differs from the modern dynamic within that consumer mentality where the purchase is seen as the more important. ~

Chapter 16 in Deuteronomy again describes pass over. Again this version of instructions has been incorporated into the more domestic version of Israelite social movement, in mandating this celebration to transpire in the place the Lord has chosen for worship. ~

of course it is to be accompanied with un-leavened bread (called here the bread of suffering) and it is still a mandate to remove all yeast from the premises. Again, this bread is to be eaten for 7 days. ~

The sacrifice for pass over is stated here as acceptable as either from the flock or heard and is to be sacrificed as the sun sets - then consumed through out that night - none to be consumed the following day. And as well, the Israelites may not return to their tents until morning. ~

Besides this obviously being a lunar celebration - symbolically it could be seen as if they, themselves were consuming the first born (as stated) of Egypt on pass over. ~

Symbolically then likening themselves in that instance, to that Angel of Death sent as result of Moses leveling a curse. ~

In a further symbolic sense then - it would seem perhaps that they even liken themselves in said instance (as a whole) to God - but such symbolic representation/affiliation (if any) would only be insure that the God who lives and walks among them is then partaking of the offering(s). ~

Even further is seen here a relation of the importance on first born animals being the Lords and further being consistently consumed in such ceremonies. ~

It seems that is the strongest symbolic relation with the first born - being the death of first born in Egypt. And yet another duality here, in the first born being the Lords. ~

Are they then eating the Lord? ~

Are they eating the resulting death from the initial pass over? ~

Is it both? ~

What does that suggest of Pharaoh? ~

16:09 begins with instructions for the Harvest Festival to begin 7 weeks from the first cut of grain. Again being augmented to the designated place of worship. Though in this instance it is inferred that no travel is necessary in including foreigners, orphans, widows and Levites from your town, in the celebration. And no sacrifice is described as necessary beyond a proportionate offering of grain (presumably). ~

16:13 describes the Festival Of Shelters - and is similar to that of the Harvest Festival - and especially similar to pass over, being a 7 day festival. ~

This as well, as the Harvest Festival, required no travel and takes place in a rather common atmosphere. ~

16:18 again speaks of appointing judges and officials in all towns and from all tribes. ~

Very much within the idea of representation.