Heresy.

The heresy thickens. And I'm quite taken aback. Milton opened up this gloriously written epic invoking the Holy Spirit as his heavenly muse and it's my opinion that he is paying the Spirit no heed. While much provocative subject matter is discussed, I cannot overlook Milton's flaws. He has begun invoking Urania?? Dude! And he tells that Christ is created. This train is going off the rails haaardcore. It's interesting, however, that Christ himself comes down and creates the world. I don't agree, or rather, I don't want to agree with his interpretation. But God spoke the world into being. Christ is the Word. That's just food for thought.

I commented on Abbie George's.

Tale, Not Truth

As I continue to read Milton's Paradise Lost, I have to continually keep reminding myself that it is a work of fiction and does not have to coincide completely with Biblical truth. One thing that confused me was the presence of Urania, the Muse of Astronomy. I understand that she was there to help explain the creation of the universe, but was she necessary to add? To me, I see Urania as a powerful being that is under the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Why have another character to praise for a portion of creation when God is the ultimate Creator of everything? The story could have gone on without Urania in the story.

A second concept that bothered me that I saw others struggling with is the essence of God as three separate beings instead of the holy Trinity. I guess Milton just wanted to add more substance and fluff to the story. There is a point, although, where lines are close to crossing that questions Biblical truth. Again, I understand that this is a work of fiction, but one can easily read this book and be persuaded to think otherwise than the Biblical truth Scripture offers.

Things I liked were the creation of man and woman. When Adam was created and naming the animals, I never really pictured him never seeing these animals before, but already having the name of the animal in his head because of God. I instead imagined Adam coming up with them on his own, but it clears up the obvious image of God putting the names of the animals in his thoughts that I have overlooked. Secondly, I enjoyed reading the poetic, romantic way Milton described Adam seeing Eve for the first time. He was captured by her. Overall, Milton is incredible at writing beautiful, poetic literature, but I am not impressed with how he steps a little too far from Biblical truth at times.

I commented on Kristina Brooke's post.

Incomprehensible

I love how Milton describes a conversation between Adam and Raphael about the creation. In the first 100 or so lines of Book Eight, Adam is questioning Raphael of, essentially, why God does what He does. Basically, Adam asks why did God create celestial beings to light the sky. He looks to God with "wonder" and "glory attributed to the High / Creator," but still has certain questions (Book 8, lines 11-13). This relates to how we still question God's wisdom and ultimate judgment; we want to further understand God and this world. So we question our incomprehensible Creator. We will never fully grasp the wonders of our God until we meet Him. I think that is one of my favorite things about God though: His mystery. Like the character of Adam in this story, I am left in awe, but still am confused and curious. It is such a hard concept to accept, and so it is understandable why Milton brought this point about through a conversation with Adam and the angel.

I commented on Briana's post

Limitations in Knowledge

Ignorance is bliss. Is it really tough? Chapter 8 spends a lot of time on the idea that God did not create human beings to know all things; most things are left better unknown. That is very relevant in light of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. So what then is the limit? When is the moment in technology and research and human development that we (as a population) have gone too far? Sometimes I believe we are approaching that line, yet much more often I cannot comprehend the idea that knowledge is anything but the beauty I regard it to be. This to me is an internal struggle, but ultimately I believe Milton has it wrong. He emphasizes that a line should be drawn. That God did not create things for us to understand. And while that has a hint of truth to it, I believe God takes delight in our interest of creation. Our purpose is to glorify God and what better way to do that than by studying and thirsting for a better understanding of who He is?

I commented on Tyler Whitley's post.

Paradise Lost Books 7-9

The main problem I had in understanding the reading was the concept of having Jesus and God as two separate characters.  Why would Milton have them as two different characters?

Milton Creates to Many Issues...

I have a few things that are bothering me. Number one, why is Milton all of a sudden calling upon the muse named Urania? Didn't he say that his "muse" was better than all other muses? Number two, why has Milton made Jesus and God two different people? They, along with the holy spirit, are supposed to be three in one. Because of these things, Milton is starting to diverge from his "bible story."


Commented on: Briana Batdorf

Its True Love Truuueee Love!

I love in book 8 Adam's infatuation of Eve when she is first created. He instantly is in love with her not because of her looks or the opportunity to make love but all the little things about her. He even goes to say how weak he is when he sees her and how maybe her looks make up for the lack of intellect. Adam is falling head over heels for Eve! Raphael tries to reel back all these emotions so that this relationship isn't just about passion like animals but a true and pure love just like how God love us. Personally this is how I would like my future husband to be minus the animalistic curiosity of intercourse.

Commented on Kayla's Post

Our Need For Community

In Book Eight, I found it interesting how Adam realized his need for community. In lines 364-365, Adam questions, “’In solitude, what happiness? Who can enjoy alone, or, all enjoying, what contentment find?’” In Genesis, we find that God is the one who first says that it is not good for man to be alone rather than Adam being the first to question his solitude. Although Milton’s account does not exactly line up with Scripture, I still find this longing for community to be true in my own life. I like how Milton portrays this very human need from the very beginning, but the idea also leads me to question why God was not enough for Adam in the first place.  

I commented on Justin Fobel's post.

But..They're The Same...

I was really troubled by Milton's version of the creation story. The way Raphael tells it, Jesus is a separate being from God. He is the Son, but more so the being through which God works. This was really interesting because normally when creation is mentioned, it is God who did all the creating. Milton twists it, making the story about the Son of God instead. We know that they are the same, but that isn't quite how Milton makes it out to be.

I commented on Henry's.

Resemblance of Satan

At the tail end of book nine there is a description of the result of the fall of Adam and Eve that in my eyes captured the agony and the loss of paradise so well. I must quote it.

"Nor only tears
Rained at their eyes but high winds worse withing
Began to rise, high passions -- anger, hate,
Mistrust, suspicion, discord -- and shook sore
Their inward state of mind, calm region once
And full of peace, now tossed and turbulent:
For Understanding ruled not and the Will
Heard not her lore, both in subjection now
To sensual appetite who from beneath
Usurping over sov'reign Reason claimed
Superior sway."

This passage was so striking to me for two reasons. One is that when I was reading it I thought for a moment I was confused and reading a description of Satan. The parallel of Satan's paradise (heaven) and man's paradise (Eden) is so beautifully horrible when considering that both were lost because of the same sort of sin. Both individuals were "full of peace" and now are "tossed and turbulent for Understanding ruled not and the Will heard not her lore..."

The second reason this passage was striking is because of the fact that I found it SO relatable. Here I am reminded of Satan and suddenly self! These is the perfect description of what I feel when I sin or am experiencing major anxiety. I feel that Understanding has left the building and my own Will could not hear it any longer. I truly feel both in subjection to my own appetites. I've experienced this same thing, I just never knew how to articulate it. So in examining this passage I realized that I experience "the fall" every single day.

P.S. commented on Brannen's.

Creation is Not a Secret

In Book 7, there is a theme of secrecy about the creation of the world, exemplified by Adam's hesitation about asking Raphael about it. But Raphael is very open about it. This suggests that Milton thinks that creation contains no secrets that should be hidden from mankind. Nothing in the universe can be hidden, nor should it, in Milton's view.

I have fallen in love with Milton's creativity. His book is clearly a work of fiction and is not the be all and end all of Christianity but for me at least, it has brought new life to an age old story that has grown rather dull over the years. I've always wondered about what was in between the lines of the Bible and as a child I used to make up insane scenarios just so satiate my inquisitive appetite. Milton definitely did not have all the answers but he did the best with what he had.

I commented on Joseph's.     

Birthday of Heav'n and Earth

What I found interesting was book Seven and the whole story of creation. I have obviously read Genesis 1-3 and had numerous Sunday school lessons on creation, but this take on it is like no other. As I mentioned in my comment, I do not agree with his theology and some of the things he changes in this book, but what I do like is how it allows us to think beyond the lines of the first pages of the Bible. I love the detail Milton explains and the picture he paints. He puts it so beautifully and has made me think about it in a new light. Now I think I will call Creation, "Birthday of Heav'n and Earth." :)

I commented on Abbey's.

Miscellanious

As Raphael refers to the newly created earth as firmament, I get a vivid picture of  giant mass of matter, as if one went to the depths of a lake and dug a handful of sediment.  I think the text actually uses sediment to refer to the new form.  Also I see the mention of 16th century science, in the mention of the Earth as being the center.

"Be lowly wise. Think only what concerns thee and thy being," admonishes Raphael.  This is another warning for Adam not to overstep his bounds.  Eating of the Tree accomplishes exactly the opposite; the two children of God attempt to obtain knowledge other than that which God intended.

Wendy

Satan's Inner Conflict

I think it's interesting to see Satan's inner conflict. Upon returning to earth he sees it as more beautiful than heaven. Once again he thinks about what it would be like to repent and live in God's glory. However, as we have seen before, these thoughts quickly turn into resentment and hate and he continues to distance himself from all that is good.

I commented in Daniel Stephens post

Inferior

In reading book eight, I thought it was especially interesting that Eve is portrayed as less worthy. When Eve is created, she awakes differently than Adam does. Adam automatically looks towards God; Eve looks in vain at herself. Adam is worthy enough to actually see God, but Eve just gets to hear His voice. In their creation, you see right off that Adam is of higher knowledge. I can't help but question when reading this, why God would create Eve to be weaker spiritually. Knowing she is weaker, and beautiful, this would obviously be an easy temptation for Adam to struggle with. God is all- knowing, and of course He knows Eve will take the first bite, so why does He create her to be weaker? I would have thought God would have created Eve to be stronger spiritually as well, so that she could resist temptation better.
P.S. I commented on Madison Harry's post.

Eve: The First Feminist?

I noticed, in Book Nine, Eve portrayed thinking that are familiar to me today. In the ninth installment of Paradise Lost, Eve suggests to Adam that they should split up in order to do their work faster. Despite Adam's protest, they agree to do so. I found this interesting because it shows Eve's desire for independence of Adam, wanting to prove that she is capable of doing the same work that he can do alone. This reminded me of the women's rights movements of the past and today, with women wanting equal pay for doing the same jobs as men. It seems to me that Milton, whether accidently or purposefully, portrayed Eve as the literal first feminist on the planet Earth.


I commented on Madison Harry.

Unsettled

Milton is starting to unsettle me.

I was fine when he took poetic license and overly expounded on some history. I was okay when Milton projected the misunderstandings about the mental agility of women onto Eve. But when he wrote in this entire section with God warning Adam and Eve about the fall, I drew the line. 

This part from book 4+ really bugs me, because he seems to think that in order to defend God effectively, he had to write in fiction as fact. He basically states that god walking and talking in the garden with them was not enough. He has to send an angel to warn them. If God with them isn't enough to keep them on the right track, then what is left for us? Will the Holy Spirit be enough to keep us united with God?

I like your poetry man, but your theology is a bit sketchy.


Chatting is up with Brannen

Milton's Creation

In book 8, Adam and Raphael are having a discussion on the story of creation. Adam said that he soon longed for a companion more equal to himself than the animals, a person with whom he could share his thoughts. In Genesis, it does not say that Adam ever asked for a companion, so I found Milton's take on that interesting. I found interesting also that Adam said he was aware of what was happening when God was creating Eve out of Adam's rib. He was asleep, but he knew what was going on. I, personally, would be beyond freaked out.

The Fall

I'm going to be honest when Rapheal and Adam were discussing how Eve is below Adam, I got aggravated, but I'm not going to blog about that. Instead I'm focusing on a passage that comes later in book 8. I absolutely adore the way Adam describes their relationship in lines 604-606. As a couple they have so much harmony and peace. Earlier in book four, they sounded like that sappy couple that make googlie eyes at each other and makes everyone around them sick. But in these lines Adam is making their relationship deeper which makes it harder for me in book nine when they fall and they fight. Their perfectly harmonious relationship is done. Adam's view towards her is forever changed. He will never be able to look at Eve the way he did before the fall. They will have moments of harmony, but it will be nothing compared to what they had. To be honest, that stinks. They knew what a perfect relationship was like and they lost it. Today we can only imagine the perfect relationship while we watch the newest Nicholas Sparks movie, but when the credits start we know it is fantasy and unrealistic because of sin. To have actually lived one and then thrown it away would have been horrible.

P.S. I commented on Abbie Griffin's!

Satan: The First Anti-Hero

In Paradise Lost's Book 4, we see our first glimpse of Satan doing something outside of Hell. He is portrayed as being very crafty and smart, a trait particularly exemplified by the transmogrification into the cherub. Something like this would normally be attributed to the hero of the story. Satan even exhibits doubt, something usually associated with human heroes like Achilles and Odysseus. But since his actions, while appearing heroic, are at best misguided. he simply cannot be considered a hero. But he does fit the bill to be an anti-hero. At first glance, it may seem blasphemous to call Satan himself anything but a villain, but the bill truly does fit.

I commented on Daniel's.

True Personas

Having read through the next books of Paradise Lost, I was caught off guard by how different by how different these characters I thought I knew are so innately different than I believed them to be. I have always pictured Satan as being proud and sure of himself, and the earlier books added to that belief. But in the fourth book, Satan actually begins to question and doubt himself and his mission. Even though he chose to press onward, the fact he began to doubt at all is incredible to me. Another thing, In the sixth book, when Raphael is telling Adam of the battle against Satan in Heaven, he tells of Jesus riding a chariot into battle, and being the one who forced Satan and his legions into the abyss. I have always had the image of the Son as this kind hearted man whom valued peace, but instead, Milton showed us that this was not some mild-mannered man. He is a warrior and servant to God the Father. These concepts are mind-blowing for me and I can be assured that more revelations such as this will follow.

Jesus Saves Us

Milton's illustrative writing puts faces and characteristics to people, beings, and things that I never would have thought. I especially find interesting, his depiction, in Book Three, of God deciding that Jesus would be our savior. In The Bible, we learn that God sent His son to the Earth to serve as the perfect sacrifice to break our bondage from sin and allow us to enter into eternal life with God. In book three we read about this situation from a more detailed manner, almost as if we're hearing God's thought process.

"...God again declares that grace cannot be extended towards Man without the satisfaction of divine justice. Man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to godhead and therefore, with all his progeny devoted to death, must die unless someone can be found sufficient to answer for his offense and undergo his punishment. The son of God freely offers himself a ransom for man. The father accepts him, ordains His incarnation, pronounces his exaltation over all names is Heaven and Earth...(55)"

It's as if God proposes the problem - not being able to extend grace to man yet, then tells us why -  man desires to godhead, and then God explains what must be done - either man must be destroyed, or some sufficient sacrifice must endure man's punishment. In Milton's portrayal of this scene, I am able to picture Jesus sitting in the same room as God, worshipping him, and upon arrival of this dilemma, volunteering himself as a sacrifice, knowing that he is the only hope for man. I then picture God saying okay, agreeing to His son's "suggestion" and then preparing to send His son off to battle. The battle being Jesus living, fully human on Earth.

I really enjoy these depictions because I feel as though it gives us a look inside the mind of God as he plans things. However, I know that God is all knowing and doesn't take time to think things through as we have to because He already knows what is going to happen. Regardless of that , it is still an interesting perspective into how God works.

I commented on Eva's!

Heroes Don't Have Bad Intentions

As I was reading Paradise Lost, I was extremely surprised by how Satan is portrayed. (I know I'm not the only one). The way Milton portrays Satan as a hero in the first two books was really different from any way I've ever heard before, but things started to make more sense as the viewpoint changed. One thing I had to remember while reading is that heroes don't have bad intentions. We can't view Satan as a heroic character because his intentions were never for anyone's good. From his fall from Heaven to present day he has only ever been concerned with his own glorification. The way Milton writes in the first two books makes Satan seem like a good guy, but we have to remember that the hero in the story never has evil intentions.

Sorry I'm so late. I work. A LOT.

I commented on Abbie's.

Milton's Thought Process

What intrigues me about Paradise Lost is the creative take that Milton has on what could have happened in the beginning. Milton takes the foundation Scripture gives us and adds his own perspective to what the story may have been.

Milton focuses on Satan and his legions in the first  two books. I like how Milton goes through the thought process of specially Satan, but also his advisors through their proposals. In Book 2, I liked how Sin and Death were personified. The story behind their relationship to Satan was intriguing.

My favorite element of Book 3 was the omniscience of God the Father. He knows of Satan and his legion's malicious plan, man's fall into sin, and His Son's sacrifice and mercy shown,  yet still intentionally watches everything unfold from behind the scenes. I wonder why He does not just stop Satan in his tracks of deceiving Uriel and seeking to destruct man. I think Milton accurately depicts an image of God the Father that is omnipotent and merciful.

I commented on Delaney Dodson's post.

Hell... Then Heaven

I have enjoyed reading Paradise Lost so far because it has caused me to think about heaven and hell in a different light than I normally do. Well, for that matter, it has made me think about both more than I did on a normal basis before. Though the first two books are about hell, I liked lines 850-853 because they show how God is still in control over Hell. Satan is saying, "And by command of Heav'n's all-powerful King I keep, by Him forbidden to unlock these adamantine gates." Even when I was struggling to understand parts of the first two books, it was comforting to remember this basic truth. The truth that God is all powerful and He is the ruler over Hell!!!

I commented on Jeremy's post.

Books 1 - 3

The imagery in Books One and Two is repetitive and detailed, mainly referring to darkness, but also being chained to the fiery lakes in Hell.

Hell is described as a place in "utter darkness" that is "far removed from God," and "unlike the place from whence [the angels and Satan] fell" (lines 72, 73, 75). This parallels with the reference in the Bible to Hell as a place of eternal separation from God.

I think it's interesting how Milton portrays the fallen angels' mindset is that of complete rejection of good and God. The demons prefer to "reign in Hell" rather than "serve [God] in Heaven" (263). I don't understand how they could be deceived and so full of hatred towards God.

Satan is a manipulator! He knows just what to say to us to tempt or deceive our hearts. Milton accurately describes Satan as being able to "[please] the ear" and having "a persuasive accent" (117-118).

I'm kind of confused about all of the names being mentioned in Book One beginning around line 392.

Lines 237 to 249 illustrates and dramatizes when Satan rejects God, refusing to worship Him forever. It's a more detailed story version that was altered some from the Bible.

I commented on Eva's post!

Good and Evil

One theme I found in my reading of Books 1-3 of Paradise Lost was the problem with the co-existence of the goodness of God and evil. I find it interesting how Milton consistently refers to the fact that God is in control of everything that happens everywhere, including hell. He knows all. He sees all. This idea seems to open the door to the age old question of why God didn’t just crush evil in the first place, but instead allows it to happen. However, Milton also points out in lines 162 and 163 of Book One that God’s providence is to always bring forth good out of evil, in keeping with the hope Christians find in Romans 8.

I commented on Kristina Brooke’s post.

 

The Fall

In reading the first book, I was significantly fascinated by the notion that the Greek gods were fallen angels. When the passage says, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven" (263), I became baffled at how these creatures could have once served the same glorious God I do. In reading this, I wonder how they could live in the same place as the Great Creator, then turn away as if it were torture to serve Him. Milton's take on Satan is confusing almost in the beginning, but as I read further I understood the strategy behind his writing. Satan is this powerful being, but not the hero like I thought Milton was making him out to be.
P.S. I commented on Madison Harry's.

The Classic Tale

        So far, Paradise Lost has gripped my attention. While I find it hard to understand in many areas, due to the way it was written, I am enjoying reading the beginning before the beginning. The first three books tell of the fall of Lucifer and this legions of angels to Hell and the prophecy of Jesus Christ coming to Earth to save Man from Sin. While this is a tale that has been told of millennia, John Milton gave us a different interpretation of how everything came to be.
        
     This way of Milton has written this story reminds me of any number of different fantasy tales we know today, like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and so on. Thinking of this grand history in those terms, and reading it on the pages before me, is good fun indeed. Reading as this fallen warrior and his legions seek vengeance against their former king for casting them out, and meeting beings whom are the personifications of things as ancient as God himself, such as Night and the realm of Chaos, and then watching the kind and honorable Prince give himself willingly to death to save his people is a classic tale, beloved by millions of readers and has been told time and time again because it is so loved. As one of those readers, I am looking forward to diving deeper into this story.


I commented on Caleb Zessin's blog.

The Model

Ok... So in Medieval Lit, we just finished Lewis's Discarded Image, and Milton is mentioned a few times. As I read through these three books, I did notice how Milton would go too far and all his views do not match what I've been taught. Thanks to Lewis I can turn to The Model. The Model was used by medieval authors to harmonize every book they had. So pagan philosophers were harmonized with Christian theologians. This would explain why Milton (a Christian author) might not match what we've  been taught. Also I just LOVE when classes come together. I am excited to see more elements of the Model in Milton's work!
P.S. I commented on Caleb's!

Perspective and Attitude

One of my favorite quotes so far in Paradise Lost is found in Book One, when Satan and Beelzebub are conversing about losing the glory and beauty of Heaven and finding themselves cast down to Hell:

"The mind is its own place and in itself/ Can make Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven."

I really enjoy this quote because sometimes bad things happen that can really shake you as a person and test your strength to its limit. However, you must have a positive outlook on life and try and make the best of what you are given. Attitude and perspective are key in making your own Heaven out of Hell.

I commented on Sammiera Long's post.

The Double Standard

As I have gone through and read chapters one through three, I have noticed something strikingly surprising: the idea that Satan is not simply an unwavering evil. He was the victim, lost, without direction. Now who does he sound like? Oh yeah. Me. Milton's portrayal of Satan is that of a SINNER. It is a scary thought, but an interesting one nonetheless. Although I cannot feel bad for him or see him in any light other than wicked and deceitful (which he is), I do think it beneficial to recognize that without God's love and mercy (and my acceptance/repentance), I would be exactly where Satan is: in the darkness.

I commented on Abbie George's post.

Wait...They're People?

I love how Milton took everyday things and ideas and transformed them into people. Characters such as Sin and Death (from Book Two) have a personality now, and even better, a story. Milton takes these ideas and forms them into characters that his readers can, in some way, relate to each and see their personalities.

Another thing that I loved was line 134 in Book Three. It says "But mercy first and last shall brightest shine." I'm not quite sure what about it I love most. I think its the fact that God is saying there will always be mercy.

I commented on Caleb Zessin's post

Satan the Stupid

I am loving Paradise Lost so far. Especially once I found myself in the middle of chapter three. I found that I was retaining much more than I thought I was and that I was already invested in the characters. This is especially true because of how the character of Satan begins to develop. I had certain expectations about how his character would be portrayed going in. I wasn't so naive to think Satan would be a little red man with horns and a pitch fork yet I was surprised by how Milton characterizes Satan.

He doesn't know anything! He is trying to find his way around and he is lost at certain points even. Not only that but he doesn't recognize the characters at hell's gate (and hell is his own domain). He even must ask for directions from another angel as he is trying to find man to temp. I was surprised by this because I expected him to be much more knowledgeable about the goings on in heaven and earth. This in turn would make him more intimidating in my eyes. But because he is so vulnerable and ignorant of time and place and events, it causes him to be way less intimidating than I believed. Which I love.

The cherry on top is that in contrast God, of course, sees and knows all. He "sees Satan flying towards this world, then...foretells the success of Satan in perverting Mankind...". While Satan is flying around searching for his destination God already knows what will happen and has a plan already being executed.

Obvious truths put on display in such a creative and enjoyable way. Thanks Milton.

P.S. I commented on Abbey's blog.

Bone of Contention

I hate Milton. I really do. I won't hide it. The idea behind Paradise Lost is gnarly and all, but the more I read the more I think how easily it is for me to almost believe this. This is just his interpretation, his justification of how things may have gone down. But I can't put this next to scripture and be ok with it.

That being said, I enjoyed the comment made on the gold and precious stones being found in Hell. God is good. Everything He makes is good. Anything tainted has been made so by itself or by another member of creation. That creation, however, is still God's vessel. In some form of servitude.

Differences of Purpose

While I love the similarities in Paradise Lost to ancient epics such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid, as this point I am especially intrigued by the dual protagonists of good and evil. Throughout books one and two we view Satan who is striving to make a way for his people after a great downfall. No one will volunteer to stare into the face of danger and seek out a way but the leader himself - Satan.

Then we see a similar situation in heaven. God is striving to find a way for His people to come again into new life after a downfall. Yet again, the only one who volunteers to stare death in the face for their sake is Jesus - the Son of the highest God.

The Search for a new life after a failure and the theme of the highest being ultimately being the only "rescuer" for his people is echoed in both realms. The difference is that Satan seeks to gain glory for his rebelliousness, while Jesus seeks humility out of love.

I commented on TWhitley's post :)

Paradise Lost, 1-3

The first three books I found to be extremely intriguing.  However, I was somewhat confused as to why Milton would describe the gathering place for all of the fallen angels as "pandemonium", or basically a place to worship.  One thing I found really interesting is the viewpoint that Milton uses, the first two books placing Satan as a "heroic" type of character, with the third book going to the viewpoint higher up, in heaven.  In the third book, Satan begins to show his true colors, starting with the deception of Uriel, and brings the idea of perception into place.

~I commented on Madison Harry's post

"The Audacity... The Unmitigated Gaul!"

Satan and his legions are strikingly audacious; it's captivating.  They recognize God as king and they understand that his will prevails, yet still oppose him.  "Better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven."  The wickedness!  How could one conclude that?

Satan, in one of his monologues, says "neither do the spirits damned lose all their virtues."  What is virtuous about an eternally damned Cherub?  He is referring to their fidelity to him, their fallen leader.  I wonder if we could consider this virtuous.

pls watch 0:38

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBmNcy4zZNU

Madison's

Books 1-3

In the first three books it appears that Satan is the protagonist. I think that Milton portraying Satan as a victim offers a lesson that can be applied to every day life. When faced with confrontation it's easy to ignore the other side of the story. Rather than assuming that our argument is correct, maybe we should consider the perspective of our opponent.

P.S. I commented on Francesca M. Garcia's post.

God vs. Satan

In Book One of Paradise Lost it was interesting to have the viewpoint of Satan written. Satan was highlighted as a military hero and to have been banished because of his efforts to over throw a tyrant (God).  The statements of God being the villain and the one who must be punished overwhelmed me with anger because I know in fact that God is a just and jealous God and only condemned the falling angels because of their rebellion. I know that this is viewpoint was only written to bring more insight to the beginning of God's ultimate plan for mankind yet I could not help but mutter under my breath how ridiculous this sounded. These lines also gave me more appreciation for my faith as I am certain that my God is omniscient and knows exactly  how I am suppose to be used in His ultimate goal of salvation for all.

Paradise Lost 1-3

In this reading, I was very intrigued by how Milton explained that Adam and Eve's actions were because the serpent, Satan, deceived them. That very much so applies to life today. Satan is always deceiving us. Only good things come from God. Everything else is Satan. Throughout these first three books, it seems as if Satan is the hero. I am interested in how the rest of the book will turn out.

While I was reading Book 1 in Paradise Lost, I was particularly struck with lines 254 and 255: "The mind is its own place and in itself / Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven." This seems, to me at least, to be a rather insightful view into the raw power of the human mind. For all its flaws, which manifest themselves in the laundry list of disorders that have been discovered by the field of psychology, the mind can also be our most powerful weapon when placed in adverse situations. Limited options presented to victims of kidnapping and soldiers captured by the enemy make a positive attitude their most valuable ally. Of course, in the story, this idea is used to highlight the tortures the fallen angels endure in Hell, as they are unable to maintain such positivism.

I commented on Kayla Turner's.