Mythical Musings: Bacchus and Barbecue

Mythology makes an easy segue to discussions of God. In the past week or so (depending on the class), we have studied a number of characters, mortal and immortal, whose stories have led to a discussion -- sometimes deep, sometimes not -- about Yahweh.  

When I introduced Bacchus, the god of wine, to them, we talked about his dual nature, that same good-and-bad tug of war in each of us that makes people who are trying to be very good do very bad things. When we reviewed Demeter, the goddess of grain and the harvest, we looked at how they are often shown together: the wine and the bread. So we talked about communion and this precious sacrament that brings us closer to God and closer to one another.  Important lessons, to be sure. 

But not every connection carries such gravity. I do, after all, teach freshmen. 

On Friday, we read from the Odyssey, the part when the blind (and dead) prophet Teresius tells the "man skilled in all ways of contending" that he'll need to sacrifice 100 cows to all the gods. Wouldn't that be one bang up barbecue?? Listen, I live in Memphis, home of the best BBQ joints in the world, but I'm pretty sure that the temple altars could put on a mighty good spread, as well. And it wasn't just the Greek and Roman gods; Yahweh must be a fan of a good grilling, too -- just look at the meat that the  Israelites offered up to the Creator: bulls and rams and lambs and doves. If He's such a fan of brisket on earth, then that heavenly feast He serves down the golden street will put Rendezvous and Tops and Central and the Dancing Pigs to shame. 

Ok, so it wasn't a deep, theological moment. But it was a reminder that this life is good and that the next will be even better when we honor the one true God. 

Amen, and pass the cole slaw!