At the time of the gospels, Pigs served two primary functions in non-Jewish societies. The first, of course, was as food. But they were also perhaps the primary sanitation workers, cleaning up any discarded organic material they could eat, including human excrement. I note ‘primary’, as dogs served similar functions; no doubt this is most of the reason for both animals being classified as /Unclean/ (treyf): they dealt with what was literally unclean. I took my metaphor for unconscious human brain entities from this: things necessary in the right place but problematic in the wrong place. The Demoniac’s unconscious entities were able to keep him alive & somehow fed, & more or less in one place; but they ill-managed & not equipped to do a very good job.
So the pigs in the parable's metaphor would certainly drown, descending from the ‘steep bank’ (v. 33); but the mind entities have less tragically gone from their assumed ‘high’ position back ‘down’ into the otherwise inaccessible part of the unconscious, when the Ego, the awareness of Self, is there to supervise them.
Again, this is metaphorical; indeed, it’s not at all easy to talk about such things without metaphor. Nor do I suggest it as the best exegesis of the story; but it is one worth considering. Best + Blessings/Mark
Thank you for this explanation. This story never made any sense until I read about 'legion.'..What can it mean for today....Does Ameriica or Americans need an exorcism because of the Imperialism, the literal colonization or metaphorical takeover of minds by our imperial legion.... Of powerful men, oligarchs, power hungry politicians..military industrial profiteering for 'defence' causing many deaths in the Middle East, SE Asia and elsewhere. If I am not correct in my thinking could someone explain how this story might apply in 2022 USA....One can starkly see 'legions' with the Russian invasion perhaps?
Thank you for this work on Demons of the Empire—-just like today! First of all, I am catching up and hope you are mending from Covid. Secondly, this exegesis reminds me of your conversation with Libby Schroeder and her work on Mary. The Mary and Martha story is coming up in Luke 10. Do you have some suggestions for it in light of Libby’s work? I have been meditating on this text and today I picked up a commentary and the first line was that Mary and Martha were Lazarus’ sisters, but Libby said this was a different Mary and Martha, right? I am guest preaching this Sunday and want to use this text. Thank you for your marvelous work. I am still pondering fundamentalism and Fosdick’s sermon!!
Can someone recommend a book(s) that will give me more of these interpretations of scripture, alternative interpretations to the fundamentalist viewpoint. Thanks in advance, Damyon
I love this parable but I wonder: how was the swineherd made whole for the economic loss of his herd of pigs? It seems an important detail that has been overlooked.
Sometimes I think, hmmm maybe I should go to seminary and get my MTS. Then I read something like this and I’m like, nahh I can just read great seminarian teachers! Thanks for this meaningful piece of work. Loved it.
I want to spend some time engaged with the picture of Jesus telling this story to a laughing crowd who truly appreciate the references. The idea of a satirical side to Jesus really appeals to me. How was his comic timing? Who is his current day counterpart? Stephen Colbert?
Thank you for this meaningful interpretation. I have often heard this passage interpreted as a commentary on Jesus and mental illness (demonic possession), which is hurtful to those of us with family members who suffer from extreme mental diseases such as schizophrenia. To understand it as political commentary instead, removes a great weight from my heart.
Thank you for posting early. It definitely helped with my understanding of todays sermon, which was along the same thoughts. I’m glad you are recovering!
I've also read Crossan's Render Unto Caesar, & find it quite sound. But, arising from another circumstance, I also have another, psychological interpretation: not contradictory, but supplementary & useful. This too is metaphorical, not literal.
The 'demoniac' has lost himself: his human identity is swallowed up in fear & rejection. But there are parts of his mind, unconscious ones like those that monitor heart, breathing & digestion, that keep him alive& thus they re in the foreground: though they are useless in resocializing him. Pigs are useful, in the communities that keep them, but they need supervision. Indeed, the demons' cries are pitiable. Jesus' response is to treat the man as if he was himself; & so he becomes. The pigs of the unconscious then descend back into the watery depths of the unconscious, where they belong & will do their proper work.
This came when, tired, I was driving from work on a mountain road 40 Km from home, & noticed that I'd just driven about 4 Km & didn't remember any of that distance: the 'autopilot' did all that, alerting me if I needed to pay more attention. We are more than just the ego, which at best is a chairman rather than a solitary monarch.
Just read, though I saw the posting last night, I saved for first sermon today. It has much to ponder and work with for a long time. I will share with others.
At the time of the gospels, Pigs served two primary functions in non-Jewish societies. The first, of course, was as food. But they were also perhaps the primary sanitation workers, cleaning up any discarded organic material they could eat, including human excrement. I note ‘primary’, as dogs served similar functions; no doubt this is most of the reason for both animals being classified as /Unclean/ (treyf): they dealt with what was literally unclean. I took my metaphor for unconscious human brain entities from this: things necessary in the right place but problematic in the wrong place. The Demoniac’s unconscious entities were able to keep him alive & somehow fed, & more or less in one place; but they ill-managed & not equipped to do a very good job.
So the pigs in the parable's metaphor would certainly drown, descending from the ‘steep bank’ (v. 33); but the mind entities have less tragically gone from their assumed ‘high’ position back ‘down’ into the otherwise inaccessible part of the unconscious, when the Ego, the awareness of Self, is there to supervise them.
Again, this is metaphorical; indeed, it’s not at all easy to talk about such things without metaphor. Nor do I suggest it as the best exegesis of the story; but it is one worth considering. Best + Blessings/Mark
Thank you for this explanation. This story never made any sense until I read about 'legion.'..What can it mean for today....Does Ameriica or Americans need an exorcism because of the Imperialism, the literal colonization or metaphorical takeover of minds by our imperial legion.... Of powerful men, oligarchs, power hungry politicians..military industrial profiteering for 'defence' causing many deaths in the Middle East, SE Asia and elsewhere. If I am not correct in my thinking could someone explain how this story might apply in 2022 USA....One can starkly see 'legions' with the Russian invasion perhaps?
Thank you for this work on Demons of the Empire—-just like today! First of all, I am catching up and hope you are mending from Covid. Secondly, this exegesis reminds me of your conversation with Libby Schroeder and her work on Mary. The Mary and Martha story is coming up in Luke 10. Do you have some suggestions for it in light of Libby’s work? I have been meditating on this text and today I picked up a commentary and the first line was that Mary and Martha were Lazarus’ sisters, but Libby said this was a different Mary and Martha, right? I am guest preaching this Sunday and want to use this text. Thank you for your marvelous work. I am still pondering fundamentalism and Fosdick’s sermon!!
Can someone recommend a book(s) that will give me more of these interpretations of scripture, alternative interpretations to the fundamentalist viewpoint. Thanks in advance, Damyon
WOW! This completely and totally blew. my. mind. Thank you!
And I'm glad you're feeling better.
I love this parable but I wonder: how was the swineherd made whole for the economic loss of his herd of pigs? It seems an important detail that has been overlooked.
Keeping you in my prayers, Diana. I am grateful Not only for your voice that is so needed right now, but for you as a person. Blessings!
This is wonderful, Diana! Thank you! You sum it up well! Be good to yourself. Pax et bonum
Sometimes I think, hmmm maybe I should go to seminary and get my MTS. Then I read something like this and I’m like, nahh I can just read great seminarian teachers! Thanks for this meaningful piece of work. Loved it.
I want to spend some time engaged with the picture of Jesus telling this story to a laughing crowd who truly appreciate the references. The idea of a satirical side to Jesus really appeals to me. How was his comic timing? Who is his current day counterpart? Stephen Colbert?
Thank you for always give me a new understanding of the Word.
I hadn't heard about the shooting at St. Stephen's, it's heartbreaking, thank you for sharing.
I pray for your complete healing from COVID.
Thank you for this meaningful interpretation. I have often heard this passage interpreted as a commentary on Jesus and mental illness (demonic possession), which is hurtful to those of us with family members who suffer from extreme mental diseases such as schizophrenia. To understand it as political commentary instead, removes a great weight from my heart.
Thank you for posting early. It definitely helped with my understanding of todays sermon, which was along the same thoughts. I’m glad you are recovering!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful words and much needed reminder that we are all/each "Legion". - and there is the Promise of liberation!
Re Covid - I am glad that you are in recovery mode -May you have a good and full recovery
I've also read Crossan's Render Unto Caesar, & find it quite sound. But, arising from another circumstance, I also have another, psychological interpretation: not contradictory, but supplementary & useful. This too is metaphorical, not literal.
The 'demoniac' has lost himself: his human identity is swallowed up in fear & rejection. But there are parts of his mind, unconscious ones like those that monitor heart, breathing & digestion, that keep him alive& thus they re in the foreground: though they are useless in resocializing him. Pigs are useful, in the communities that keep them, but they need supervision. Indeed, the demons' cries are pitiable. Jesus' response is to treat the man as if he was himself; & so he becomes. The pigs of the unconscious then descend back into the watery depths of the unconscious, where they belong & will do their proper work.
This came when, tired, I was driving from work on a mountain road 40 Km from home, & noticed that I'd just driven about 4 Km & didn't remember any of that distance: the 'autopilot' did all that, alerting me if I needed to pay more attention. We are more than just the ego, which at best is a chairman rather than a solitary monarch.
Thank you gain for an excellent reflection!
Rev. F. Mark Mealing Ph.D.
Meadow Creek, BC, Canada
St. Mark's Kaslo
Just read, though I saw the posting last night, I saved for first sermon today. It has much to ponder and work with for a long time. I will share with others.