An Intellectual Strategy

I feel strangely compelled to fuck with the Sinai myth

The massacre of the golden calf celebrants in Exodus 32

In this mythic narrative, the Levites are ordered, by Moses via God

To kill family and neighbours who celebrated around the golden calf

The Levites comply, slaying about three thousand with their swords

Why this horror?

For disobedient and heterodox expressions of religiosity (32:7-10)

As a demonstration of strength to surrounding enemies (32:25)

Because God and Moses said so (32:27)

After the massacre

The Levites dedicate themselves, for having killed for God

Moses climbs Sinai seeking forgiveness

(For the transgressions of the celebrants)

God sends a plague to further punish the community

I am changing this story – the worst story ever told

God, Moses and the Levite murderers are now put on trial

The slain, now martyrs – their deaths given meaning

We gather in symposium to design a new covenant

This must never, ever happen again

Our new community thus evolves

The Levite priests now dedicate their lives in defence of diversity

Golden calf celebrants are celebrated and emulated as priestly practice

Through offerings we share variations of the revised Sinai myth

Here and now you arrive for orientation

We will help you design your festival offerings

Begin by engaging and re-envisioning your myths

This is how we participate in changing the story

Somehow, changing the story might help to change the world