Death+by+Fire

a Hypothetical Conversation by Hunter W-M
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__Food For Thought__

Ever wondered about what might have happened had two characters from your favorite novel or comic, that had never met before, gotten together and discussed. . . whatever they might discuss? I know I did. Even in books I didn't necessarily enjoy I couldn't help but wonder just how each character would react to the situation. What would say Batman say to Spiderman if they met each other at a Starbucks?

Although it is a less extreme and humorous instance, the following conversation between God and Abraham regarding the fate of Abraham's relative Lot is purely fictional. The conversation portrays dominant traits of the two characters as well as a few subtle weaknesses. One thing is for sure, this would have been an interesting conversation to find in the original text of Genesis.

** God: Abraham, my most prized creation! How is life down on earth? ** ** Abraham: Well the economy seems to be in a downfall. More and more of the dirt houses in my village are being foreclosed. ** // (studio laughter) // // (studio laughter) // (thunder crackles) ** God: Oh boy am I powerful! ** // (fire crackles)
 * __The Conversation__**
 * God: That’s awful! I am sorry to hear that. How are the wives doing? **
 * Abraham: All are well. **
 * God: Let’s get straight to the nitty-gritty. You have followed my laws over the years, and I would like your input on something. **
 * Abraham: Oh powerful one! I am honored! **
 * God: Yes, yes, yes, very well. Have you heard anything about the cities Sodom and Gorreah? **
 * Abraham: Only what your divine presence has allowed me to hear oh great one. **
 * God: Nonsense! I am positive I sculpted you ears with my thumbnail. ** // (pauses) // ** See there they are right there! So let me ask you again, what have you heard? **
 * Abraham: ** ** Well. . .with these ears that thou hath sculpted with your divine might, I have heard tale of sin in these cities. Unspeakable deeds that disgrace the human soul. **
 * God: If what you say is true my own creations have started to disobey me yet again. You know that really gets on my nerves. It is in no way beneficial to me when they do that. I created humans to pass the time, but they are really starting to get me angry. **
 * Abraham: What do you plan to do oh Lord? I do not want to upset you but you did promise Noah that you would never destroy the world. **
 * God: You know I was actually contemplating smiting. **
 * Abraham: Well. . .I do believe there might be one good person there but if you, the best of the best, deem smiting necessary then thy will be done. **
 * God: But I mean do you think I should? I did promise never to destroy the world ** ** again, but of course that was only by flood. ** // (chuckles mischievously) //
 * Abraham: You know what Lord? I think I might possibly have a relative there. . .Well at least I’m pretty sure I have a relative there. **
 * God: Would you like me to spare him? **
 * Abraham: Well you know I guess he himself could have sinned. I mean who’s to say, oh great one, that he has not killed someone or done some other unpleasant thing. **
 * God: Would you like me to save your relative? IT is a very simple yes or no question. **
 * Abraham: Yes, oh holy omnipotent one that would be fantastic. **
 * God: Very well, I shall save your. . .um what was his name. **
 * Abraham: Lot oh great overseer. His name that thou granted him is Lot. **
 * God: Very well then, Lot shall be saved. But for the rest of them. . .I see a fiery storm headed there way. **
 * Abraham: Fire?! So painfully cruel my lord! **
 * God: WHAT DID YOU SAY **
 * Abraham: Nothing oh perfect one. I said nothing for I am nothing. Jut a humble servan- no not even a servant to you lord. Just an atom infinitesimally small for you to step upon and order about. **
 * God: Good, now where was I? **

//

= Character Traits Chart =



Character Analysis

In many biblical discussions held in the christian faith, God is said to be cruel and unforgiving. Further analyzed this cruel attitude can be split into two main attributes of his character. His being too powerful for his own good and being a very self centered being who is only concerned with his own pleasure.

The painting //The Touch of God// by Adam Ortiz is a prime example clearly exhibiting the power of God. In this picture man is pictured on his hands and knees praying to a divine light from above. The hand of God is also seen in this picture reaching downwards to deal with the lowly man. This shows God's power as he is always forced to reach down from his high and mighty position in order to deal with man.

Likewise, God's selfish characterization can be seen in Genesis itself. God began to feel lonely "so [he] created mankind in his image" [Redactors 1.27]. The intensive pronoun "his" has connotations of selfishness. When children are small for example they always call things "mine" when they want them. That being said, instead of giving man an individual appearance, God was so vain that he created man to look exactly like him. Being this vain truly affected his dealings with other characters later.

In the same way that God is often discussed Abraham is as well but usually as a good example of faith. His faith however is very extreme. He is extremely fearful and submissive due to his extreme faith which is a very negative quality.

God favored Abraham (God's self centered attitude and Abraham's fear mix perfectly) and also gave him many instructions that made his life better. God often told Abraham to go to certain destinations "so Abra[ham] went, as the Lord had told him" [Redactors 12.4]. The commanding word //told// shows that Abraham allows himself to be bossed around by God and never resists the domination. This is a clear testament to Abraham's submissiveness.

The fearfulness of Abraham can be seen in many paintings. One of the most popular is //Abraham Slaying Isaac// by Marc Chagall. The grimace on Abraham's face is a clear indicator that Abraham is not enjoying what he is doing. He is frightened by the thought of killing his own son but even more so by the thought of upsetting God. Although this faith does ultimately build God's trust in him, it proves that he is weak and fearful.

=__Dialogue Analysis__= In the dialogue entitled //Death by Fire,// a fictional conversation between Abraham and Isaac is crafted. The author uses techniques to the fullest to describe the dominant traits of the two characters. Abraham is shown as a fearful and submissive character best illustrated through his language. Almost every one of his lines refers to God in some form of exaltation, "'Yes o holy omnipotent one,'". He seems to be on a campaign to please God. God on the other hand uses Abraham as a vessel to receive news. He says he listens to Abraham, "'I would like your input on something,'" yet in the end he does not care what Abraham suggests. He is self centered but powerful; a deadly combination.

**__About the Art__**

Adam Ortiz created the piece The Touch of God in an attempt to create a work of art that was truly spiritual. The man on the floor is begging for help as the massive and commanding hand of God comes out to give it to him. The other piece by French artist Marc Chagall, //Abraham Slaying Isaac is a more contemporary piece with a gruesome title. The three main colors in the piece exemplify the emotions of each character. The gold hue of Isaac is a testament to his pureness, the red of Abraham possibly portraying his willingness to spill blood, and the blue of the heavens depicting a pure tone.//

= Assignment Reflection = After completing this assignment I have much more appreciation for it than when I started. The project had many different components and bringing them all together on WikiSpaces is no easy task. The frequent and unhelpful deleting of random portions and rearrangement of script was very frustrating but in the end I feel I mastered it.

Bibliography

1. "Artwork Depicting Scenes from Abraham's Life." //Bible Study -- the JesusWalk Bible Study Series//. Web. 20 May 2010. .


 * 2.** "The Touch Of God Drawing by Adam Ortiz - The Touch Of God Fine Art Prints and Posters for Sale." //Fine Art - Art Prints - Fine Art Prints - Greeting Cards - Posters - Originals - Buy Art Online - Sell Art Online//. Web. 20 May 2010. .