1. What do Lucius’ prayer and Isis’ response reveal about the nature of Isis’ divinity (are their parallels with Sophia or Logos)?
In Lucius prayer he claims that Isis is the “first-ranked goddess”, one who “All bodies in the earth, sky, and sea grew in accordance with her additions and then were diminished in deference to her losses.” Here we see Lucius states that Isis is the god of above all gods, one who all of creation is in agreement with and willing to submit to her will. Ultimately claiming that she is the divine being ruler of all. Isis then makes this exact statement is her response saying, “I, mother of the universe, queen of all elements, the original offspring of eternity.” She is now claiming to be the divine ruler of all, creator of the universe and everything in it. Although the statement “the original offspring of eternity” has me a little confused. Is she claiming that she is the offspring of eternity or that eternity is her off spring. This reminds me of the verse in Revelations “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (22:13) and a verse in Psalms “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (90:2). Is this idea of “always being” the statement that Isis is making?
2. How does Apuleius use the concept of salvation in this passage, and what demands does Isis place on Lucius?
Apuleius use the concept of salvation throughout the whole passage. He shows how sorrowful and repentant Lucius is when he claims “aid me these agonies: you prop my toppled fortunes up again; you give me relief and peace, since I have drained the dregs of cruel mischance.” He has come to a helpless state, where he sees that only Isis can rescue him. There is also an element of baptism when Lucius dunks his head in the waves seven times. This is suppose to be the number most suitable for religious rights. Does this have anything to do with seven being the number of completion? Or is the number of completion more of a Jewish idea, pertaining to their belief that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Lucius also claims “I must address you: you (and no other). Here we have the idea that salvation can only be acquired through Isis and no other god.
Isis then demands that Lucius “must wait until this important day…..when my priests dedicate a virgin bark to the now navigable sea, offering it as the first fruits of the year’s commerce. You must wait with neither anxiety or unholy thoughts.” On this day he is then to push his way through the crowd into the parade and nip off the some of the roses that are being carried by the priest. Then he will be transformed back into a man.
3. Do you see any similarities between Apuleius’ story and the way the gospel authors speak about Jesus and his role as a “savior”?
In Apuleius’ story we see Isis come to Lucius saying “Lo, I come to your aid, Lucius, moved by your pleas.” Here Isis has come to help him, because of his humble heart and had faith that Isis would heal him. We often see similar situations when Jesus is performing miracles. In Luke 7:10, we see a centurion sending Jewish elders to plead with Jesus to come and heal his servant. When Jesus goes to the mans house, before He enters the centurion sends word saying “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worth to have you come under my roof…… But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed” (vv 6b-7). A centurion was a commander of many men in the Roman army. Jesus is amazed and says “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith” (v 9b). Here Jesus is astonished by his faith and humble character, so his request is granted.
4. The cults of Isis and Jesus were major rivals in the first centuries CE; can you appreciate why this was the case?
In the gospel of John, Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (14:6). Here it is clearly stated that the only way “to the Father” (what I think to be salvation and eternal life) is through Jesus. Therefore Jesus’ role as “savior” is to bridge the gap between humanity and God. He came to rescue the world from their sin and this is only made possible through Him.
In the story of “The Golden Ass” Isis says that “The whole world worships my power under an abundance of images, a variety of rituals, and an array of names.” Here I believe she is stating that all gods are made equal under her name, that very religion is valid and that she is all religions in and of herself.
These are very contrasting ideas as it appears that the cult of Isis would accept all religions of the world, as they are ultimately worshiping the same god. This seems to be a very polytheist religion. Where as Christians take a very monotheistic view of God and believe that the God of Israel is the one true God. And no other gods should be worshiped but Him. This is represented in the first of the ten commandments in Exodus 20:2 “ you shall have no other gods before me.” These are very contrasting ideas and would be valid reasons for why the cults of Isis and Jesus were major rivals.