The Abrahamic Faiths 3 pages. Due 24 hours.

Job Vs. Ticktockman

Ali Almarzooqi

Theological Inquiry 100

Professor Lotfian

September 23, 2017

What do you think constitutes the fundamental message of the theophany of YHWH in the last chapters of the Book of Job (Jb 38 – 42)?

Of importance in the theophany of Job is the devout mystical experience of conversing with God. His faithfulness makes him aware of two fundamental factors, which includes God is omniscient and omnipotent. One can ascertain from the sacred text that, job led a life full of material comfort before his awareness. Apparently, his limited spiritual knowledge prevents him from realizing the power of God. Nonetheless, he learned about God’s wisdom in his first discourse with Yahweh. The turning point is a clear indication of the understanding of God’s omniscience. Additionally, Job came to know about the omnipotence of God. He is stronger, in the sense that, he decides the dimensions and the foundation of the earth (Jb 38:5). Therefore, these revelations show that no human is superior to the creator. The fundamental message here is that humankind is limited in understanding (Jb 40:4-5). Moreover, the materialistic life is not worth living, especially when one analyses the experiences of Job. Such reasons drive Job to think his suffering as anthropocentric.

How does this compare to the fundamental message in Ellison’s 'Repent, Harlequin!', said the Ticktockman?

In many ways, people in an ideal society tend to differ, especially when it comes to governance. The majority do not consider the consequences irrespective of the importance of regulations. Just like the Biblical Job, they forget that actions have consequences. For instance, Job lived a worldly life to an extent where he forgot that there is a powerful being above him. As a result, it is important to note that the expectations from the lives of individuals are changing. Ticktokman tries to impose laws, but Harlequin is adamant just like Job. In future, the rules will change such that abiding by them will be an obligation. Ellison further describes the earth as one that is departmental. The feeling here is that no worker should toil for those who are above them. Therefore, this is a prediction that a time will come when civil disobedience will be an order of the day. Human beings have limited knowledge about how much disobedience can be costly. Absurdity and self-centeredness are something that will happen where others will turn their neighbors into slaves. In the end, people will start setting their dimensions at the expense of the lives of others.

Which Ticktockman character do you think best represents YHWH (God the Father), as He is described in the Book of Job?

Ticktokman, the master timekeeper, is the character in Ellison’s book that represents YHWH. He is calm when everything is going on according to his expectations. Additionally, any wrong infuriates him just as in the case and character of Harlequin. Ticktokman even goes ahead to threaten Harlequin that he will kill him. Despite his anger towards Harlequin, he decides to use it as a living example. He brainwashes him to show the society that he has what it takes to make them conform to the requirements of the community. Similarly, in the Bible, God makes Job a living example. The actions of Job angered YHWH, but He did not kill him either. Instead, He chose to make him suffer so that other people can learn from his predicament.

Do you think this is a fair representation of Christ (God the Son)? Why or why not?

A critical analysis of this scenario leads to the conclusion that this is not a fair representation of God. A review of the book shows that characters are just ordinary human beings. However, God is a superior being. Ticktokman, for instance, represents corporate control. The objective is to ensure that every person in that society is efficient and in compliance with the laws. God’s purpose, on the other hand, sought to make Job understand that God is everything. Therefore, it is illogical to compare the powers of humankind to that of God.

Bibliography

Catholic World Press. "The New American Bible." 2011.

Ellison, Harlan. “Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman. Open Road Media, 2016.

� Catholic World Press. "The New American Bible." 2011.

� Ellison, Harlan. “Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman. Open Road Media, 2016.

� IBID

� Ellison, Harlan. “Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman. Open Road Media, 2016.