Gods vs. God
The origin of the Greek gods seems to be influenced by preceding ancient people groups, such as the Minoans.
MessageNet | Wikipedia | ThinkQuest
Comparison of Character Traits
Appease the gods vs. glorifying God
God made in man’s image vs. man made in God’s image
Capricious gods vs. unchanging God
Convincing/discussing vs. sovereignty
Human traits vs. pure traits
Appease the gods vs. people benefit when glorifying God (communion)
Discerning a god’s way vs. discerning God’s will
Reading in Historical Context
But how much of our contrasts are clouded by 20th century Christian terms and New Testament knowledge? Would the differences between the gods and God be all that different if Homer had been using our modern Christian language? Ken challenged us to wear their shoes, come into their world view, allow Homer to teach us a little bit—what can we learn without leaning on our modern thinking? Let’s take the opportunity to learn from these ancient friends. Don’t just “know” them, learn from them. Let’s discover the meat.
Foreshadowing
Interestingly, Homer spoils the endings—marching along in a story, the fates declare what is going to happen (spill the beans) and then the story meanders along to this foregone conclusion. Does Fate ever miss? Example: 16.523 Sarpedon’s fate was sealed long ago.
One possibility: This shows the inevitability of their lives.
Another thought: Is this foretelling the beginning of the literary device of foreshadowing?
The Pivot Point
The intractable Achilles pivots. 16.33-52 Patroclus challenges the heart of his friend, Achilles. Finally Achilles insists ” Let bygones be bygones now. Done is done. How on earth can a man rage on forever?” 16.69-70. Ken noted this to be pivotal: Achilles begins to soften his stand—not yet ready to join the fray, but willing to lend his gear!
Power Struggle
Jeff noted a parallel between the power struggles of Agamemnon and Achilles and Zeus vs. Poseidon. Kings and gods vying for power and supremacy.