Jesus Prometheus

Revisiting an older article

I wrote a substack on this topic of Jesus-Prometheus, last year. Now, I've decided to revisit that essay, adding more layers of complexity by incorporating Prometheus, Loki, Enki, and the character of the Joker. This approach offers a vivid reminder of who Jesus is, particularly as a figure who stands out from the crowd—"many are called, but few are chosen." Like the titans, fallen angels, and deities of other cultures, there is always a price to pay for going against the grain. Yet, their sacrifices are never in vain; it is up to us to handle this new knowledge, freedom, and way of life responsibly. We must decide whether to follow the path of those who liberated us or to succumb to the same tyranny they fought against. Jesus once said, "Do ye not know that ye are gods?"—a powerful statement about the divine spark within us all. This spark, a gift from the Holy Spirit, grants us life and freedom, but also the responsibility to use this freedom wisely. As we delve deeper into these comparisons, we uncover profound truths about Jesus' role as a challenger of divine authority and a beacon of enlightenment.

Jesus as Prometheus: Illuminating the Path to Knowledge

Prometheus, the Greek Titan who defied Zeus to bring fire to humanity, serves as an apt parallel to Jesus. Prometheus' gift of fire symbolizes knowledge, enlightenment, and progress—elements that Jesus also embodies. In the Gospels, Jesus is referred to as the "light of the world," a figure who brings spiritual knowledge and salvation to humanity. His teachings challenge the rigid, legalistic interpretations of the Mosaic Law, much like how Prometheus challenged the gods by empowering humanity with the tools of progress.

Both figures paid a steep price for their defiance. Prometheus was condemned to eternal torment, while Jesus faced crucifixion. However, their sacrifices were not in vain; they both brought about a new era of understanding. Jesus' crucifixion, like Prometheus' punishment, can be seen as a necessary consequence of challenging the established order. Yet, through his resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that his rebellion was not just an act of defiance, but a transformative event that shattered the old ways and introduced a new covenant based on love, mercy, and spiritual enlightenment.

Loki: The Trickster Who Challenges and Transforms

Loki, the Norse trickster god, adds another dimension to our understanding of Jesus. Although Loki is often associated with chaos and deception, his actions frequently lead to necessary changes within the cosmic order. This parallels Jesus' approach to subverting the expectations of his time, often through parables and statements that confounded religious authorities.

Consider Jesus' cryptic statement, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Like Loki's mischief, this statement was a challenge to the status quo, leaving listeners bewildered yet hinting at a deeper truth. Jesus was speaking of his body, not the physical temple, pointing to his resurrection and the transformative power it would unleash. In this sense, both Jesus and Loki use subversive tactics to bring about profound change, albeit with vastly different intentions and outcomes. Jesus' disruption of the established order was a catalyst for spiritual transformation, urging humanity to rethink its relationship with the divine.

Enki: The God of Wisdom and Rebellion

Enki, the Sumerian god of wisdom, offers another intriguing comparison. Known for his defiance of the other gods to protect humanity, Enki's actions often mirrored those of Jesus. In the myth of Atrahasis, Enki saves humanity from a great flood by instructing a hero to build an ark, much like the biblical Noah. This act of rebellion against divine authority for the sake of human survival reflects Jesus' mission to save humanity from spiritual death.

Jesus' defiance extended beyond the confines of Mosaic Law; it was a stand against all forms of tyranny that oppressed the human spirit. Whether confronting the legalism of the Pharisees or the social hierarchies that marginalized the weak, Jesus' message was one of radical inclusivity and mercy. Like Enki, Jesus acted as a protector and liberator, challenging the existing powers for the sake of humanity's well-being. His rebellion was not just against religious oppression, but against any force that sought to diminish human dignity and freedom.

The Joker: The Dark Mirror of Subversion

The Joker, a modern mythological figure from the realm of comic books, brings a darker, more chaotic element to this discussion. The Joker, much like Jesus, is a subversive figure who challenges the established order. Jesus' actions are driven by a desire to bring about spiritual enlightenment and liberation, the Joker's motivations are rooted in nihilism and the desire to expose the absurdity of societal norms. The Kingdom of God turns everything upside down.

The Joker's chaos is a form of rebellion against the structures of society, much like Jesus' challenge to the religious and social norms of his time. However, where Jesus' teachings lead to healing, reconciliation, and the establishment of a new covenant, the Joker's actions often result in destruction, moral ambiguity, and the breakdown of societal order. Despite these differences, both characters force society to confront uncomfortable truths about itself. The Joker exposes the fragility of social constructs, while Jesus reveals the limitations of the old covenant and the need for a new understanding of the divine.

Defying All Forms of Tyranny: Beyond the Mosaic Law

While the Mosaic Law is often seen as the primary target of Jesus' rebellion, his defiance goes much deeper. Jesus' teachings are not merely about breaking religious rules; they are about challenging all forms of tyranny, both external and internal. This broader rebellion against oppression is what gives Jesus' message its universal appeal.

In Christian tradition, Lucifer is often depicted as the ultimate rebel, seeking to bring enlightenment to humanity, albeit with malevolent intent. However, Jesus' rebellion can be seen as a similar act of defiance, but one rooted in love and compassion. Both figures are associated with bringing light—Lucifer as the "light-bringer" and Jesus as the "light of the world." Yet, while Lucifer's rebellion is portrayed as a fall from grace, Jesus' rebellion is seen as an ascent, offering humanity a path to spiritual freedom and enlightenment. In my interpretation, these beings are the same, Christ descended not with malevolent intent, but to enlighten the first parents; to release them from their captivity in the garden of ignorance. Again, we see these Promethean type figures who provide us with knowledge, technology, or reveal our broken societies.

Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity of Jesus’ Role

By integrating the Joker into our analysis, we add yet another layer of complexity to our understanding of Jesus. He is not just a passive savior, but an active, rebellious figure who challenges the established order to bring enlightenment to humanity. Like Prometheus, Loki, Enki, and even the Joker, Jesus defies the old gods and the old laws, bringing a new light to the world.

This interpretation encourages us to see Jesus not only as the Son of God, but as a multifaceted figure who transcends cultural and historical boundaries. He is a Promethean hero, a trickster, a wise rebel, and even a dark mirror reflecting the chaos within society. Through his life and actions, Jesus offers us a powerful example of how to live a life of defiance against all that seeks to diminish our human dignity and freedom. In embracing this view, we also embrace the deeper themes of self-discovery, empathy, and the fight against oppression that are at the heart of Jesus’ teachings.

The empowerment of humanity through forbidden, secret, or defiant actions provides us with the responsibility of how we are to use it. Jesus said that we are gods. Do we use this newly found freedom to subjugate, like some of the princes of this world did? Or do we choose to continue the renewal? To build an inverted kingdom, where the last come first and the first will be last. This is the essence of Jesus’ teaching and Luciferian philosophy in a nutshell.