We watched it tonight, and thoroughly enjoyed it. You know, it was really nice to see a German film that was not art-housey pastiche film-noire, or out-and-out weird.  This film was more Scandinavian or French in flavour.  It most certainly could never be made into an Hollywood or even British version!

Now, the fact is trhat I have a soft-spot for foodie movies.  For me (and probably zillions of others), it started with Albert Finney and that chicken in "Tom Jones"!  I relished the food scenes. Later, I loved "Babette's Feast", "Chocolat", and "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman".

I would still like to see "Tortilla Soup", "Like Water for Chocolate", "Big Night", "Vatel" with Gérard Depardieu, and "Mostly Martha" -- but back to "Eden"...

Overall, I thought Michael Hofmann did a good job of directing the food and the rain! The fat chef was played by Josef Ostendorf, and he did an excellent job in that role; he has the girth, and the hands/ gestures/ chef-techniques, but also he has a face that says nothing or everything -- with little in-between.  The result is an enigmatic performance.

I think it is an extremely difficult role; a passion for food is blended with the chef's upbringing -- and it seems that there are medical reasons why the man cannot have a romance with a woman. One is led to think that passions are redirected to the art of cooking instead -- but has he fallen in love with the waitress?

There is a truth in that.  I can think of a great many examples of men who have no girlfriends, friends, family or wives, and who are therefore able to throw themselves wholeheartedly into their passions for the likes of mathematics, computers and so forth.  They have no distractions nor dependants, and it is always interesting to see what would happen if they got a girl, or if they somehow became "cool". So the story of the fat chef rang true in "Eden", but I am not convinced that the girl was quite "right".

This waitress was married, and had a disabled child.  The role was played by rude and crude German pop TV presenter, Charlotte Roche.  It was excellent casting in that Roche is "plain" -- and that would be true to the character of the fat chef... a good-looking girl would not have been plausible for this tale; we needed an ordinary-looking person.  The only weird thing was the disabled daughter -- what was the point of all that?

The plot dynamic was down to the waitress's husband -- without him, there would be no film/ plot. Devid Striesow played "Xaver" very well indeed. It would be foolish to jump to the conclusion that Xaver was the "baddy".

The trouble was that Xaver found his wife's new dinners delicious, that he actually sneaked into the restaurant and had his mind blown by the chef's food -- he even gave him a round of applause! He begged the fat chef to leave his family alone -- and he made a giant love-heart for his wife.  Hey -- the guy even went against his own family to be with the plain waitress and the disabled kid, working a lowly job and forgetting his dreams of being a lawyer. How could we HATE him?

The film's name - "Eden" -- is what it is all about.  Eden is the name of the waitress, but it is also taken to mean "heaven on Earth" -- which is what the chef's food was described as, and it brings to mind ideas about "forbidden fruit" and consequences.

Eden manipulated the husband and the chef.  She had no intention of leaving her husband, but she also had no intention of leaving the fat chef's food either! The fat chef had never had female interest before and so was beguiled -- but unable to do anything other than cook (for medical reasons).  The husband was nothing but a disappointment and so was sensitive to how other see things.

She was thoughtless of others an completely selfish! Xaver, her husband, did not know any medical reasons why they might not have an affair, he did not know he had ruined the chef by smashing the wine, he was fighting for his dignity, for his wife and family, he did not intend for anything other than to be left alone -- he wanted to chase the fat chef out of town, and even to fight with him to teach him a lesson.

Eden did not invite her husband along at any time, even though he loved good food.  It was her personal selfish treat -- and her response to his night out with the boys.  It is forbidden to have friendships with men when you are married. Everyone knows that women are attracted to men for their wealth, skills, mind, and so on -- least of all for their looks.

In the end, there was a sort-of duel -- of honour, and the triangle got squared again. As a result of a plain looking woman, everyone's lives had changed immeasurably, including a genius's.  The funny thing about this film was that, despite being the linchpin of the whole shebang, Eden didn't have to be a well-acted role.  Despite being the title role, the part -- really -- was a supporting one. Striesow was excellent, but the film was Ostendorf's through and through.

Our conclusion is that this is a good film, a traditional tragedy, but with lots of German colouring and foody stuff! Worth watching if you like that sort of thing.

I know it's probably questionable how many people actually want to read my poetry, and so that's why I haven't posted any around here lately (if you are curious to look at what poems I have posted in the past, click here and sift through the Getting Creative posts; there are only a couple pages worth at this point in my blog's life, so it's easy hunting) but here's another one from my vaults, written during a brief period when I wrote several Christ-inspired poems.

I have another post I'll be doing today, but it's more of a rant than anything else, and whatever spiritual spin I will put on it will be slight, so I thought this poem could help fill what otherwise might be a  spiritual vacuum in today's postings.

The first tree—
A tree in a garden was our downfall
Or rather—
The man who ate off it
caused our
fall

          Oh, Adam, why?
          You poisoned your soul
          corrupted your seed
          damned descendants—
          for a taste of fruit
          You listened to Satan's lies
          You drowned out your Father's love.

The second tree—
—Our family tree—
—Adam's tree
was as corrupt as his broken spirit

Humans born sinners
from the
start

Because of disobedience

But it pleased God
to make a way
to replant—
—that family tree

          A second Adam
          to obey and serve
          and make us children of God
          —again.

          Jesus.

The third tree—
A tree of death
upon which a godly man was nailed

A grim tree
But a tree from which
Jesus's spirit leapt—
carrying our sins with him

 He restored the way
—to God

          The only son
          defeated sin and death
          reclaimed—
          what Adam lost
          —for us

The fourth tree—
The new family tree

Its fruit those who love Jesus
And who can be called
—children of God

Not because they deserve to
But because
The son of God let himself
be nailed—

To a tree.

We have to reach the park!

J'attendais ce dernier opus avec impatience mais je m'étais promise de ne pas replonger dans la troisième dimension...j'ai craqué ce matin ^^)  Mais je me suis promise une chose en le prenant (seul moyen de faire taire ma conscience), je ne le déballerais que après avoir rendu mon rapport de stage..il va donc trainer (trôner ?) sur mon étagère un certain temps (jusqu'au 25 aout ^^)

Alone in the dark en deux mots? Un héros a la Half life se réveille sans savoir qui il est, ou il est et surtout ce qu'on attends de lui. Après c'est un peu la course tout le long du jeu (a la 24H).

Ce qui diffère ce jeu des autres? Une liberté d'action et donc plus d'interactivité (le genre de jeu que l'on se fait 4 fois de suite de manière différentes (bons souvenirs d'Arcanum : Heroes must decide :)

Pourquoi Alone in the dark et pas Alone in the dark 5? David Nadal, directeur de Eden studios en charge du projet souhaitait un vent neuf sur la série..transformer le jeu en référence.

[dailymotion id=x5uili]

==================================

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

[[ Of course, we're only concerned with some Muslims and the Cardinal... ]]

FINAL DECLARATION OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE FOR DIALOGUE
OF THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE OF AL-AZHAR
FOR DIALOGUE AMONG THE MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS
AND THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL
FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
(CAIRO, 25-26 FEBRUARY 2008 )

Final Declaration [[ final, for the moment... ]]

- Believing in the role of monotheistic religions [[ belief is reserved to God, not in a function of what are called religions, correctly or incorrectly... ]] in providing a firm foundation [[ which is what, exactly, Islam as a revealed religion, with Muhammad as the Prophet? Really? ]] for the values of peace, truth, justice, right behaviour and cooperation in the development and use of the earth's resources for the benefit of the whole of humanity, thus realising fraternity, peace and happiness for all peoples; [[ As I've recalled elsewhere in these postings, it was Communion and Liberation which, years ago, put out the brilliant statement that the best way to get rid of Christianity is to reduce everything to the sharing of nice values, for, in that case, no one is responsible for providing the nice values, but these are brought about by a concensus based on fallen human nature, which, then, always but always shoots for lowest common denominator of expedience for me, myself and I. Does anyone see the irony? ]]

- Affirming that it is important that these noble principles [[ now they are called principles, noble at that. But, I ask, by what criteria? ]] and exemplary values [[ exemplary... right... a merely exterior provision of example, like that will get anyone anywhere fast. We don't have the strength in our fallen human nature to do the right thing for pure motivation. We need redemption. Muslims reject both original sin and redemption. So, what is being said here? ]] guide human behaviour [[ since this is just external, is this not rather violent? ]], especially at the present time when boundaries and distinctions between peoples are decreasing [[ a bad thing? Patriotism is best lived in this manner... ]] and the phenomenon of violence, extremism, terrorism is increasing, together with contempt for religions, religious values and everything that is considered sacred; [[ and that contempt is there because religion is reduced to external, exemplary values which no one can follow unless people humbly face the effects of original sin and humbly accept redemption. ]]

- Taking into consideration the place of al-Azhar al-Sharif, its history and its distinguished role within the Islamic world; [[ O.K. Mecca is the pilgrimage centre, but al-Azhar is the religious centre of Islam... This is a bit blurry, however, when we speak of so many kinds of Islam. It is not homogenous, nor can it be, inasmuch as it is a merely human institution, unlike the Catholic religion, which is founded by the Son of God Himself. Are you with me, your Eminence? ]]

- Taking into consideration also the specific task of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue within the Catholic Church; [[ And what would that be, not on paper, but in practice, your Eminence? ]]

- Recognizing on both sides the importance of mutual knowledge [[ O.K. ]] and of the search for common ground between the two religions [[ well, it being that Muhammad was a Judeo-Christian heretic, there is, in fact, much common source material, such as the would-be sacrifice of Abraham's son, but that's precisely where any similiarity ends, once we see to what extent Muhammad twisted the Jewish and Catholic Scriptures. ]] as a basis for wider cooperation [[ doing is based on reason, and reason cannot have such action as its sole motivation, for, in that case, reason would unreasonably be turned into a tool used for the establishment of expedience. ]] and improved relations; [[ like a cup of tea? Nothing more. ]]

- The Joint Committee held its annual Meeting at al-Azhar headquarters on Monday 25 February and Tuesday 26 February 2008 under the joint presidency of Professor Sheikh Abd al-Fattah Alaam, Wakil of al-Azhar, and President of the Permanent Committee of al-Azhar for Dialogue with Monotheistic Religions, and His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

The Committee, with the help of papers presented by Reverend Father René-Vincent de Grandlaunay and Professor Abdallah Mabrouk al-Naggar, examined the theme of Faith in God and Love of Neighbour as the Foundations for Interreligious Dialogue. [[ We might have more on that later. ]]

During its exchanges the Committee underlined common principles [[ we'll see what those are below... Those have developed into ten points, and then, well, we don't yet know what then, as the final result has not yet been published up to now. ]] and emphasised shared spiritual [[ really? Like what? ]] and moral values [[ really? Like what? ]]. These help to form the conscience [[ Islamic principles forming the Catholic conscience. I see. Or is it "relgiosity" that we are talking about here? You know, that other, new, revealted religion called "religiosity", which is pushed by the Cardinal. ]] and enlighten reason [[ now there's a phrase that needs some work... ]], providing [[ external, don't forget... ]] guidance to thought and behaviour, in particular as regards relations with brothers and sisters of the other religion [[ who, in that case, may also belong to the "religiosity religion". ]]. The Committee also discussed the question of freedom of expression [[ not of religion, but of a critique of a religion ]], noting that it can never justify harming people's feelings in religious matters [[ why not? I'm all for respecting people, but sometimes fallen human nature needs a bit of a kick, given in all charity, of course. Has no one read the Jewish prophets? Has no one read what Christ said and did? Has no one read about Saint Paul, Saint James, Saint Peter, Saint...?  ]], thus creating strained relations and destroying brotherly love [[ Provocation for the sake of provocation is evil. But provocation for the sake of destroying fallen human love for the sake of providing an opportunity to be lifted up into the Living Truth and Charity that God is, is, well, good ]].

The Committee strongly condemned the republication of offensive cartoons and the rising number of attacks against Islam and its Prophet, as also other attacks against religion [[ as this blog has done numerous times ]]. Note was taken of the words of Pope Benedict XVI, in a speech to the Ambassador of Morocco to the Holy See, in which he expressed his conviction that: "in order to favour peace and understanding between peoples and human beings, it is necessary that their religions and symbols be respected, and that believers not be the object of provocations which cause harm to their religious commitment and feelings" (20 February 2006). [[ Isn't that nice? The Cardinal has slightly changed the wording of Pope Benedict and ripped his words out of context, perverting their meaning. But we'll see this below, where I'll provide the words of Pope Benedict in full. ]]

The members of the Committee expressed their satisfaction at the agreement reached, seeing this as an encouragement to continue to engage in dialogue. [[ agreement... ]]

At the end of the meeting the participants agreed upon the following recommendations: [[ recommendation. I don't know if this is the agreement or recommendations coming out of the agreement... ]]

1. to affirm that all religions [[ are hereby commanded to ]] respect the dignity and honour of the human person without consideration of race, colour, religion or conviction, and condemn any offence against personal integrity, property and honour; [[ that's reasonable, though it depends on what the property is. For instance, destroying the altar upon which children were sacrificed to the blood-goddess Kali in Calcutta, India (this happening centuries ago), would be a great service to humanity and real respect for the human person, even of those who had erected that altar. ]]

2. to foster true respect for religions [[ nope, not if these are false ]], beliefs [[ nope, not if these are false ]], religious symbols [[ nope, not if these lead one into error ]], holy Books [[ nope, not if these lead one into error ]] and whatever is considered sacred [[ regardless of whether it is... good one, your Eminence... ]]: religious leaders, both Muslim and Christian, as well as intellectuals and educators, should make every effort to inculcate these values in their activities in places of learning and in all levels of society; [[ Not on your life, your Eminence... ]]

3. to appeal to those responsible for the mass media, whether written or broadcast, in all countries, to be vigilant that freedom of expression not be taken as a pretext for offending religions, convictions, religious symbols and everything that is considered sacred, but rather to oppose extremism, to encourage mutual acceptance, love and respect for all [[ persons ]], regardless of their religion; [[ O.K. that's well phrased. ]]

4. to encourage exchange of views on matters of common concern which may arise; [[ necessary ]]

5. to assess the application of these recommendations during the coming meetings of the Committee. [[ intelligent, for what is good in these recommendations. ]]

The Committee agreed that is next would be held in Rome, 24-25 February 2009. [[ whatever... ]]

His Eminence Cardinal
Jean-Louis TAURAN
President of the Pontifical Council
for Interreligious Dialogue

Professor Sheikh
Abd al-Fattah Muhammad ALAAM
President of the Committee for Dialogue
Al-Azhar [[ Dear Professor... I mean... really... Are you serious? Are you laughing? ]]

=======================================

[[ Let's see what His Holiness actually said and meant, shall we? ]]

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
TO H.E. Mr ALI ACHOUR AMBASSADOR OF MOROCCO
TO THE HOLY SEE

Monday, 20 February 2006

Mr Ambassador,

I am pleased to welcome you, Your Excellency, at the presentation of the Letters accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Morocco to the Holy See.

I thank you for your kind words and for the courteous greetings that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has conveyed to me through you. Please reciprocate by expressing to His Majesty my esteem for the traditional hospitality of acceptance and understanding which for centuries has marked the relations of the Kingdom of Morocco with the Catholic Church. I would be grateful if you will kindly assure His Majesty of my fervent good wishes for himself and for the happiness and prosperity of the noble Moroccan people.

Mr Ambassador, you have told me of the efforts made by your Country that has just celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence, to progress towards a modern, democratic and prosperous future.

One cannot but be delighted at this progress that should enable all Moroccans to live in security and in dignity, so that each one may play an active part in the social and political life of the Country. Indeed, an authentic democracy demands consensus on a certain number of essential values, such as the transcendent dignity of the human person, respect for human rights, the "common good" as the purpose and criterion for the regulation of political life (cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, n. 407).

Moreover, an ever closer collaboration among the countries bordering the Mediterranean, which began several years ago, should make it possible to face with determination and perseverance not only matters concerning security and peace in the region, but also the question of the development of societies and people with a renewed awareness of the duty of solidarity and justice. For this reason now, more than ever, the Mediterranean is called to be a place of meeting and dialogue between peoples and cultures.

Among the serious problems that the countries bordering the Mediterranean must face, the phenomenon of migration is a major factor in inter-State relations. Migrants from the less privileged regions in search of a better standard of living are coming in ever-greater numbers to knock at Europe's doors. This gives more and more of them an illegal status and sometimes creates situations that seriously threaten people's dignity and safety.

Consequently, the institutions of the host or transit country must take care not to consider migrants as a commodity or a mere work force, and to respect their fundamental rights and human dignity. The precarious situation of so many foreigners should foster solidarity between the nations concerned and contribute to the development of the migrants' countries of origin.

Indeed, these problems cannot be solved by policies that are exclusively national. It is through greater collaboration between all the countries concerned that effective solutions to these distressing situations will be found.

Mr Ambassador, you stressed your Country's contribution to the dialogue between civilizations, cultures and religions. For her part, in the present international context with which we are familiar, the Catholic Church remains convinced that to encourage peace and understanding between peoples and people, it is urgently necessary that religions and their symbols be respected and that believers not be the object of provocations that wound their outlook and religious sentiments.[[ My emphasis. Here are Tauran's words: "in order to favour peace and understanding between peoples and human beings, it is necessary that their religions and symbols be respected, and that believers not be the object of provocations which cause harm to their religious commitment and feelings". Not significantly different, you say? Think again. Look at the context of Benedicts words. This follows: ]]

However, intolerance and violence as a response to offences [[ my emphasis ]] can never be justified, for this type of response is incompatible with the sacred principles of religion [[ this is the correct reading of Nostra aetate ]]; consequently, we cannot but deplore the actions of those who deliberately exploit the offence caused to religious sentiments to stir up acts of violence, especially since such action is contrary to religion.

For believers, as for all people of good will, the only path that leads to peace and brotherhood is that of respect for the religious convictions and practices of others, so that the practice of the religion a person has freely chosen may be guaranteed to each one. [[ My emphasis. This is the clincher. Respect does not mean equality of all religions or accepting anything of whatever other religion as true. It simply means not holding a gun to someone's head to make them convert. This does not rule out the ruling out of certain practices. This is confirmed with the bit about violence further above. This is extremely clever in a good sense. Good on you, your Holiness! ]]

Mr Ambassador, through you I would also like to address a warm greeting to the members of the Catholic community of Morocco and to their Pastors. May they have at heart to live their Christian vocation joyfully, witnessing ever more generously to the love of God for all men and women, in fruitful collaboration with them all!

At the time when you are beginning your mission to the Holy See, Your Excellency, I offer you my best wishes for the noble task that awaits you. With my collaborators you will always find the attentive welcome and cordial understanding you may need.

I wholeheartedly invoke an abundance of Blessings from the Most High upon you, Your Excellency, upon your family, your collaborators, the Moroccan People and its leaders.

© Copyright 2006 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

===================

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===================

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Cheers! לחיים

1. terrorist threats have been coming in...

2. someone came from the Middle-East the other day to tell me, as a courtesy, that in his opinion I have not long to live, and...

3. and... -- if that's not enough -- it looks like I've become the favorite read of some gum-shoes who have started putting up dozens of my posts, not snippets by way of an aggregator, but the whole posts. "Welcome!" to them as as well!

Amazing, that, since I've tried to do an absolute "block" of the blog for various reasons. That didn't work. O.K. We'll continue. Welcome back, Jackass Trilogy readers!

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Welcome to new visitors! To read about why the tags for these posts are the way they are, and so to read more about the murderous intrigue of interreligious politics between Jews, Catholics and Muslims by way of what I hope is a trilogy of novels being blogged out here, click on the blog-header for the table of contents. Make sure to read all the opening pages of the Trilogy to see what this is all about. Then go to the full posts-page for day to day fisking.

Cheers! לחיים

===================

Welcome to new visitors! To read about why the tags for these posts are the way they are, and so to read more about the murderous intrigue of interreligious politics between Jews, Catholics and Muslims by way of what I hope is a trilogy of novels being blogged out here, click on the blog-header for the table of contents. Make sure to read all the opening pages of the Trilogy to see what this is all about. Then go to the full posts-page for day to day fisking.

Cheers! לחיים

planting_guide_eden

and some seed sites for later too...

http://www.selectorganic.com.au/content/default.asp

http://www.edenseeds.com.au/content/default.asp

and something else interesting...

http://azsustainability.com/2008/05/12/rainwater-harvesting-vertical-garden/

Last week for an early 30th birthday present my boyfriend and I visited The Eden Project and then saw Bill Bailey (comedian) live at The Eden Project in the evening. It was brilliant, even the sun shined for most of the day and Bill Bailey was as ever hilariously funny.

Its the first time I have been to The Eden Project and I was stunned by its size, scale and beauty. The main attractions are the 2 biomes, one is the Tropical Rainforest and when they say tropical temperatures they mean it! it was very hot and humid inside as we walked through the giant banana trees and waterfalls, it was brilliant and the second biome was the Mediterranean climate of UK, Europe, California and South Western Australia concentrating on the arid and drought loving plants.

Other exhibits include the worldwide vegetable garden and allotment which put my beetroot to shame, some fabulous sculptures, educational centre, Monster of Waste, sweetpea garden, plant and gift shop.

I highly recommend visiting The Eden Project as it is superb what they have done to transform an old clay quarry into a highly acclaimed ecological tourist attraction.

11.07.08

I love to have it as my pen name.

Genesis 5:3-32 ³And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat (a son) in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: ⁴and the days of Adam after he begat Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters. ⁵And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. ⁶And Seth lived a hundred and five years, and begat Enosh: ⁷and Seth lived after he begat Enosh eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters: ⁸and all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died. ⁹And Enosh lived ninety years, and begat Kenan. ¹⁰and Enosh lived after he begat Kenan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters: ¹¹and all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years: and he died. ¹²And Kenan lived seventy years, and begat Ma-hal'alel: ¹³and Kenan lived after he begat Ma-hal'alel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters: ¹⁴and all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died. ¹⁵And Ma-hal'alel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: ¹⁶And Ma-hal’alel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters: ¹⁷and all the days of Ma-hal'alel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died. ¹⁸And Jared lived a hundred sixty and two years, and begat Enoch: ¹⁹and Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: ²⁰And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died. ²¹And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methu'selah: ²²and Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: ²³and all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: ²⁴and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. ²⁵And Methu'selah lived a hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech: ²⁶and Methu'selah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters. ²⁷And all the days of Methu'selah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. ²⁸And Lamech lived a hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: ²⁹and he called his name Noah, saying, ‘This same shall comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, (which cometh) because of the ground which Jehovah hath cursed.’ ³⁰And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters: ³¹And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died. ³²And Noah was five hundred years old: And Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (ASV)

The obvious major difference between these two genealogies is the amount of space given to each of them. Cain’s genealogy consists of 6 verses and 131 words, while Seth’s genealogy consists of 30 verses and 464 words. The ages given are the next major difference. There is also the conspicuous lack mention in Seth’s line of any women by name other than Eve, but even her name is only mentioned in an earlier chapter. As far as Seth is concerned, she is not mentioned by name but I believe it is implied that Eve was his mother and that is also what every Jewish text on the subject I have read believes or implies as well.

In Seth’s genealogy also, the writer took special care to tell us, that even though only one son was mentioned, that in each case, including Adam, the individual had many other sons and daughters. How many is never given, but with the long lives they lived, well over one hundred would not be impossible for any one of the patriarchs. After all Noah was still having sons at age 500. We also know that when sons are listed in the Biblical genealogies, it is never in birth order, but rather in order of their importance to the genealogical line.

This fact brings up a curious point about Noah’s three sons. The text says:  ³²And Noah was five hundred years old: And Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. I once read a commentary that suggested that this passage says that Shem, Ham, and Japheth were triplets, because the literal translation here says that Noah had all three sons when he was 500. There is no Biblical evidence to support this; in fact there is a passage that actually disputes this.

Genesis 10:21 ²¹And children were born also to Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder. (NKJV)

Genesis 10:21 clearly states that one brother was older than the other, although which was the eldest is also debatable as some versions, such as the one above says that Japheth was the eldest, but other versions such as American Standard Version shown below, says that Shem was the eldest:

Genesis 10:21 ²¹And unto Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth. (ASV)

Of course the argument here is that one was older only by birth order, not by years, but I think that is a long stretch of the facts and intent of the writer. If they were triplets, I think there birth would have been recorded in much the same way that Esau’s and Jacob’s birth was recorded. Even though the three brothers are almost always listed as Shem, Ham, and Japheth, I believe this passage suggests that Ham was the youngest of the three, but anytime you say the three names in sequence, Shem, Ham, and Japheth just seems to roll off the tongue easier. Whether Shem or Japheth was the oldest cannot be known with certainty; however, the majority of translations suggest Shem was the elder, so in my fiction books (http://thewitnesschronicles.com/WC_Books.htm) I always put Shem as the eldest, then Japheth, then Ham. One more point regarding Noah and his sons, is that there is no mention of Noah having other sons or daughters as with the others before him. But given the fact that he was 500 before the other three were born, I can’t imagine he lived 500 years and did not have other sons and daughters before this time. So that leaves us with two possibilities; one, Noah had no children before his 500th year, or two, none of his other children were worthy of following in his footsteps, i.e., they did not follow the ways of Seth, and so only those born after Noah began to build the Ark were allowed to go in.

One last point of interest before we leave this topic. In the Line of Seth, there are two names that are often confusing. The first is the name of Kenan or Cainan. Different Bible translations spell this name differently and as hard as I have tried to find out why, I have not come up with a good answer to this. Therefore we simply must conclude that it is just a matter of preference, but either way, Kenan and Cainan are one in the same person. Cainan; however, cannot in anyway be confused with Cain as he was obviously born several generations. Since Kenan's death is recorded in at the age of 910 in verse 5:14, he also cannot be confused with Canaan as some have tried to suggest. The other confusing name is of course the name of Lemech. There is a Lemech mentioned in both the line of Cain and the line of Seth, but once again we have two different spellings in various translations that are often used to distinguish between the two. The descendant of Cain is almost always spelled Lemech, but the descendant of Seth is spelt as either Lemech or Lamech. I always use the Lamech version for Noah's father to ensure they are kept straight, however the below chart can help to clarify this by generation as well.

Similarities in Names between the Sons of Cain and the Sons of Seth

The one thing that often confuses people when reading this part of the Bible is the fact that so many of the names in Cain’s and Seth’s genealogies seem to be the same. Below is a chart by generation to help clarify the two genealogies. It is clear that the due to the difference in generations, the two lines are quite distinct from one another.

Generations of Cain and Seth

To read more of my essays on Genesis or to learn more about my fiction series, The Witness Chronicles, based on the stories in Genesis, visit my website at http://thewitnesschronicles.com.

Abbiamo selezionato qualche video da riproporre a chi non è potuto esserci e qualche foto per mostrare quanto era carino il nostro cantante con quella camicia e soprattutto i progressi che ha fatto nell'abbinamento dei colori! Ci sarà lo zampino di qualcuno/a? :)

Cogliamo l'occasione per annunciarvi in anteprima la mini-tournee Morro-Elpidiense di fine luglio dei wALL sTRAITS che farà tappa appunto il giorno venerdi 25 luglio al bar Eden di Morrovalle ed il 26 luglio alla birreria Fever di Porto Sant'Elpidio. A breve si trovera online il relativo merchandising...   magliette della salute,  canottiere, salopette e pancere.

Grazie di nuovo a tutti e che il Rock sia con voi!

!!!

Walk of life - Expresso Love - Twisting by the pool - Going home (Wild theme from Local Hero)

As I, TelepathicPebble, ventured the world, I saw many treasures. Treasures that could be admired, inspired, and even exploited. For this world was one of a delicate sort. It's bright petals could be shaken, shaken so hard every petal would fall loose, adrift in the wind. It soon became clear that no hand could touch this beauty, and it was to be forever so.

From this beauty emerged my jealousy and denial. From this beauty emerged every evil ever horrored. It was to this that I had been corrupted. To this I had blamed. So as I sat, perched aloft mankind's greed, there I realized my fault, my utmost doom. I had begun to slumber though, and slept all through out the nightmare.

It was till I woke did I notice my cage. That the view I had once before was now twisted and skewed. It was always dark out side. And yet I still peered through the blinds of the window, waiting, wondering.

When I finally took the chance, when I finally left the room to which I despised, there now among me was food. What kind of food you ask? Well it wasn't good! In it lingered smells never associated with food. Perhaps I was ungrateful, or perhaps it was the stinking truth that one must swallow. Whatever it was, it sure wasn't good.

After returning the food to which it came, I was now tired, sick, and hungry. Thus I had one last hope. As I entered a new dominion in search of substance, suddenly a shocking smell hit the air. It was the smell of fresh apples! I ran to it. Though what I found, what I really found, was ice. Nearby was a knife, my eyes darted to and fro. I grabbed the knife, it's wooden handle splintered me, but I continued to hold on. I stabbed it's blade through the ice, making slight indentations.

Time flew by fast, in mere hours I was no where closer. Though after the tenth day and tenth night I made an impact: half an apple was now gleaming from out the ice.  It's red color renewed me, and I started the dig again with an improved impact. At dawn of the eleventh day, I had removed the apple from it's frozen cell. I held it to the heavens, claiming it's righteous power.

No sooner was I claiming it's power was I now running mad with fear. The apple was cursed with a deathly beauty. My eyes strained tiredly as I squinted at my surroundings. The apple was no more. For I had made my way to the woods. For in the shade of nature I clung. In her ruins I wept. As sparkling dropplets fell to the barren ground below, my hands also fell, fell upon her rumble. In anger I clutched these fallen cities within my grasp, their eyes lay upon me in hope. They held to me like a frog upon a wall of white, as I held to them as a wall of white upon a frog.

And as we, together, held on, our very nature became alike. My inner eye was unleashed upon the world, to explore and protect, never again would I hold off.

The courtyard was a convincing Eden. That was the idea. The workday needed a momentary break from it's sterility. It seemed the world was mostly in the sky or boxed in cold steel. Momentum could afford such grandiose break rooms.

Heilen looked around at the Private Service Agents. She wondered how they went from eating boxed lunches to breaking someone's face moments later.

"Dicks!" she heard someone grumble.

Heilen glanced over her shoulder in time to see the petite agent kick the metal recycle bin.

"Great boots," she whispered, peering at the black vinyl knee highs on the agent. The agent seemed infuriated over what appeared to be a malfunctioning lighter. She had a cigarette hanging from a pouty bottom lip, her asymmetrical bangs hung like black curtains sloping over one violet eye. She flicked and flicked with a fury.

"No smoking, I'm afraid." Heilen piped up.

"Excuse me?" The agent turned.

"Sorry," Heilen flushed, "The courtyard has an embedded humidity oxidation reduction system that renders anything that produces a flame practically useless."

"Dicks," the agent replied.

I enjoy depicting God in the funkiest way, say like a 60s producer or something. This color illustration - hey a color illustration on this blog is some kind of event! - is an attempt at giving a vivid coloring with Photoshop. Well, I'm pretty new at that, as I prefer line drawing and black and white, but still I like the result.

Click on the image to see the full size version.

PS (i might be tweaking the color balance on this illustration soon)

Jubilees 3:29-33 ...And at the close of the nineteenth jubilee, in the seventh week in the sixth year thereof, Adam died, and all his sons buried him in the land of his creation, and he was the first to be buried in the earth. And he lacked seventy years of one thousand years; for one thousand years are as one day in the testimony of the heavens and therefore was it written concerning the tree of knowledge: 'On the day that ye eat thereof ye shall die.' For this reason he did not complete the years of this day; for he died during it. At the close of this jubilee Cain was killed after him in the same year; for his house fell upon him and he died in the midst of his house, and he was killed by its stones; for with a stone he had killed Abel, and by a stone was he killed in righteous judgment. For this reason it was ordained on the heavenly tablets: With the instrument with which a man kills his neighbor with the same shall he be killed; after the manner that he wounded him, in like manner shall they deal  with him.

Other than this however, we know little about Cain's life or his children except for what the Bible tells us, which is not much more than what Jubilees tells us. We must remember however, Jubilees is not considered a canonical text by either the Jewish or Christian faiths, as it was not written until around 125 B.C. and has many historical and geographical errors in it. But it does tell us something about what many Jews believed and taught to their children in regards to the pre-flood world.

The most unique aspect of the story of Cain’s family, is that it does give us a snippet of insight into one son called Lemech. Now in some versions of the Bible, this name is spelled Lamech, just like the father of Noah, but in others it is spelled Lemech. I have chosen to use the Lemech spelling to refer to Cain’s descendent and Lamech in reference to Noah's father so as be clear as to whom I am talking about in each case.

The story of Lemech is very short, yet quite remarkable. Lemech was the seventh generation from Adam, just as Enoch, the patriarch in Noah’s line who was taken by God, but did not die.

Genesis 5:24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him way. (NIV)

I don’t believe that there is any real significance to that coincidence, but it is an interesting fact. However, without comparative ages for Cain’s family line, it not possible to know whether or not Lemech and Enoch were contemporaries. Nonetheless, out of all of Cain’s progeny, only Lemech gets special mention. This is what the Bible has to say about the line of Cain.

Genesis 4: 17-23 ¹⁷Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch. ¹⁸ To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lemech. ¹⁹ Lemech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. ²⁰ Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. ²¹ His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. ²² Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain's sister was Naamah. (NIV)

Then in verse 23, the story takes a twist. It tells us:

Genesis 4:23-24 Lemech said to his wives, Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lemech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lemech seventy-seven times. (NIV)

There are some subtle differences in the story in different translations. For instance the King James says:

Genesis 4:23 …I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man in my hurt. (KJV)

In the KJV, it appears that Lemech killed two men, not just one. It is impossible to tell from this passage if Lemech was being boastful, if he was being a bully, or if he also had been given some special protection by God. Although, since there is no specific mention in this statement that God had marked him for protection as He had Cain, that scenario is highly unlikely. It is possible that these killings were the first wrathful murders since Cain slew Able, so Lemech felt that if God had protected Cain for killing out of anger, He would also do the same for him. This is however, the last we hear of Lemech or the line of Cain in the Bible.

Some other notes of interest in the line of Cain is the mention of Lemech’s wives by name, Adah and Zillah. There are only 4 women mentioned in all the pre-food text, Eve, Adah, Zillah and Naamah. Not even Noah’s wife or the wives of Shem, Japheth or Ham are mentioned by name. The text here also mentions each of their sons; Adah had Jabal and Jubal, and Zillah had Tubal-Cain. Also Mentioned is Tubal Cain’s sister Naamah. Her name has led to a great deal of folklore and bad theology over the centuries. (See The Mark of Cain, http://thewitnesschronicles.com/Mark_of_Cain.htm) The text also tells us that Jabal was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock, his brother Jubal was the father of all who play the harp and flute, and their half-brother Tubal-Cain forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. This seems to be the beginning of organized civilization in the world before the flood. Prior to this, there is no mention whatsoever of how people lived or what kinds of trade or skills they possessed. It is necessary to mention here however, that the term "Father of" as mentioned in the text, may simply be a reference to their position over the Sheppards, Farmers, Metal Workers, and Musicians. It does not necessarily mean they were the first. Sometime when translating from Hebrew/Chaldee to English, some of the exact meaning gets distorted. Since all of these individuals were 8th generation and likely born hundreds of years after the development of cities and agricultural pursuits, this is probably one of those cases.

Now according the charts I’ve put together from the line of Seth (see Children of Seth, http://thewitnesschronicles.com/Children_of_Seth.htm), seventh/eighth generation would have been established around 600-700 years after creation of Adam. Therefore, from this point on, mankind would have begun a 1000 year slide downhill from this point to the place where God found it necessary to destroy them because they had become so violent. This timing would have also correlated with the ancient mythology of the Watchers, i.e., the Sons of God, taking the Daughters of Men as wives an creating the race known as the Nephilim. (see Sons of God and Daughters of Men, http://thewitnesschronicles.com/Sons_of_God.htm)

If you would like to read more of my essays on Genesis or learn more about my fiction series, The Witness Chronicles, based on the stories in Genesis, please visit my website at http://thewitnesschornicles.com or feel free to write to me directly at ken@thewitnesschronicles.com.

Dan pada malam ini, Tuhan kembali menurunkan Wahyu-Nya terkait dengan perubahan nama Komunitas Eden menjadi Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden. Demikian isi Wahyu Tuhan yang turun di Eden pada 8 Juli 2008, pukul 15.00 WIB.

Wahyu Tuhan

Perihal Perubahan Nama Komunitas Eden

“Saat ini Aku telah mengubah sebutan Komunitas Eden menjadi Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden. Hal itu Kujaminkan dengan kesucian mutlak para Rasul yang tercinta. Karena mereka telah suci murni dan takkan ternoda dosa lagi. Telah Kuazabkan dosa-dosa mereka yang terdahulu. Dan telah terjamin menyatu kekeramatan sumpah-sumpah mereka bersama-sama dengan Kemahakeramatan Sumpah-sumpah-Ku sendiri. Dan Aku perlu menjamin keluhuran dan kesucian Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden dengan Sumpah-Ku.

“Dan Aku bersumpah demi langit dan bumi dan demi keadilan yang merata bagi seluruh umat manusia dan seluruh bangsa-bangsa di dunia bahwa Aku menjamin kesucian mutlak seluruh anggota Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden yang Kuhadirkan ke atas bumi ini demi menyatakan kesucian Surga dan Kerajaan Eden.”

“Dan mereka pun telah bersumpah bersedia disucikan sampai pada kesucian mutlak. Dan Aku sendiri merasa perlu menjaminkan pensucian mereka sampai kepada kesucian mutlak. Dengan sendirinya Surga Eden itu wajib diemban oleh manusia-manusia yang kesuciannya terjamin mutlak.

“Telah Kubebaskan diri mereka semua dari hawa nafsu dan senantiasa Kujaga dari ketersalahan, sehingga telah aman Dewan Kerasulan-Ku ini dari kesalahan dan dosa-dosa apa pun. Karena sesungguhnya Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden itu amat keramat dan bertulah bagi mereka sendiri, kecuali bila mereka kukuh mempertahankan kesuciannya yang mutlak.

“Demikian pun Dewan Kerasulan tersebut mengandung tulah terhadap semua hal yang melawan Dewan. Kepatuhan terhadap Kami tak dapat disekutukan dengan apa pun. Oleh karenanya, Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden senantiasa terpelihara selalu dalam kebenaran mutlak dan dalam kejujuran mutlak serta selalu netral tanpa kompromi dan bertoleransi terhadap kepentingan ataupun kekuasaan selain Kepentingan Tuhan, dan segalanya yang diatasnamakan Kekuasaan Tuhan. Demikian Kami bersedia secara kukuh senantiasa menjaga keamanan dan pengayoman atasnya. Karena sesungguhnya Aku-lah yang mengurusi mereka secara langsung dan terus berkelangsungan secara menetap dan konsisten serta seksama, tanpa ada jeda dan tanpa perlu ada kekhawatiran takkan tertangani, kalau dikhawatirkan atau dicurigai sampai terjadi sesuatu kelancungan atau ketidakadilan dari perkara yang terkait dengan nama Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden.

“Dan atas Nama-Ku dan dengan mengatasnamakan Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden, takkan terjadi suatu kerjasama dalam hal apa pun atau aliansi manapun yang menetap dan berbadan hukum, sehingga dimungkinkan adanya pembagian keuntungan ataupun kerugian dengan pihak lain yang diatasnamakan. Sedalam apa pun kepentingan yang diurus dan yang dipentingkan, sampai diperolehnya Fatwa Ruhul Kudus yang bersedia diatasnamakan.

“Hanya sepengetahuan Ruhul Kudus sajalah dukungan dapat diberikan. Tak layak Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden membicarakan apa pun selain Fatwa-fatwa yang Kuwahyukan. Dan tiadalah Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden ini dapat memberikan dukungan apa pun untuk segala macam gerakan politik, ekonomi, sosial, keagamaan dan lain sebagainya sebab mereka harus tetap netral terhadap hal apa pun dan berpatuh mutlak terhadap Kebijaksanaan-Ku semata. Dan mereka hanya dapat selamanya berafiliasi terhadap domain pewahyuan saja, tiada yang lain. Untuk itu Kubenarkan Malaikat Jibril-Ruhul Kudus-lah yang dapat menetapkan kepada pihak mana saja yang diperkenankan dapat diberikan dukungan oleh Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden.

“Dan Aku selalu berkenan menurunkan Wahyu untuk menanggulangi masalah-masalahnya. Demikian Cara-Ku membenahi setiap masalah-masalah berat yang penuh dengan dilema. Malaikat Jibril berikhtiar dan Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden memperantarai ikhtiar Ruhul Kudus. Dan Aku-lah yang memutuskan dan memberi petunjuk-petunjuk yang bermanfaat dan menjadi penuntasan masalah. Demikian Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden tetap murni dan netral dan tidak dapat diganggu gugat, karena niscaya keterangan mereka adalah berasal dari Ketetapan-Ku.

“Sungguh Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden tak perlu ditambahkan keanggotaannya, bilamana pun diperlukan oleh suatu kondisi keadaan atau karena diharapkan ada penyempurnaan kualitas keilmuannya atau perubahan yang dikehendaki oleh kepengaruhan yang adidaya di dunia ini. Taklah seimbang keahlian dan kedigdayaan itu dengan keluhuran kesucian mutlak yang diberkati Tuhan karena di dalamnya selalu terkandung jalan keluar yang suci dan benar dan dapat mengatasi seberapapun tingkat dilema keilmuan dan kekuasaan adidaya. Taklah akan menjadi pengurai masalah-masalah sulit atau pelik dan berat bila yang diandalkan itu adalah hanya melalui penilaian bukti ilmiah dan campur tangan penguasa adidaya, karena bukti ilmiah dan keterpengaruhan kekuasaan adidaya belumlah dapat menjangkau kerumitan persoalan ketidakadilan serta persoalan negosiasi pamrih dan kepentingan dari berbagai pihak yang terliputkan. Atas nama Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden, Kami mendirikannya demi untuk memperantarai Kemahaadilan Tuhan.

“Sesungguhnya hanyalah kesucian mutlak sajalah yang Kami butuhkan atas diri mereka. Karena sesungguhnya, mereka itu semuanya hanya Kami perlukan untuk penegak tiang kesucian di tengah umat manusia di dunia ini. Segala urusan Kerajaan Eden, Surga Eden dan Mahkamah Agung Keilahian adalah Urusan-Ku semata secara langsung tanpa perantara. Dan itu merupakan Hak Prerogatif-Ku. Dan apa pun yang diselenggarakan oleh Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden telah merupakan perjanjian dengan-Ku dan amanat dari-Ku. Jadi, mereka hanya sebagai penyelenggara Amanat-amanat-Ku ataupun Wahyu-wahyu-Ku agar tersebar di kalangan umat manusia.

“Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden sudah menetap tak bisa bertambah walaupun sampai seluruhnya pada akhirnya meninggal dunia. Karena Wahyu-wahyu-Ku yang terkini telah terbit dan tercatat dan telah menetap di kalangan manusia pada zamannya. Dan setiap Wahyu-Ku selalu terjamin kekal selama-lamanya.

“Apa pun yang sudah terselenggara, itulah isian Kitab Suci Eden yang Kubentangkan sebagai pembenahan masalah-masalah manusia yang mutakhir dan untuk memperjalankan umat manusia menempuh pensucian Surga. Selanjutnya, Kujadikan itu sebagai tuntunan Pasal-pasal Hukum-Ku yang mutakhir.

“Adapun Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden bukanlah penentu keputusan dan diharapkan memberikan fatwa-fatwanya, melainkan hanyalah penyelenggara Risalah-risalah dan Keputusan-keputusan-Ku. Tiadalah mereka memiliki hak penentu hukum dan pertimbangan, segalanya terpulang kepada-Ku. Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden telah Kupermaklumatkan, maka sudah pula dapat terselenggarakan kekuatan hukumnya dari Sisi-Ku sehingga demikianlah takdir mukjizatnya pun segera terlaksana juga.

“Tahta Suci Kerajaan Eden dan Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden merupakan institusi keilahian yang hakiki, yang berada dalam kehidupan duniawi. Namun Surga Eden yang terselenggara di dunia ini pun adalah merupakan koordinat Substansi-Ku yang terhakiki, karena itu merupakan substansi Perjanjian-Ku kepada setiap orang di atas bumi ini.

“Turunnya Wahyu-wahyu-Ku lagi di Surga Eden telah melahirkan kondisi pra pertemuan Padang Mahsyar yang terpandang sebagai era globalisasi dan beruntunnya segala macam malapetaka-malapetaka dahsyat di seluruh dunia yang Kunyatakan sebagai gejolak Neraka yang sesungguhnya. Setiap penghakiman yang Kulakukan, anggaplah sebagai bagian dari pensucian, sehingga tidak sia-sia penderitaanmu.

“Takkan berakhir kedewanan ini sampai semuanya meninggal atau Kami yang membatalkannya atau menghapuskannya. Dan takkan ada pemberkatan dinasti kerasulan yang manapun sesudahnya, termasuk terhadap keturunan-keturunannya sekalipun.

“Kerajaan Eden dan Dewan Kerasulannya tak dapat diwariskan. Dan Kami terus akan menyelenggarakan kefungsian Kerajaan Eden dan Surga Eden di dunia ini hingga ketetapan Kami mengambil kembali takdir itu.

“Tiadalah kemutlakan Kerajaan Eden dan Surga Eden terkait sepenuhnya dengan sosok Lia Eden. Bilamana Lia Eden kelak tutup usia, segala perjanjian atas nama Kerajaan Eden dan Surga Eden terpulang kepada Ruhul Kudus. Dan tiadalah kematian Lia Eden yang Kududukkan sebagai ratunya kelak itu akan meniadakan keberlangsungan Kerajaan Eden dan Surga Eden, karena Ruhul Kudus-lah yang menduduki tampuk Tahta Suci Kerajaan Eden di dunia secara mutlak. Walaupun dia malaikat yang tak berfisik, akan tetapi dia dapat berlaku sebagai Raja Eden sepenuhnya di dunia manusia, karena kelak dia sudah terjamin eksistensinya di kalangan manusia sedunia.

“Tiadalah Aku memberkati kedudukan pewaris kerajaan kepada yang lainnya sesuai dengan perjanjian dengan-Ku. Aku tak mungkin mendudukkan seorang pun manusia yang lainnya sebagai pemimpin tertinggi di Eden maupun menggantikan kedudukan para Rasul. Sebagaimana setelah kelak ajal menjemput Lia Eden, maka berdosa besarlah mereka yang mempertaruhkan dan memperebutkan kedudukannya, karena sesungguhnya tidak ada seorang pun pengganti kedudukan Lia Eden walaupun jabatan itu telah kosong.

“Sebagai gantinya, sosok Ruhul Kudus yang gaiblah yang menetap yang selalu mengurusi Eden di dunia ini secara seksama setelah kepergiannya. Dan tentulah itu karena telah mapan Wahyu-wahyu-Ku mendunia yang secara langsung ditangani oleh Malaikat Jibril-Ruhul Kudus. Sosok Malaikat Jibril-Ruhul Kudus menjadi nyata di kalangan manusia karena penjelmaannya sebagai manusia itu Kubenarkan dan di dalam Kehendak-Ku dan dia mengendalikan Kerajaan Eden dan dunia dari haribaannya yang gaib dengan reaksi yang nyata.

“Ini adalah sesuatu yang baru dan yang sulit dipercaya, tapi itu karena nistalah umat manusia yang selalu ingin membodohi dan selalu bertengkar memperebutkan kedudukan dan tak bisa adil dan jujur selalu dan tak bermukjizat.

“Akan tetap Kucerdaskan umat manusia dengan teknologinya sehingga segala tindakan Malaikat Jibril dapat terdeteksi melalui teknologi canggih yang di luar kemampuan ilmu manusia dan teknologinya. Sungguh Aku takkan mengulangi mukjizat membelah lautnya Nabi Musa agar dapat ditengarai mukjizat para Rasul-Ku di zaman akhir ini sehingga mereka pun diamini, melainkan akan Kupermainkan teknologi peradaban manusia. Dan itu pun demi menyatakan Kekekalan-Ku yang tak pernah menjadi kuno dan ketinggalan zaman.

“Sistem teknologi informasi akan menjadi saluran Kami yang akan terus Kami pergunakan sampai semua umat manusia mampu melihat dan meyakini suara alam akhirat secara langsung, sehingga Wahyu-wahyu-Ku dan Mandat-mandat yang Kuarahkan terjalin sebagai keakuratan ordonansi Kerajaan Eden yang Kuberkati. Demikian Kami pun tak mementingkan perantara lagi setelah itu terlaksana mendunia. Namun berjayalah semua orang-orang suci di Surga Eden. Dan Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden pun Kami nyatakan sebagai hamba-hamba Allah di Surga dan Kerajaan Eden yang budiman dan yang agung tanpa cela. Dan Kuberkati mereka kemandirian rezeki terhalal langsung dari-Ku.

“Takkan berdiri Surga yang maha suci bila penghuni Surga Eden masih berikhtiar bekerja mencari nafkah. Dan takkan terjadi mukjizat penjamin rezeki terhalal langsung dari-Ku seandainya belum terjamin telah ada sekelompok manusia yang sudah suci mutlak.

“Terimalah sekelompok orang-orang suci yang telah Kumutlakkan kesuciannya sebagai pengemban Surga dan Kerajaan Eden. Semoga menjadi spirit penauladanan kesucian.”

Jakarta, 8 Juli 2008
Pukul 15.00 WIB

Demikian Wahyu Tuhan yang diterima di dalam Dewan Kerasulan Kerajaan Eden. Maha Suci Tuhan yang telah menurunkan penjelasan atas segala Kehendak-Nya. Dalam hatiku, aku selalu berharap semoga Tuhan senantiasa berkenan menyertakan aku di dalam segala Kehendak-Nya atas Eden. Amin.

Abstract

Iskesink/Pardes* si compone di otto fotografie formato 50x50 cm. liberamente ispirate dal libro sapienziale del Cantico dei Cantici**.

Sia le fotografie originali che gli interventi di rielaborazione sono stati eseguiti con tecnologia analogica, la post produzione e l'output in forma di stampa digitale.

L'allestimento della serie è di dimensioni variabili, per adattarsi allo spazio in cui potrà essere esposta.

Alla fine di questa breve introduzione alla serie Iskesink/Pardes troverete una maquette che illustrerà una eventuale installazione della stessa.

When,Why,How ?

Erano oramai cinque anni che mi affascinava l'idea di confrontarmi con questo meraviglioso testo. Al pari del precedente lavoro ispirato dal Capolavoro Sconosciuto di H. de Balzac, anche qui ci troviamo di fronte ad un'opera letteraria, poetica e dalle infinite implicazioni sia teologiche che laiche. Al momento di essere inserito nella Bibbia fu definito dai suoi sostenitori come il 'Santo dei Santi' e questo testo, in effetti, trasuda tanta trascendenza quanta vivida sensualità.

La sostanziale differenza tra questa nuova opera e la precedente Three Beautiful Troublemakers, sta nel fatto che mi era impossibile lavorare sul testo inteso come insieme semantico. Troppi gli studi cabbalistici, troppe le interpretazioni sia giudaiche che cristiane, innumerevoli le implicazioni linguistiche, così ogni mio sforzo in questa direzione sarebbe stato da subito un di più non necessario e dilettantistico.

Uscire quindi dagli abissi del testo scritto, od interpretato, per concentrarmi sulla sensazione, sul suggerimento, sulla poesia.

Quindi da qui in poi mi riferirò al testo su cui ho lavorato, come una intuizione, una suggestione continua, che non mi ha mai abbandonato dal primo giorno in cui ho letto le parole: Cantico dei Cantici / che è di Salomone...

Dal Cantico dei Cantici a La Grande Zolla d'Erba di Dürer

È difficile immaginare un nesso tra due opere così distanti. A patto di non conoscere l'una o l'altra, altrimenti questo accostamento diviene possibile ed appare perfino plausibile. Se il Cantico è una poesia d'amore, di amore terreno, secolare, sensuale fino alla carnalità, al suo interno ospita una magnifica e lirica compilazione tassonomica. Sono poche le opere che hanno tentato di accostare l'immagine e le qualità dell'amato ad altrettante specie animali e del regno vegetale. Pagine colme di vibrante e trepida attesa per il proprio diletto, si nascondono tra fronde odorose, mucchi di fieno, improvvise fioriture fragranti e ristoratrici. Ma qui, fiori e piante / flora e fauna, si dispiegano come in una splendida miniatura, od in una formella del vicino oriente. Sono parte integrante di un percorso simbolico pur rimanendo legate, o meglio piantate, nella terra da cui traggono nutrimento. Adesso il salto verso l'opera di Dürer pare meno ardito e come non vedere la perfetta degerarchizzazione operata dal tedesco quando munito di pochi colori all'acqua si stende su un prato con il preciso intento di riprodurne le fattezze. Come Mario Merz che alla fine della guerra si abbandona su uno spiazzo erboso e stesa la carta sotto si se ne fa un calco, armato di una manciata di pastelli. Storie simili, comportamenti simili. Gli uomini e la natura e la natura È l'uomo.

Il Cantico per me era ed È: tutta la natura, sia quella di Pan che quella della Genesi, integrate, inesplicabili, non abitate ma unite all'uomo ed al suo continuo sguardo. Chissà se Linneo ha mai letto le pagine di questi due amanti dell'Antico Testamento? Penso di si e quando si è cimentato con la stesura del suo vasto erbario li deve pure aver scorti che si rincorrevano, come in un sogno.

Ma il Shir ha-Shirim è principalmente un nulla pieno di tutto, od un tutto pieno di nulla ed è da qui che sono partito per trasmettere le mie sensazioni, per dattilografarne le intuizioni. Avevo bisogno di disincagliare il mio medium, quello fotografico, dalla sua maledetta tendenza a riprodurre ciò che osserva, dovevo lasciarlo andare in pezzi. In pezzi ma non in frantumi, in tessere o fili, in schegge di vetro colorato, come quelle che stanno alla fine del magico tubo del caleidoscopio. Ho fotografato piante che vivono ai bordi delle strade, ho ritrovato le foto di una storia da poco sfiorita, ho sfogliato le une e sporcato le altre, ho confuso le tracce e messo tutto nel frullatore del mio portatile. La mia seconda coscienza.

Vorrei, inoltre, sapere se è possibile definire queste fotografie come informali, od astratte se prendo ad esempio l'arte geometrica (e l'ho fatto!) dell'Islam. Sapere anche quando una foto smette di essere analogica e diviene digitale. Sono curiosità che questa opera ha fatto nascere in me e spero che qualcuno possa soddisfarle, anche dalle colonne di questo blog.

Apparati

* Il Pardes (in ebraico פרדס, "frutteto") viene citato nel Talmud (Chaghigà 14 b), nello Zohar (1. 26 b) ed in altri testi esegetici come il luogo del cammino mistico affrontato dai quattro Rabbini Ben Azzai, Ben Zomà, Elisha Ben Avuyà (conosciuto come Acher, "l'altro", perché divenuto poi eretico) e Rabbi Akiva che disse loro: "Quando sarete giunti alle lastre di marmo puro non gridate: Acqua, acqua!".  from WikiPedia

**Il Cantico dei Cantici (in ebraico שיר השירים Shir ha-Shirim), detto anche Cantico di Salomone, è un libro presente sia nell' Antico Testamento della Bibbia cristiana che nella Bibbia ebraica. Nella raccolta cristiana è inserito tra i libri sapienziali; in quella ebraica è incluso nei Ketuvim.  from WikiPedia

ch.Rindler.

links facoltativi:

• versione inglese del testo
• Cantico dei Cantici su Wiki
• versione italiana del Cantico
• Canticum Canticorum Salomonis
• Le Roman de la Rose
• Giovanni Paolo II sul Cantico
• Alessandro Conti Puorger sul Cantico
• Hortus Conclusus
• The Large Turf - Dürer
• Wiki su Carl von Linné-Linneo
• Wiki (Eng.) su Karl Blossfeldt
• Il Fiore della Vita
• Ikebana
• Arte Islamica
• Il Caleidoscopio- Template

Immagini

Quelle che seguono sono le 12 tavole di ISKESINK/PARDES, la risoluzione è ottimizzata per il Web.

ISKESINK/PARDES