#bible research

[vincewillard-1971]

The Word Of The Lord Endures

1 Peter 2:1-25

1. Wherefore laying aside all hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

7. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold , glorify God in the day of visitation.

13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14. Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well.

15. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

17. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

18. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

19. For this is thankworthy toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

21. For even hereto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.

24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead in sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

[ramblingkitty]

I find it so annoying when people complain about lucifer’s design, saying that he’s not scary enough to look like the devil. Lucifer is a fallen angel, he was God’s favourite and most beautiful angel, he’s going to keep those features. His pure white skin and red cheeks remind me of a porcelain doll, which could be to show that he’s meant to be pretty. Lucifer wasn’t created in/for hell, he’s not going to look like the other sins because he had a different purpose before he fell. I personally think that his design is good, it reminds you that he wasn’t actually a bad person, he was banished for doing something that he thought would help - it was a gift. Lucifer is supposed to be pretty and that most likely wont change, not even his demon form made him look scary or ugly

He just beat up a guy and he still looks pretty

[reality-detective]

Your DNA is connected to the creator or more correctly God! We are all human but once your DNA has been tampered with you become a product of man, a walking soulless avatar, a zombie like creature. You become part synthetic a trans human. 🧬🤖

mRNA has never been used in any vaccine until now, this is why it is not a vaccine but experimental injection the virus and variants are not real, they are using it to usher people into the NWO, alter your DNA and cause mass depopulation. 🤔

[nartothelar]

Omg omg omg Angel emmet you have no idea what Angel emmet does for my brain worms!!!!

I have both a Submas fixation and an Angel lore fixation, this is like a double whammy of happy brr chemicals!!!

I love him.

Eheheh mood! I love the world building involved for these kind of aus that are so general that you can really build it up to be anything you want!

[vomittedsoap]

The Ladder has to be one of the best episodes of The Terror(not that the otheres are worse but ykwim). The speech Crozier gives that features the story of Jacob's Ladder as well as the rest of the writing from Sir John that basically reiterates what he said to Collins before he descended in his diving suit (something like "God lies in all realms") has such a chokehold on me...The whole episode is so eloquent, like even Irving's speech to Hickey about bettering himself while he has the chance and the world being born anew from an ark is beautifully said.

Interestingly, the story of Jacob's Ladder happens when Jacob lays his head on stone to sleep in an ancient city called Bethel, which means "House of God" and kind of made its debut in this verse. There's a fable/morality tale that takes place in Bethel when Elisha(the current prophet at the time) is taunted by a mob of teenagers, whom he curses, and God sends she-bears to kill 42 of them.

"And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them." 2 Kings 2:23-24 (King James Version)

Basically the story is teaching that you shouldn't jeer at prophets no matter how much you dislike what they're saying. Possibly there's parallels here with Tuunbaq.?? The She-bear?

I mean I'm not the most well-versed with Bible stories like this one so if any of you know more feel free to share. It's just interesting to me.

[panic-point-blank]

Numerology: The number 9

9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99

What does the number 9 signify? 9 means completion, but not a final ending.

In astrology: the number 9 is associated with the planet Mars, which is said to govern ambition, energy, and action. People born under the sign of Mars, which is associated with the number 9, are said to be confident, independent, and adventurous. The ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, is known for its adventurous and expansive spirit, which reflects the qualities of the number 9. Additionally, the number 9 is linked to the concept of karma, which refers to the idea that our actions have consequences that come back to us. This is because 9 is the result of adding up all the single-digit numbers before it (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8=36, and 3+6=9), suggesting that we reap what we sow. Overall, the number 9 is significant and powerful in astrology, representing completion, growth, and the consequences of our actions. Moreover, in Vedic astrology, the nine planets or Grahas are believed to have a significant influence on human destiny and are associated with different qualities and energies. These planets include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. The Sun and Moon are considered the most important planets, as they are responsible for life on Earth and are associated with the soul and mind, respectively. The number 9 is associated with the planet Guru or Jupiter, which is considered the most benefic planet in the horoscope. Guru is associated with wisdom, knowledge, and good fortune. People who are born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th of any month are said to be influenced by the planet Guru and are considered to be blessed with good luck and prosperity.

In astronomy: the number 9 is perhaps most famously associated with the nine planets in our solar system. the number 9 has significance in the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. It is said that the Sun completes a cycle of 360 degrees in the sky in one year, which is divided into 12 zodiac signs, with each sign taking up 30 degrees. The Moon, on the other hand, takes about 29.5 days to complete its cycle around the Earth, and during this time, it passes through all 12 zodiac signs. Interestingly, the total number of days in a solar year (365.24) multiplied by the number of lunar months in a year (12.37) equals 4536.24, which can be reduced to 9. This is known as the lunar-solar cycle, and it is believed to be a powerful symbol of completion and transformation.

In mythology: the number 9 is often associated with spiritual growth and knowledge. For example, in Norse mythology, Odin hung from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights to gain wisdom and knowledge. In Greek mythology, nine muses inspired creativity and art, while in Egyptian mythology, nine gods presided over the underworld.

In mathematics: the number 9 has some unique properties as well. It is the highest single-digit number, and any number multiplied by 9 will always result in a number whose digits add up to 9. Additionally, the number 9 is the sum of the first three square numbers (1² + 2² + 3² = 9) and the sum of the first three cube numbers (1³ + 2³ + 3³ = 36). This property of the number 9 is known as the "digital root" and is used in various mathematical and divinatory practices.

In physics: the number 9 appears in the fundamental equations that describe the behavior of the universe, such as the nine-dimensional equations of string theory. In mathematics, the number 9 is used in a variety of numerical systems, including the base-9 system used by the ancient Maya.

In science: the significance of number 9 in science is reflected in its frequent appearance in various scientific phenomena. For instance, the periodic table has nine fundamental types of atoms, known as lanthanides. The human body is made up of nine major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems. The electromagnetic spectrum has nine main categories of waves, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays. Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is supposed to be 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. It looks very dramatic and mysterious yet if true its indeed happy mystery. Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon. Furthermore, there are nine planets in our solar system (including Pluto, which is now considered a dwarf planet), and the number 9 also appears in the fundamental equations that describe the behavior of the universe, such as the nine-dimensional equations of string theory. The number 9 also appears in the concept of tides, which are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on the Earth's oceans. Tides follow a roughly 12-hour cycle, with high and low tides occurring twice a day, resulting in a total of around 9 tides per day. 

In ancient Egypt: the number 9 was associated with the nine gods who ruled over the underworld.

In music: the significance of the number 9 in music is rooted in its harmonic properties. The ninth note of a scale, known as the subtonic, is a crucial note for creating tension and leading to the tonic note. This creates a sense of resolution and closure in musical phrases. Additionally, the number 9 appears in musical time signatures such as 9/8, which adds a unique and complex rhythmic texture to the music. The number 9 also plays a symbolic role in music, as seen in The Beatles' "Revolution 9," a groundbreaking experimental track that features various sound effects and spoken word samples. Overall, the number 9 adds depth and complexity to the music, both in its harmonic properties and its symbolic significance.

Nine Muses: In Greek mythology, the Nine Muses were the goddesses of inspiration in the arts and sciences, such as music, poetry, and astronomy. They were said to be the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne and were believed to provide inspiration and guidance to human beings.

 Nine Worthies: The Nine Worthies were a group of historical and legendary figures from different cultures who were seen as exemplars of chivalry and virtue. They were divided into three categories of three: pagan, Jewish, and Christian. The pagan worthies were Hector, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar; the Jewish worthies were Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus; and the Christian worthies were King Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon.

Ennead: In ancient Egyptian mythology, the Ennead was a group of nine gods and goddesses who were worshipped in the city of Heliopolis. The Ennead included the god Atum, who was believed to have created the world, and his children Shu and Tefnut, who represented air and moisture, respectively.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival: The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a Taoist festival celebrated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The festival is held in the ninth lunar month and is dedicated to the worship of the Nine Emperor Gods, who are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

The 9th letter of the alphabet is "I", which is also the Roman numeral for the number 1. This means that "IX" is 9 in Roman numerals, which is why you sometimes see clocks or watches with "IX" instead of "IX" to represent 9.

Islam: Quran says that each and everything of this universe is counted and surrounded by numeric. The 9th chapter of the Qur'an At-Tawbah 'the Repentance', and is one of the last Medinan surahs. The number 9 is the day of Hajj. The Messenger Mohammad participated in 9 of the conquests. And nine Qur’anic verses speak about the prophet Moses. The Arabic letters of the opening in the Qur’an add up to 786=9, 786 is an Arabic numeric value that denotes“Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim” the opening phrase of the Holy Quran. It translates as “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent“. 786 is basically driven from the series of Arabic Numerology called “Abjad“. In Muslim tradition it is known to be the symbolic representation of Allah. But no Islamic scholar has so far been able to explain the origin of this number. In fact, it is not mentioned in the Quran. Ramadan: a time of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Biblical Symbolism: The number nine is found 49 times in Scripture. Its biblical symbolism is tied mainly to the concepts of finality, divine completeness, and judgment. It typically surfaces during pivotal moments of transformation, culmination, or judgment in the biblical narrative. In the divine order of creation, the Lord chose to create a nine-month gestation period for human beings, indicating a time of completeness before birth. The number nine often marks the end of a divine cycle or period. In the context of the Old Testament, every ninth year represented the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. The number 'nine' also weaves a pattern of divine judgment throughout biblical history. For instance, the prophet Hosea, inspired by God, declared that Ephraim's destruction would come to the city in the 'ninth' year. In another instance, the ninth hour was marked for Christ's death, symbolizing the largest divine judgement humanity has ever witnessed. Ezekiel 24:1-2 noted the siege of Jerusalem commenced on the 'ninth' day of the tenth month. Adding to its significance, the city's destruction commenced on the 'ninth' day of the fourth month. Nine Attributes of God: The Lord is patient, The Lord is Merciful, The Lord is Gracious, The Lord is Abundant in Goodness, The Lord is Abundant in Truth, The Lord is Loving, The Lord is Forgiving, The Lord is a God that Judges, The Lord is Just. In Christianity, there are nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle in the decimal system, which originated from the Indian subcontinent as early as 3000 BC. The number 9 is considered a lucky number in many cultures, including in China and Japan, where it is associated with longevity and good fortune. In numerology, the number 9 is associated with spiritual growth, selflessness, and humanitarianism.

In Hinduism: The number 9 has played a significant role in Indian history, culture, and mythology. In Hinduism, there are nine planets, nine forms of Devi, and nine forms of Lord Vishnu. The number 9 is also associated with the Navratnas, which are the nine precious gemstones. According to Hindu mythology, there are nine avatars of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, and Kalki. These avatars are believed to have appeared on Earth in different forms and at different times to restore balance and order. The number 9 is also significant in other Indian religions and traditions. In Buddhism: there are nine stages of consciousness. Some Buddhists carve have 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Other Buddhists, like in Tibet and in Bhutan, they ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year. They believed it as corresponding to 108 virtues to cultivate and 108 defilements to avoid. Chinese Buddhists and in the Taoists 108 bead mala (called su-chu), and has three dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three parts of 36 each. Chinese astrology also believed that there are 108 sacred stars. while in Jainism, there are nine tattvas or principles of reality. The number 9 is also associated with the nine chakras, or energy centers, in the body. Nine Gems: The Navratnas, or nine gems, are considered to be powerful and auspicious in Indian culture. These include diamond, pearl, ruby, emerald, yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, hessonite, cat The significance of the number 9 can also be seen in Indian architecture and art. For instance, the famous Hindu temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, was built in the 11th century and is known for its unique architecture that features nine stories, representing the nine planets in Hindu mythology. The temple also has nine entrances, nine corridors, and nine sacred tanks, emphasizing the importance of the number 9 in Hindu culture. Another example of the significance of the number 9 in Indian art is the Navarasas or the nine emotions, which are depicted in various forms of art, including dance, music, and theater. The nine emotions are Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (courage), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace). These emotions are believed to be the essence of human experience and are often portrayed in Indian art and literature. Furthermore, the number 9 is also believed to have healing properties in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of nine elements or dhatus, which are Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), Shukra (semen), Artava (ovary), and Purisha (feces). These elements are believed to be interconnected and affect each other, and any imbalance in these elements can lead to illness. Ayurvedic remedies often involve balancing these elements to promote health and well-being.

[thylionheart]

Now that I’m a significant ways into writing my David x Jonathan fic I am no longer sure if David is a top or not

What I do know is that Jonathan definitely WANTS David to top him

[jstor]

Birds? In the Bible? It's more likely than you think.

This Open Access book, available to all on JSTOR, discusses the birds mentioned in Leviticus and Deuteronomy and the possible reasons for which they were considered prohibited.

Image: A Cormorant. Etching. Wellcome Collection.

[gingebreadbeetle]

This is just straight up a rant, so to be blunt; I am not a professional artist, I just enjoy drawing and know some of the basics. Also this is all just my opinion, so yeah, rant starts from here.

Viv’s designs of the sins that we’ve seen so far are horrible. They’re overcrowded, the colors are really basic or straining for me and it’s just … bad? It’s just bad, confusing and it feels like she looked up a wiki of (insert demon)’s animal, slapped on a Viv TM personality from the five different persona’s she has and oversaturated colored and called it a day.

Sorry if this is disjointed, I know Viv has talent as a artist and she has artistic merit, but I feel like in recent years her style and characterization has diminished ( compare pilot Adam to the show Adam example, for me the pilots design was much cooler ) and now her furry designs or biblical interpretations are just… bare bones, hollow. Like she’s read a question on a test but hasn’t engaged with it thoroughly and rushed it. C minus, Viv.

[menlove]

need someone to make a site like the paul mccartney project but for john i am in the goddamn trenches i swear to christ

[eesirachs]

Hi Sam, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the tension between the anthropocentrism found in the Bible—where the earth and the natural world are seen as existing primarily to serve human needs—and how this perspective might contribute to our current climate discussions. Do you think this view exacerbates the harm to the natural world, and should we instead adopt a more inclusive, ecocentric perspective?

ps: i haven’t read laudato si, but would love your thoughts on this as well!

the hebrew bible reads, rather, as a register of ethical relationality—within and without human-human interactions. with attention, this god forms the natural landscape, occupies it with fruit and river, with things made from clay and animals as their partners. materiality in the ancient near east was like that—how flesh and dirt and gods and creature negotiated themselves was less a thing of difference than sameness. the self included things like mud, votives, totemic animals, the earth. as the bible moves through its narrative, it turns and returns to this kind of materiality that refuses to be parsed out. the prophets are their skin-mantles; grain sacrifice is fed to animals; sign-acts speak through and to bushes, cows, water. rather than a rubric of dominating environments, there is here a faith that rests upon and in those environments. laudato si attempts to hold this—and it might move further, it might hold onto the earth in the way faith narratives need it to, have long since needed it to

[vincewillard-1971]

Praise For Strength

Samuel 22:1-22

1. And David spoke unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

2. And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

3. The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

4. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

5. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;

6. The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;

7. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

8. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was with.

9. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

10. He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.

11. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.

12. And he made darkness pavilion round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.

13. Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.

14. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

15. And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

16. And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

17. He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.

18. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

19. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay .

20. He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

21. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

22. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

[risu442]

Okay, I am (tired) ready to get a new scientific research.

So this time, pls gimme Jeff Satur silly little tounge. Thank you. 🤡

[reality-detective]

I'll leave this 👆 here... You Decide 🤔

[aggywytchking]

Coffee theory, Lie theory, Body-swap theory, Az has trauma theory—-

I propose my good people: ALL OF THEM

S2 Good Omens Spoilers ahead as well as s3 predictions

Let’s start with the first and most common: the coffee theory.

Coffee theory is simply that Metatron did something to Az’s coffee to make him agree to leave Crowley and go up to heaven.

Now there is no denying that coffee has played a suspiciously conspicuous role throughout this season. From the coffee shop (oh we will come back to the coffee shop at the end my friends, don’t you worry), to Crowley’s espresso order, to Metatron’s suspicious offering, and the coffee cup making an appearance in the opening sequence.

I am never one to cast aside what writers are so obviously trying to shove in an audience’s face.

Do I think that Metatron drugged Az’s coffee in some way? Not really no- I believe coffee might be a symbol for sun here, almost Az’s own Apple as it were.

Throughout the show we have never seen Az drink coffee, only Crowley and humans, both of who are capable of sin. (Also Crowley chugging down 6 shots?). Az drinks tea (unspecified) and offers hot chocolate, but never coffee.

Coffee has no biblical ties- BUT in LSD/Mormonism has a rule against it.

This stance dates back to 1833, when Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Church, received what he called “a revelation from God” that said: “hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” -source

Shortly after this “rule” it was updated to allow herbal teas, and in modern times hot chocolate.

Now why would a Mormon rule apply here possibly? Because I believe it may apply to s3. The initial planned sequel to the book has been said to pertain to the second coming of Jesus in America.

After Jesus' resurrection, according to the Book of Mormon, he visited America. In fact, America plays a special role in Mormonism. Mormons believe that when Jesus returns to Earth, he will first go to Jerusalem and then to Missouri. -source

The Book of Mormon references Jesus visiting America- and I don’t think the writers would make one silly tie in and just leave it at that. If we’re saying they’re right on one prophecy, why not add this to it?

I find it silly and impossible to believe that our little human food lover has had it all but was unfamiliar with how espresso would effect him. I also find it highly suspicious how much of the marketing revolves around the beverages our characters drink.

I do believe there is also stock in the almond syrup as everyone else has pointed out.

In context, God had just given Israel a warning. “I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:9-10) Then after Jeremiah sees the almond tree, God shows him a boiling pot over Jerusalem which portends “calamity”. (Jeremiah 1:13-14) While the almond is a sign of hope that God will eventually fulfill His wonderful promises to Israel (or to us), the context is more ominous. Later, God repeated the warning through Jeremiah: “Behold, I will watch (shaked) over them for evil, and not for good…” (Jeremiah 44:27). God’s message to Israel was that sin has consequences and there will come a time of reckoning – namely the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Israel. Years later, Daniel would pray: “Therefore has the Lord watched (shaked) upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all His works which He does: for we obeyed not His voice.” (Daniel 9:14) -source

That last bit really gets me because Metatron is the voice of god as we know. So the coffee is a combo threat as well as a type of temptation, like the apple. (“Are you going to take it?”) We know that in the s2 opening we see Adam’s (of the garden variety) grave and we are supposed to learn about his death in s3. I think Az falling to temptation will tie into all that.

Back to the moment in question- a lot of people pointed out a miracle sound occurring faintly when the Metatron handed over the coffee. It’s been floating around that this was him doing something to the coffee .

I disagree- I think that was Crowley protecting Az. We don’t see him immediately in that shot- and him being on the other side of the room would be why it was so faint. Metatron’s glare wasn’t one of pure dislike- he sensed something then and was suspicious.

Crowley is overprotective on a good day- but he knows Metatron and does not appear to hold and fondness to him. I think he knew no good was to come from the conversation and wanted to protect Az of anything that could occur. So the coffee didn’t actually end up effecting him at all.

All that summed up to say: coffee theory doesn’t tell us why Az does what he does- but it does tell us why Metatron thinks everything is working out in his favor.

Next up! Az is just traumatized theory

It has been pointed out that Az’s decision in this moment is actually pretty on brand for all that he’s been through. And I would agree!

Of course he wants to be in heaven’s good graces, of course he wants to fix the world-save the humans- overhaul the system, of course he is still seeking validation.

That’s why when offered the position he jumps at it! No mind inducing coffee needed like the Metatron had thought. It’s just that what Metatron doesn’t know is that Az is agreeing with his own motives in mind. He wants to make a world safe for humans, he wants to make a reality safe for him and Crowley, and he wants to come back to his bookshop at the end of it all.

All that summed up to say: Az trauma theory tells us why he decided to take this path- but doesn’t explain the offer itself (coffee theory did that), or why he presents it the way he does

Next: The Lie Theory

This theory comes based around the idea that Az is lying to both Metatron and Crowley.

This season taught us something very crucial about angels in general and our favorite, Az. It showed us that angels are not supposed to be able to lie- and that Az willingly does on multiple occasions.

Lying is definitely a big deal in the Bible. It is one of the Ten Commandments in fact.

One of the Ten Commandments is "thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour"; for this reason, lying is generally considered a sin in Christianity. -source

It is no small thing that Az commits this sin- although I’m sure he puts himself through all sorts of mental gymnastics to do so. From what we can tell, he only does so to protect. In this case, we can assume he is trying to protect Crowley.

The lie in theory is that during the secret conversation with Metatron, some sort of threat against Crowley may have been made or that Az simply needed to figure out a way to drive Crowley away from him (or possibly goad him).

So when Az is telling Crow that he can be an angel again, this is a lie knowing that he would never go for it. Then when he reports back to Metatron he lies (by omission) what he actually relayed over to Crowley.

Why such a harsh lie though? Why hurt Crowley so deeply- surely there are other ways to push him away from danger.

Because he was trying to goad him- he was trying to rile him up.

So to summarize: The Lie theory tells us why Az delivers his news how he does- but not to what end

Now: The Bodyswap Theory

Bodyswap theory is essentially that Az and Crow switched bodies again during the kiss to go about and solve the issues at hand.

Now we know from s1 this is possible- but I don’t exactly think that’s what happened. We learned this season that angels also appear to have the ability to store memories or consciousness ~elsewhere~ and that both of these seem to require physical contact to occur.

What I believe happened here was that Az transferred some sort of information to Crow (a memory- what happened in the conversation-etc). That’s why kiss was, uh, not quite so quick and chaste and why Az was goading Crow in the first place. Also possible Crow transferred some knowledge (or abilities) back.

We have seen that Crowley is actually rather easy to rule up- and that Az has succeeded in doing so multiple times.

I don’t think Az was expecting a kiss (poor soul)- but he was expecting to be grabbed or something.

To summarize: Bodyswap theory explains why Crowley didn’t immediately burn the world to the ground

Now looking ahead to s3 and my own silly theories off of all of this. Aka: gentleman start your engines theory

This theory will hopefully explain those last few painful moments.

“I forgive you”

“Don’t bother”

For what? The kiss? The not going to heaven? All of it?

No- for what Crowley is about to do. Aka raise hell on heaven.

Whatever information Az passed along- Crow’s response was some sort of inkling of a plan towards destroying heaven and the system as we know it. A revolution of sorts.

The revolution has been hinted at since the end of s1- ever since our precious coffee shop sprang into existence (told you I’d get back to it).

The quote that the title of the shop is referring to is “Give me liberty or give me death,” from founding father Patrick Henry’s famous speech credited with swinging public favor to join the American revolution (America, the convenient location of our second coming) during the First Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church.

I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to comfort themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves, are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrance’s have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation? There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. The war is actually begun! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! -source

Another fun historical fact- this church also helped pave the way for religious freedom in America. (But also had a very messy history).

It is notable that the Second Virginia Convention authorized Baptist chaplains to minister to soldiers, an important early step toward freedom of religion in what became the Commonwealth of Virginia. Baptists and Methodists had been influential in Virginia during and following the Great Awakening, and many of the common people had already become affiliated with Baptist and Methodist congregations. -source

We also what seems to be a militia of sorts marching to heaven in the s2 opener with all sorts of walks of life. This isn’t going to be the heaven vs hell war- it’s going to be a revolution.

We see repeatedly when Az forgives Crow it’s almost reactionary. He wants Crow to know he doesn’t condemn his actions (and therefore also agrees with them to some extent).

Crow says “don’t bother” not because he’s dismissing Az, but because the very system that the forgiveness is based on he seeks to overturn.

This planned revolution is also why we get the “no nightingales” line.

Now the: No Nightingales Theory

Now, we are meant to think it’s just a heartbreaking reference to the song “a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square” but it’s so much more.

Nightingales are mentioned one time in the Bible- well the Old Testament has them at least, in the Song of Songs.

"Behold the autumn has passed, the rain has gone, blossoms are seen in the Land, the time of the nightingale has come, the voice of the turtledove is heard; the fig has formed its first fruit; the vines in blossom give forth fragrance", Song of Songs 2:11-13. These verses describe springtime in the Land of Israel. The rains have ended, the trees are in blossom and the nightingale has come. Israel is located on the migratory route between Europe and Africa, of so many birds, including the nightingale and the sweet sound of the birds can be heard from within the shrubbery. -source

The Song of Songs is described as, “a literary, poetic exploration of human love that strongly affirms loyalty, beauty, and sexuality. Yet in God's story, these things are not ends in themselves.”- Tom Gledhill.

Both this and the song “a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square” reference a nightingale symbolizing the coming of spring after winter.

Nightingales have a long history in British literature having a general theme of representing nature's purity, and, in Western spiritual tradition, virtue and goodness.

In Romeo and Juliet, they help represent the opposing sides of light and dark in love

In the same way that light and dark are mutually exclusive, Romeo and Juliet are like nightingales and larks, never able to be together. The lark, a bird of the morning (light), represents harsh reality, while the nightingale represents the safety of night (darkness). -source

In John Keats “Ode to a Nightingale” he references the battle between logic and passion- “The nightingale described experiences a type of death but does not actually die. Instead, the songbird is capable of living through its song, which is a fate that humans cannot expect. The poem ends with an acceptance that pleasure cannot last and that death is an inevitable part of life.” -source.

We also have this lovely tidbit from Izaak Walton’s (famous British author) essay.

But the nightingale, another of my airy creatures, breathes such sweet loud music out of her little instrumental throat, that it might make mankind to think miracles are not ceased. He that at midnight, when the very labourer sleeps securely, should hear, as I have very often, the clear airs, the sweet descants, the natural rising and falling, the doubling and redoubling of her voice, might well be lifted above earth, and say, “Lord, what music hast Thou provided for the saints in heaven, when Thou affordest bad men such music on earth?”-source

This references the shortcoming of heaven and the beauty of what sinners may find on earth again via the nightingale.

All this to say- Crowley’s “no nightingales” may be a way of saying “spring is not here, we are still in the trenches, I love you-but cannot protect you where you are going now.”

Still sad! But like- less break up sad, more the reality of the situation they’re entering sad.

Also- back to Walton’s piece- the questioning of god again—

Speaking of god… where is she

And finally: God is Dead- a not fully formed theory

Did anyone else notice god did not narrate this season? Not to go all “his dark materials” on y’all, but did someone kill god?

Odd artistic choice to just remove her so suddenly.

I just keep circling back to Metatron’s question in the coffee shop, “does anyone ask for death?”

At first I thought he was referring to Job- who’s story we got to tackle this season, as in the Bible he actually mentions asking for death several times.

But then it got me wondering- did god ask for death? If so was it because the ineffable plan failed?

Also the inclusion of Iain Banks, ‘The Crow Road’ that Metatron gives Muriel can’t be for nothing. (Spoiler of for book-but it’s loosely a murder mystery with a solid grappling with faith).

Part of me also wonders if Crow is suspicious of all this- just based off the faces he was making around Metatron. Also because of Gabriel just throwing everything away suddenly- and him referencing the second coming.

I don’t have a fully formed analysis of this theory- it’s just growing in my head.

ANYWAYS- in summary: Metatron tried to trick Az with the coffee, but crow protected him, and it wasn’t necessary anyways because Az has trauma, but still wants to protect Crow so he lied and riled him up to transfer knowledge, and Crow has decided to raid a revolution but is being a romantic drama queen about it, and god might be dead. :)

[gaoau]

if not reason, then the devil

to have a conversation with god, the greatest sinner walking this earth. talk to him, for He will listen.

pairing — fyodor dostoevsky x reader word count — 3.6k

( 1 corinthians 13:4-8 )

[name] sighs as they balance their cup of coffee on its saucer. scanning their eyes over the occupied seats, they find luck is not on their side this afternoon. there's a nice couple being attended to and another one chatting gleefully. business partners engaging in conversation, a foreigner by himself, and two friends chortling away. the tables inside are, unfortunately, just as busy. [name] fiddles with the strap of their bag in thought. it takes another defeated sigh, but they decide to simply head back to the counter and have their drink to go.

just as they turn to walk back into the shop, a voice calls out to them, "i've got an open seat here," is all it says. [name] throws a glance over their shoulder. it's the foreigner. he's looking them right in the eye, a friendly simper on his lips. "if you'd like to join me," fyodor prompts, gesturing to the empty chair with his palm.

from the ushanka, [name]'s first guess is that he's russian—or at least some kind of slav. not that it matters. when it comes down to it, he seems to be horribly anemic and probably wouldn't pose much of a threat. they contemplate their options for another brief moment. with a shrug, they choose to take his kind offer.

"thanks." they smile at him, setting down their cup across from his. "sorry to bother."

he closes his eyes when he chuckles, "ah, you japanese people, always so apologetic." the comment pricks [name] in the back of their head. it's not necessarily offensive, but it does feel like payback for their own stereotyping thoughts. fyodor notices their fleeting frown. funny foreigner. "feel free to get on with your homework. i won't disturb you." he takes a sip from his cup of tea to emphasize his words.

[name] says, "thank you," and starts pulling out their laptop from their bag. loose papers and a few pens so they can finish their work with a deadline around the corner. they waste no time in swiftly typing away on their keyboard, checking over their notes to build their essay.

it's two paragraphs later that they flicker their attention up to the friendly foreigner who offered up his solitude. what a lucky guess this nameless man made to know this was homework.

their fingers continue typing on instinct as they carefully analyze fyodor. he's got one earphone in, eyes closed, taking an occasional sip from his drink. he politely grins at the waitress when she comes over to refill his tea. but he's very quiet and distant. [name] can tell—people-watching, one of their many habits. aloof, smart, making sure to reserve his energy. it's interesting to find with one glance that he bites his nails until he bleeds. for how collected he appears to be, it's certainly an interesting quirk.

when he feels [name]'s attention return to their screen, fyodor opens his eyes to assess them in turn. conversational, focused, and they act surprised every time they remember they have a cup of coffee to sip from. they use quite the messy handwriting to scribble down abbreviations and unfinished words. from the few characters he can properly read, they appear to be interested in criminology. how arrogant for a human to attempt to study the same brain that taints them with sin.

how innocent.

fyodor allows four minutes and thirty-seven seconds of silence to pass by between his new subject and him. the song on the radio changes while the waitress leaves after refilling his cup. he takes a sip from his tea and then stares at his reflection. "ah, danse of the knights…" on the code sheet inside his brain, the cannibalism plan is going accordingly. he hums to himself, pleased with this foreseen course of events.

just as he thought, [name] reacts to the unprompted sound of his voice. they halt their typing and turn their head up to look at him curiously. fyodor makes sure to hold eye contact. inviting, he raises his brows, carefully wrapping the strings of their brain tightly around his fingers. it takes them a second to bite. there's a faint crease on their forehead, hesitant to engage in conversation past their ingrained politeness. but he expects more from them than this.

when they reach for their pen and relax their shoulders, fyodor knows he's got them right where he wants them. "it's not every day you see foreigners around here," they start, a smile painting their face, "everyone usually sticks to tokyo." a light-hearted chuckle tumbles from their tongue. quicker than anticipated.

"well, i have business here." he sets his cup back on its saucer. the clink of ceramic against ceramic marks the start of a timer. "i knew japan wasn't welcoming of foreigners, but i didn't think you'd try to kick me out like that."

[name] laughs, "oh, it's not the foreigner part." they smile softly as they glance down at his hands. with their pen, they make a vague gesture towards his fingers. "i usually steer clear of nail-biters."

fyodor blinks, brows rising. he takes a look at his own hands. it's true that his nails don't have a very healthy appearance. they seem brittle and they are, but he admits this is a strange observation on their part. it's perfect.

"you don't look like you get overwhelmed easily, so i'm guessing you do it out of understimulation." it's a smart guess. fyodor leans back on his chair to get comfortable. fidgeting with their pen helps them lay out their thoughts properly. "those are usually the worst type of nail-biters," they finish their assessment with a polite grin.

"that's quite accurate. are you pursuing psychology?"

"minoring. i'm studying criminology."

he knew that. he managed to gather that much from the unreadable scribbles on their notes. this interest in criminals they seem to have makes fyodor want to laugh out loud. they're studying criminology and they're having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to converse with a terrorist—albeit unbeknownst to them. he has high hopes that [name] will provide exactly what he wants. with the strings looped around his fingers, he tugs.

"interesting…" he lets silence hang for a second. then, "what can you say about me? apart from the understimulated nail-biting, of course."

surprise washes over [name]'s face instantly. "are you a criminal?" they're skeptical.

"let's say i am."

"hypothetically." they're naïve. they stare into his eyes. fyodor simply offers them a simper. [name] nods to themself. "alright, hypothetically. let's say you've murdered someone. how have you done it?"

"i haven't"

their eyes narrow. "i get it." they're naïve, but they're not stupid. "you'd make somebody else do it for you. are you confident in your manipulation skills?"

"very."

"okay…" their voice drifts in thought as they process the information. profiling requires observation, from the smallest of mannerisms to the strongest inflections. "makes me wonder why you wanted me to sit here," they mumble under their breath.

but fyodor hears them clearly. "entertainment, of course."

"then i'll try to live up to your expectations," they chuckle, leaving their pen among their papers. "i'll take a guess and say the ends justify the means for you." [name] stares into his eyes with careful attention. he nods. the victorious grin that spreads over their lips is instinctual. "yeah, checks out. i chalked up the fact that you called out to me when no else did to you being a foreigner, but you knew i'd entertain you. you're not only confident, but also smart, observant, and awfully calculative."

fyodor tilts his head only slightly, harmless. he wears a gentle smile. "why, thank you."

"now your turn." they've found something better than a pen to fidget with. "i'm helping you kill time here." they've found an interesting profile in the wild to pick at. "are you waiting for something?"

"that's right. some comrades are working on the next step of our plan."

"plan? what's that?"

"we'll get there," he dismisses. for someone who doesn't quite share his intellect, [name] is surprisingly elusive. there's not much fyodor can read in hunches. they hum in response. the strings around his fingers loosen the closer they get. he sits up straight again. "let me ask you something else. as someone who's analyzed many different criminals' brains, i'd assume, what's your view on them?" fyodor tugs.

[name] follows without question. "they're… interesting. they usually come from abusive backgrounds; both psychological and physiological trauma play an incredibly huge part on what they do and how they react."

"terrible, isn't it?"

a shrug makes their shoulders jump. "sure. i think what they do is even more terrible. i understand the brain works differently for everyone, and their trauma is very much real, but i don't have any sympathy for horrible people."

"oh. how forward of you. a little mean, too."

"well, suffering isn't really an excuse."

"i agree, i agree," fyodor hums, nodding. he plays with [name]'s strings, looping their attention around his finger to bring them closer. his lips curl up into a grin. "then, what do you think of wiping them out?"

[name] blinks, brows raised, a mask of perplexity. "wipe?" fyodor stares into their eyes as they ponder. he considers this is the moment they fold and retreat, unable to handle his eccentric nature. but they reach into his brain and grip his mind tight. "yeah, we should get rid of them."

how beautiful it is, he thinks, to find a sinner with pure thoughts. someone who proudly wears bloodstains on their hand for the sake of a cleaner, perfect world. how wonderful, He thinks, to hear of a sinful saint walking among a sea of blasphemous eyes and experts in greed. they're a lack of natural chaos in a world of brute beasts, and like beasts he will make sure they perish. [name] shall be saved, he decides. He'll give them a different body; He'll rebuild their heart from the start.

carefully, he reels them closer. "then, i'll tell you about our plan."

"oh, enlighten me."

"this world, you agree, is rife with crime and sin."

[name] pauses briefly. then they nod. "not completely, but yes." they don't hesitate.

they do not hesitate. a faint frown pulls down on his brows. he worries they're too lost, led astray by false teachers. "it should be cleaned, right?" he knows they will nod in response. so [name] nods. fyodor leans back on his chair. "that is our plan. i'm going to end this wicked, sinful world. and i'm going to make it into what god meant it to be. a perfect world."

"god?"

"yes," he chuckles, "humans are far too foolish to even repent. the only way to save you now that you're this far gone is to return to him."

"you make it sound like repentance is necessary. not everyone is a sinner."

"of course they are. breathing, thinking, all of it is a sin."

"fine, but not every sinner seeks repentance."

"that's because you're lost." he offers [name] a grin, head tilting slightly and eyes closed. when he meets their gaze again, they're intently listening to his every word. they're tangled in their own brain. "not to worry, i'll make sure to hold your hand and lead you to salvation."

"what if we don't want salvation, though?" accursed words that they sigh; the same ones that rule with chaos and seduce the unstable. the broken cries that turn the world so blue.

"what could you possibly mean?"

"that as foolish and sinful as people are, it's that innate anarchy that makes humanity charming."

fyodor knows perpendicular lines meet only once at a single, lonely intersection. he knows they've met and they're only drifting farther apart. "ah, that's nothing but your mistaken belief." but He also knows lines can be bent.

[name] blinks, taken aback. "not that beliefs can be mistaken. they're beliefs, they're subjective."

a chuckle drifts from fyodor's tongue. he grins to himself as he takes another sip from his tea. "of course you'd think that." his voice is airy, weightless, a shepherd herding his stubborn cattle. the chime of his cup against the saucer rings like a warning bell. "and it's just like that, with those thoughts, that you fail to realize how your own beliefs and values blind you. can't you feel how it all leaves you hungry and lost and empty inside?"

"no."

fyodor's smile vanishes, fluttering like a feather and drifting in the wind. he glares through narrowed eyes at [name]'s mistaken beliefs.

"no, i can't." they glare back, not with defiance, but with pure-hearted ignorance. they're lost. "humans are funny; i think we're fascinating creatures. i mean, there are exceptions, y'know, some should simply just go, we'd be better off without them. but in being lost—as you call it—humans find themselves. for better or for worse."

"well, this is the age of idolized suicide. humans would rather cling to these empty feelings than accept help. that's the only way they believe they'll make it."

"and you think leaving people's lives up to thoughts and prayers will accomplish anything?"

"tell me, do you believe in god at all?"

"i believe in religion."

He sighs, "see, humans are so foolish, they want to believe in what they know won't make them feel helpless and powerless, even if they're aware that belief is mistaken."

"and what makes your belief true? why aren't you one of these sinful humans?"

the smile that creeps onto his lips promises joy to every soul that has been led astray. "i'm the savior that will free us from the chaos," He speaks with entrancing grandiloquence and charming confidence. with grace, he tugs at every string from [name]'s brain.

"but human nature is chaotic; why would you wipe it all?" they pull back. 

fyodor hums in thought. he searches for a different approach, an idea that will snap their eyes open and shatter them so he can rearrange the pieces correctly. "have you heard about this phenomenon in which some people are born with special abilities?" he returns their question with one of his own.

"i've heard a few things here and there, but i've never met anyone with one. though, with the strange things that have happened in this city, i can believe it."

"well, i'll let you in on a secret." he leans closer towards [name], lowering his voice. effectively, they mimic him without question. they stare at him, ears pricked, and fyodor grins to himself. at their core, they're quite simple. "i'm an ability user."

they frown to themself for a second. they find it hard to believe a feeble, anemic man like this could possibly have any sort of power. funny foreigner. "really, now?" funny foreigner. he really does look like he'd topple over like a house of cards if they touch him. but they stay close to listen to anything He has to say. "and can you disclose what it is or is that, you know, confidential?"

"you don't believe until you see?"

"i guess you can say that. words are just words."

"well, it's nothing impressive, really. i can simply read minds." he shrugs, dismissive, as if it were an every day thing. then he looks [name] dead in the eye, grinning. "i am, in fact, rather anemic, since you were wondering."

their brows jump. "oh, my bad. yeah, that was rude, sorry about that." as He chuckles to himself, ready to carry on with his proselytizing, [name] hums. "you might wanna look into iron supplements for that."

it's for half a second that surprise flashes over His eyes. he blinks blankly at them before letting a chuckle tumble from his lips. [name] admits they don't know how these supernatural abilities work, but they do know how to read human reactions. from his raised brows to his amused laughter afterward, they wonder how much truth there is behind his words. he clearly did not read ahead of their comment.

with a welcoming grin, He makes sure they don't stray too far away from his hand. he pulls from the strings tight. "you can ask, i don't mind," he reassures. his intellect gives way for his lies to pass off as truths. without allowing them a word, he responds to their unspoken thoughts, "your brain lights up before you even have a thought, which is what my ability allows me to read. i simply choose when to activate it, otherwise it'd be overwhelming to hear everyone's brains lighting up."

"i see…" they nod their head, following along with His explanation. then they lean back on their chair, looking into his eyes with interest. "so what's that got to do with anything?"

"these abilities, these inequalities, they're the most chaotic and wicked sin to have ever tainted humanity."

[name] nods in understanding. "so… because there are people like you, with singularities different and therefore unequal, they are sinners?"

"correct."

"and you want to wipe this sin clean from the earth?"

"precisely, i will."

it takes a second for [name] to properly process all of His preaching. how fascinating to hear his convictions. "then… you'll wipe and remove yourself from this world too, right?" how wonderful to listen to anything He has to say, however nonsensical it may sound.

"i'll spill whoever's blood. it's all for the world as it's ought to be." but fyodor smiles.

"do you believe in god?"

"of course. if you let yourself be guided by his hand, you too can reach salvation." 

"then why are you trying to become him?"

it's their own heresy, fyodor thinks, that traps and stains them. with each of their responses, they slowly earn the awaiting flames of salvation. He will relinquish them from all their sins.

"i'm not," He answers, "i simply see all these lost lambs, desperate to try and run, going in circles straight back to the slaughter, and i can't help but pity them. you're even endearing to a point." He softly smiles with promises of freedom. "i must guide you to the right path on god's will."

a pondering frown pulls down on [name]'s brows. they stare Him right in the eye as they ask, "and is leading people to this right path really all that great?" their question hangs in the air while fyodor stares back. quietly, His smile fades. [name] waits for His answer, for anything He can come up with to convince them of His righteousness. "you'd sacrifice even yo—"

"no," He cuts them off, "i am that great."

[name] is speechless, letting each of His words seep through their skin and invade their bloodstream. everything He says is nothing but nonsense and they don't believe any of it. whether it is salvation or damnation, it does not matter, because He speaks of unreal ideals. but they become charmed by his grandiloquent speeches. He is incredibly self-important and undeniably delusional, but [name] can only find it beautiful.

time seems to freeze while the two stare at one another. fyodor grins as He gives the strings of [name]'s brain one final tug. it's the last push they need to fall completely into the right path He has carved for them. salvation awaits them. by His hand alone, He will take them from the mud of their own mistaken beliefs and build them back up correctly.

[name] opens their mouth to retort, but the waitress interrupts before they can say anything. "another cupful, sir?" she asks politely. His empty cup signals the end of their timer.

fyodor mimics her expression, answering, "no, thank you." the waitress leaves with a nod, and He turns back to the lost lamb across from Him. in His earphone, the music playing on the radio changes. bach's st. matthew passion. "now's the time," He mumbles to himself. without another word, He gets up from his seat.

[name] blinks up at Him. their brows bend in a disappointed grimace. "you're leaving already?"

"i'm afraid we'll have to end our conversation here. it was quite delightful, i must admit." He offers them one last smile. may they swallow up their sorrows, knowing soon He will bring upon them the day the earth shall die.

"oh, of course. it was… very interesting. food for thought."

as He stands, looking down at them on their chair, fyodor chuckles to himself, "i'm glad." He offers [name] His open hand, staring into their eyes with an inviting gaze and a warm simper. it takes them a second before they react and reach for the hand of judgment. "i never caught your name, by the way," He comments off-handedly, giving them a firm shake of acknowledgement.

"oh, i'm [surname] [name]."

"Fyodor Dostoevsky."

"it's a pleasure."

"the pleasure is all mine."

this is His farewell. with one last smile, [name] lets His hand disappear from their fingers. it feels cold—it feels like they just shook hands with the devil Himself. they've signed their name on His contract. fyodor nods His head as a goodbye before promptly heading for the exit. [name] watches Him; they witness his crime and His punishment as He's arrested.

they stare at their cold palm, wondering why God didn't kill them when He had the chance.

( proverbs 27:6 )

note — and you might be wondering agosu what the fuck. and idk bro the wolves were stronger so in all seriousness, i do like fyodor. im sorry bones hates him and draws him so ugly but his brain is shaped like a tesseract and i cant perceive more than three dimensions so its fascinating. i like him more than i like dazai cause misanthropy is always a plus in my book. i wanna have a chat with him over tea and hope he kills me by the time were done a few things. uhhh im not religious but i had to research bible verses for this. i used only three. look them up if youre interested. (proverbs 27:6 in the footnotes, 1 corinthians 13:4-8 in the title, and 2 peter 2 somewhere in the narration i dont remember.) also this has some influence from dazai osamus kakekomi uttae, if youre interested in that. i used crime and punishment against dazai, so why not return the favor for fyodor :tom: speaking of, the fic title is a quote from rodya in crime and punishment. its the depressed russian equivalent of "fuck it we ball" cause bro skipped out of his apartment to go commit a double homicide thumbs up emoji i think thats it. this took me more than a month cause it tried to kill me on multiple occasions. drink water have day

—あごす (agosu) • 2023