I’m not going to fool around with this topic. I’m going straight to the point.
Believers in Jesus Christ are vampires and zombies.
Yup, that’s right. I said it.
I know you’re saying, “Whoa, now. Hold up a minute, you blasphemer!” But hear me out.
I realize most people believe in God and therefore, most also believe in Jesus Christ. Not all believe in JC, but most. Some of those believers partake of the consecrated “body and blood of Christ” during Holy Communion.
So, just how far-fetched is the idea of a zombie when a person partakes of “the body of Christ” who was resurrected from the dead and became the “walking undead?” And how fantastic is it that someone “drinks the blood of Christ” who was “reborn” and “magically” appeared to many and disappeared like a ghost?
And the victims (followers) go off in search of more victims (followers) to suck or drag into their way of life. Blood-suckers and brain-devourers-R-Us.
Hmmmm.
I did some research into the beginnings of vampires and zombies just to get an idea of where the concept for them came from and how they may be tied to Jesus Christ.
Let’s begin with vampires. Although there are ancient tales of demons who are considered the forefathers of the modern vampires, the lore of the vampires began in the 18th century with an flood of superstitious tales from European countries into Western society. However, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the granddaddy of the vampires we are familiar with today.
Bram Stoker was a protestant of the Church of Ireland. I’ll lay odds that he took Holy Communion at some point. And honestly, most great stories start with one, tiny, everyday (or out of the ordinary) occurrence. Something triggers a small notion that cascades into an entire conception. In Bram Stoker’s world, there were many strange things just waiting to be conspired. Drinking the blood of something people fear and revere is just a tidbit. Vlad Tepes was the catalyst; drinking blood a normal act of Catholicism or its offshoots. Old world legend dances with old-world behavior.
And a vampire was born from the blood of Christ. (Come on--it’s a little humorous).
Then there’s zombies. Oddly enough, the first reference to zombies, or at least the dead eating the living, was in the Epic of Gilgamesh from Sumarian legend. In the story, the goddess Ishtar promises:
I will knock down the Gates of the Netherworld,
I will smash the door posts, and leave the doors flat down,
and will let the dead go up to eat the living!
And the dead will outnumber the living![3]
The Epic of Gilgamesh has several parallels in the Christian bible including Adam and Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the flood, and the book of Daniel.
Technically speaking, zombies have been around longer than vampires or even JC himself.
The difference between vampires and zombies? One drinks blood, the other eats flesh. Neither are actually alive, but not quite dead. Both were “resurrected” from the dead as another form of themselves. Their victims (or followers of the group after the fact) become a part of them or a part of a group--a bigger whole--or they die. And JC? As I recall, he was resurrected and therefore no longer dead, but not formally alive. Depending upon the religion, his followers partake of his blood and flesh to become a part of him and a part of something much bigger. If you don’t follow JC, then you get to die and go to hell. No greater whole for you.
Similarities? Anyone?
Now, I know I am not (nor are the majority of people in the world) a crazed, flesh-eating, brain-devouring walking undead. Nor do I bow before a sexually appealing, blood-sucking, pale creature that is, for all intents and purposes, also the walking undead. That’s all just fiction, right? But what about those religious crazed, brain-dead, blood-sucking people who have no regard for others who go out and picket funerals or kill others in the name of Jesus? What about the Crusades? What about the Inquisition? What about the pagans who were tortured or killed if they didn’t convert to Christianity? Who were those crazy blood-sucking flesh-mongers? To me, they did more than spill blood or destroy flesh. They swallowed souls and left people walking around in confusion, cornered, and forced into concealment. Vampire and zombie victims.
So, the next time you take Holy Communion or it’s mentioned in a book you’re reading or a movie you’re watching, think about it when the priest or preacher says, “The body and blood of Christ” and puts the wafer or bread in the mouth and the wine or red soda is drank.
Hope YOU don’t become a vampire or zombie.
Amen.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
On with 2011
Well, it's been over a week since I posted, so since I have a couple free minutes, I'll drop in and get something posted. I'm not certain what exactly to say, but I do wish everyone a safe and happy New Year celebration! On to 2011. One year closer to the magical year of 2012 in which we will all be "transitioned" to the next level (or something like that). I don't believe it is the end of the world...nor the end of humans. We're too inventive and ingenious to die out that easily. I think December 21, 2012, will come and go just like any other day.
But, what if....
Here's my biggest what if with regard to the Mayan calendar prophecy of 2012. I remember reading about it long before it was a big deal. At that time, no one knew the EXACT date. In fact, 2012 is the middle-of-the-road number. According to what I read, the year could be 2011, 2012, or 2013. The month could be November, December, or January. The day could be 20th, 21st, or 22nd. After which there was a theory that even with those dates, the time could be waaaaaay off by 10 years--or 100 years or 1,000 years. So, since no one can say for certain, New Agers apparently have narrowed it down for everyone.
Or maybe it is the "fact" that on December 21, 2012, the winter solstice occurs and we move through the galaxy horizon at the same time. That's really not that significant of an occurance, but hey, what the heck? It might just be enough to usher in an alien or god or satan.
Then there's also the sun to take into consideration. In 2012, the sun should be turning up for a solar maximum, which means lots of solar activity. I've also read that (approximately) 2012, the sun should also realign itself. It was explained that the sun has something like three spins--north, south, and equatorial. Every 26,000 years, and where have we all heard that number before, the sun's spins all connect and spin together, thus creating a solar realignment. Sounds odd to me, but I'm just repeating what I've read.
And all of these things are to occur around 2012. Yay. So, December 21, 2012, it is. It's all going to culminate that day. And, as far as what I've read about the Mayan calendar, it's not supposed to actually be the end...it's supposed to be an end of an era or age. There are to be trials and tribulations, death and destruction, but that's all before that date. On that date, God will come back and save the chosen who pass his judgement. I have a feeling that won't include me, but that's ok. On December 21, 2012, I don't intend to prostrate myself before anyone or anything. If I am or do, then it's probably because I started celebrating Christmas a few days early and had a bit too much eggnog or hot-buttered rum and am praying to a porcelain god.
But, let's first get through 2011 and see if the researchers were right or wrong about being off by a year. Who knows what December 21, 2011, will bring? Until then, HAPPY 2011 NEW YEAR!!!!
But, what if....
Here's my biggest what if with regard to the Mayan calendar prophecy of 2012. I remember reading about it long before it was a big deal. At that time, no one knew the EXACT date. In fact, 2012 is the middle-of-the-road number. According to what I read, the year could be 2011, 2012, or 2013. The month could be November, December, or January. The day could be 20th, 21st, or 22nd. After which there was a theory that even with those dates, the time could be waaaaaay off by 10 years--or 100 years or 1,000 years. So, since no one can say for certain, New Agers apparently have narrowed it down for everyone.
Or maybe it is the "fact" that on December 21, 2012, the winter solstice occurs and we move through the galaxy horizon at the same time. That's really not that significant of an occurance, but hey, what the heck? It might just be enough to usher in an alien or god or satan.
Then there's also the sun to take into consideration. In 2012, the sun should be turning up for a solar maximum, which means lots of solar activity. I've also read that (approximately) 2012, the sun should also realign itself. It was explained that the sun has something like three spins--north, south, and equatorial. Every 26,000 years, and where have we all heard that number before, the sun's spins all connect and spin together, thus creating a solar realignment. Sounds odd to me, but I'm just repeating what I've read.
And all of these things are to occur around 2012. Yay. So, December 21, 2012, it is. It's all going to culminate that day. And, as far as what I've read about the Mayan calendar, it's not supposed to actually be the end...it's supposed to be an end of an era or age. There are to be trials and tribulations, death and destruction, but that's all before that date. On that date, God will come back and save the chosen who pass his judgement. I have a feeling that won't include me, but that's ok. On December 21, 2012, I don't intend to prostrate myself before anyone or anything. If I am or do, then it's probably because I started celebrating Christmas a few days early and had a bit too much eggnog or hot-buttered rum and am praying to a porcelain god.
But, let's first get through 2011 and see if the researchers were right or wrong about being off by a year. Who knows what December 21, 2011, will bring? Until then, HAPPY 2011 NEW YEAR!!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Merry Christmas!!
Just in time for the holidays is a story I've wanted to write for a long time. This is based on the true story of my sister's death on December 24, 1983. Amid the scant details of what happened, I've written my "imagining" of what transpired that night.
My sister had left her husband, who looked exactly like a painting of the white Jesus Christ that so many of us know. My sister had one child already, a little girl, and she and he had a baby boy. On Christmas Eve, he had taken the kids to his family's home for a visit. Later, he drove his van to where my sister was staying, and they argued in the street. He wouldn't let her have the kids and she wouldn't go back to him. With the kids in the backseat of the van, he shot my sister in the street then turned the gun on himself. My sister bled to death. He shot across the back of his eyes, forever blinding himself, but he lived. Some time later, he called my mother.
To this day, I wonder if the last thing he saw is forever etched into his mind.
I've tried to write this story before, but the words were never right. So, I waited. Then, on December 7, 2010, the words played out in my head. I immediately opened a Word doc and started to type. Between interruptions, in two hours I pounded this out. I did a bit of editing a little later, and the next day edited some more. My daughter looked it over quickly as well. After that, I was pleased with it as it was and sent it to The Molotov Cocktail. The want and love dark, flash stories. They published it.
To me, I have immortalized my sister. I can do no more or less than that. Please click on this link http://themolotovcocktail.com/past-issues/vol-1-issue-19/merrychristmas/ and read my story "Merry Christmas" at The Molotov Cocktail.
Read it for her.
My sister had left her husband, who looked exactly like a painting of the white Jesus Christ that so many of us know. My sister had one child already, a little girl, and she and he had a baby boy. On Christmas Eve, he had taken the kids to his family's home for a visit. Later, he drove his van to where my sister was staying, and they argued in the street. He wouldn't let her have the kids and she wouldn't go back to him. With the kids in the backseat of the van, he shot my sister in the street then turned the gun on himself. My sister bled to death. He shot across the back of his eyes, forever blinding himself, but he lived. Some time later, he called my mother.
To this day, I wonder if the last thing he saw is forever etched into his mind.
I've tried to write this story before, but the words were never right. So, I waited. Then, on December 7, 2010, the words played out in my head. I immediately opened a Word doc and started to type. Between interruptions, in two hours I pounded this out. I did a bit of editing a little later, and the next day edited some more. My daughter looked it over quickly as well. After that, I was pleased with it as it was and sent it to The Molotov Cocktail. The want and love dark, flash stories. They published it.
To me, I have immortalized my sister. I can do no more or less than that. Please click on this link http://themolotovcocktail.com/past-issues/vol-1-issue-19/merrychristmas/ and read my story "Merry Christmas" at The Molotov Cocktail.
Read it for her.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Come and see...
Come and see ultradimensional beings conversing with a human and showing the human of things to come. My theory is that the being is not alien, but a direct descendant (that's right, I said descendant)of US today. Read my other blogs for details on this theory.
The Seals
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3 ¶ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
5 ¶ And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
7 ¶ And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
9 ¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
12 ¶ And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16 and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17 for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.
The Revelation
of St. John the Divine
6
The Seals
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3 ¶ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
5 ¶ And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
7 ¶ And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
9 ¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
12 ¶ And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16 and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17 for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.
The Revelation
of St. John the Divine
6
NOT!!
Ok, so not-so-baaaaack. Unfortunately, my best made plan fell through. So, I think I'll come up with a Plan B...or C...or D...whatever. I'm hoping to come up with something at least once a week. Maybe something I've read somewhere that I had thoughts about or research for a story idea. Or, maybe even just a story idea. Not sure what to write, but I am sure that writing is my saving grace. I feel better when I write. In fact, just today I received my email newsletter from Rob Parnell at "Easy Way To Write." This was his "Christmas Message from the EWTW." I skimmed through it (since I was at work) but at the bottom, something special caught my eye. He says that he believes that one's true happiness is deeply linked to personal creativity. I couldn't agree more, based on my own feelings when writing. And I agree with him that even though most people, myself included, will say things that make them unhappy about life are the obvious things, the true, deeper reason is a lack of freedom--a freedom to create.
That being said, I think I'll take Rob's encouragement to all creative people and follow my heart. Make the time to follow my instincts--even if it's only for a few minutes a day. If only 30 minutes a day of exercise can make me physically healthier, then 30 minutes a day of creativity can make me mentally healthier.
I make the time to ride my bike. Now I need to make the time to type in a computer.
That being said, I think I'll take Rob's encouragement to all creative people and follow my heart. Make the time to follow my instincts--even if it's only for a few minutes a day. If only 30 minutes a day of exercise can make me physically healthier, then 30 minutes a day of creativity can make me mentally healthier.
I make the time to ride my bike. Now I need to make the time to type in a computer.
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