Chapter XII
Genesis, Gnosticism, Memory theme, Bible Quotes, Legion, and other Evil Spirits
Genesis 2 Reference−I thought this would be a great time to introduce the Genesis account into the book. Today, it is a very famous narrative most people have at least heard about, but I wanted the reader to feel like it was almost a kind of secret to the Ancients, who paradoxically were much closer to the time than we are.
Gnosticism−If you noticed, Xavier’s worldview exposes a kind of extreme Gnosticism. For a long time now, I have been a very big opponent to this heretical belief, and I fear modern-day Christians are largely unaware of how much the Church has battle against this dark force. For example, the Star Wars movies, as much as I find them entertaining, have a great deal of Gnostic undertones that cannot be ignored. My story places–on purpose–this heresy very early on history.
Memory Theme−Chapter XII was one of the most enjoyable chapters to write so far because of the many “pay-offs” occurring in it. Through Logan’s memory, we get to revisit his most important moments thus far and we able to see how God uses them to lead Logan to this point in his life. Memory will continue to be a central theme through out the whole series.
Ephesians & Philippians−I felt it was important demonstrate that Logan did not just train his body during the many years in Pellios. He also trained his mind by reading and memorizing large tracts of the Bible. In the time of greatest need, when he is so completely disoriented, it was the combination of the memories he had from the giants of faith in his life combined with very innocuous verses, like Philippians 2:15, “shine like stars in the universe” that brings him of his spiritual stupor. Then, he uses more prominent verses, like Ephesians 6:16 and following by which to defend himself and launch an attack.
Isaiah-I wanted to have some rather unknown verses that Logan might reasonably have learned while studying the Bible for decades in Pellios. I came across Isaiah 46:8-13a, which is what he quotes to Xavier when he begins the pronouncement of judgement upon him. When I look for texts to put into the narrative, I try to leave out anachronistic references, like to Zion for example. Such words would make no sense to someone who existed long before Jerusalem was ever founded. I also try to ensure the context of the verse is congruent with what his happening in the context of the story. This passage in Isaiah was so fascinating because lent itself to this context so well. I had to put it in!
Legion−This was a particularly fun element to put into this chapter. I always have always been fascinated by the encounter Jesus has with the man with a legion of demons in him in Luke 8:26-39. Specifically, I always wondered how it was that so many demons enter this one man. Also, why did this Legion, after they identified Jesus as “Son of the Most High God” repeatedly beg him not to send them to the abyss. This portion of my story addresses that in what I hope is a creative and plausible way.
Evil Spirits and arid places−It interesting what Jesus says in Luke 11:24 about evil seeking out rest in arid places but not finding it. I thought it would be very creative to bring this into the judgement that Logan places (on behalf of God) upon the evil spirits clinging to the Created One. Adam may have brought this trouble upon himself (in my story), but it does not excuse the dark forces from their judgement.
