THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Magazine Overview

This document is a review from the journal "THEOLOGICAL STUDIES," issue number 778, published in 1998. It reviews the book "CHILDREN OF EZEKIEL: ALIENS, UFOS, THE CRISIS OF RACE, AND THE ADVENT OF THE END TIME" by Michael Lieb, published by Duke University Press.

Review of "Children of Ezekiel"

The review focuses on Michael Lieb's book, which interprets Ezekiel's vision of God's chariot (merkavah) as a symbolic representation of divine presence. The book, according to the review, explores how this vision has been interpreted and manipulated in modern times by individuals and groups seeking to "literalize, or technologize" its essence and harness its power for their own ends.

Part 1: Manifestations of the Vision

Part 1 of Lieb's book, as described in the review, spans various modern interpretations. It ranges from John Milton's concept of a "chariot of paternal deity" to Israeli "merkavah tanks." The review highlights the inclusion of UFO sightings and theories, specifically mentioning E. von Daniken, as well as end-time beliefs associated with Jehovah's Witnesses and Hal Lindsey, and fundamentalist apocalypticism. The attempt by Ronald Reagan to "arm the heavens" is also cited as an example.

Part 2: Nation of Islam and the "Mother Plane"

Part 2 of the book delves into the ideology of the Nation of Islam. The review notes that the book focuses on Elijah Mohammad and Louis Farrakahn, both of whom were significantly influenced by a vision of the "Mother Plane," which the review suggests was clearly influenced by Ezekiel's original vision.

Analysis of Ezekiel's Vision and Its Interpretation

The reviewer begins by discussing Ezekiel's vision itself, noting that Lieb focuses on select details like the word "hashmal" (amber). The reviewer expresses surprise that the book did not delve deeper into the storm theophany background of the vision, suggesting that the storm clouds could have been interpreted as Baal's war chariot, which would have been relevant given Ezekiel's emphasis on the symbolic nature of his vision. The reviewer questions what Ezekiel would have thought of his "children" who, in their attempts at literalization, arguably betrayed the symbolic essence of his vision.

The reviewer quotes Lieb stating that the "inaugural vision will become a machine whose forces can be harnessed and channeled in whatever direction the person who has conquered these forces sees fit." The reviewer interprets this impulse to literalize, technologize, "nuclearize," or "racialize" the vision as a fundamental attempt to control God, or to "play God." From a theological and biblical perspective, the reviewer frames this as a study in the impulse to idolatry and its destructive consequences.

Rabbinic Apprehension and Book's Impact

The review mentions that Jewish rabbinic tradition regarded Ezekiel's vision with significant apprehension, warning that one risks being "driven insane" if not destroyed by "hashmal." The reviewer suggests this ancient apprehension might have been prescient.

Conclusion of the Review

Overall, the reviewer characterizes Lieb's book as a "stimulating and provocative study" that examines the interaction between culture and ideas with a biblical text, focusing on "rather bizarre phenomena."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this review are the literalization and technologization of religious visions, particularly Ezekiel's merkavah vision, and the potential for such interpretations to lead to idolatry and the desire to control divine power. The review also touches upon the influence of biblical texts on various cultural and religious movements, including UFOlogy and specific ideologies like that of the Nation of Islam. The editorial stance of "Theological Studies," as reflected in the review, appears to be one of critical academic inquiry into the intersection of religion, culture, and contemporary phenomena.