Comments on: Boanerges

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:06:27 +0000

Hi Anthony. Thanks for reviewing this. I think there is significance to the idea that “these were, from the earliest sources, planetary gods.” Based on my observation, many seem to discount this idea.

In a future post I hope to post some links that point this way and will include your monographs where appropriate. Thanks again.

By: Anthony Larson

Anthony Larson — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:55:26 +0000

In the apocryphal “Book of Jasher” the sons of Jacob (Israel) are said to have caused thunder and earthquakes with their voices. These and the sources you cite are certaintly mythic (as in mythos) examples, probably connected to same referents as you cited, Thor, Baal, Yahweh, Zeus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, all said to be gods of thunder and lightning. That these were, from the earliest sources, planetary gods, there is no dispute among scholars. It’s the very basic meaning of ‘theophany,’ God’s speech. It was with his ’speech’ or creative “word” that he uttered the cosmos into being, according to the earliest sources. That speech is literally the “name” of god, heard by all mankind ancient. It’s why we’re given a new name, in similitude of that creative act, something only a god could do.

You may wish to read my monograph “The Name of God” on my blog for more information related to this subject.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:01:03 +0000

Thanks David. This is one of the references which I had in mind above. But now that you point it out (Luke 9:51-56), I find it significant that this event occurred after the events on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) at which Elias (Elijah) was present. You may just have brought to light additional insight into the name title Boanerges than at first suspected.

By: David Larsen

David Larsen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:23:41 +0000

In some notes that I’m reviewing for a post on my blog, I noticed a passage that is somewhat relevant to the discussion here.

Luke 9:51-56 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Very interesting that James and John believed they could call down fire from heaven — very fitting for the Boanerges brothers!

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:54:41 +0000

Hi David – Thanks for reviewing this article. When I first read about the name title Boanerges, for some reason it just stood out as having additional meaning.

I really appreciate your comments and especially the one about “ancient tradition[s].” These traditions are scattered all throughout ancient scripture and seem to provide rich additional context. Also, your comment about James and John becoming spiritual sons of the Savior is significant since this is a doctrine found in latter-day scriptures.

I guess my reference to D&C 7 is in harmony with some of Mr. Harris’ research, but there are other concepts expressed in his work on Boanerges that I don’t yet understand or simply don’t agree with.

In any case, thanks for taking a look at this post. If you ever do come across anything related, please let me know.