Baltimore, Maryland 11:15 EDT
In the beginning was the WORD
St. John reminds us that the logos, the word, has been since the beginning of creation. For "logos", understand "communication", the exchange of thoughts, information, learning, news, ideas, emotions (including above all, love) between one person and another.
In ancient times, the learned elite who had been schooled, perhaps over many years and with almost infinite pains and dedication, imparted their hard-won knowledge to a new generation by means of arcane rituals in what have become known as the "mysteries". The seeker after knowledge who offered himself as a candidate in the Eleusynian, or other, mysteries was led through a long and physically taxing (and even life-threatening) series of instructive ceremonials, after which he became a full member in the elite brotherhood of the initiated. The hierophant and his assistants, already masters of the lore, imparted it though words chiefly, which they themselves had learned from earlier masters.
Nowadays, of course, we have other means of transmitting knowledge, newest of which is the internet. Our hierophant, Anu, and his assistants, Jackie, Shanks, Max, Jo, ofTroy, Bingley, (in no particular order) and the others whom I have forgotten to list (forgive) are carrying on this ancient tradition in a 21st century way.
This unworthy seeker after truth, or whatever anyone can offer as truth, or at least anyone's best guess as to what may be truth, is deeply grateful for the instruction, as well as the entertainment which he has received. I have been inspired often, and have often belly-laughed to the point of falling off my chair. I am also grateful to be accepted into this brother- and sisterhood.
Anu, you made this possible. I doubt if you had any idea where it would go when you started it, but there are plenty of examples in history of a good thing starting off well which produces far beyond what the originator might have expected.
VIVAT ANU!!! VIVAT AWAD!!! VIVAT!!! VIVAT!!!
