Ecstasy and rapture

In common with most modern men, Darcy uses the words ecstasy and rapture interchangeably, except when he's referring to the habits of the modern dancing savages. And one image is indelibly linked in Darcy's mind with ecstasy: that of St Theresa of Avila by Bernini, surely one of the most memorable statues to emerge from the chisel of an artist. St Theresa was a very well meaning 16th century nun, who entered the Carmelites, founded numerous convents, and was the first woman to be named Doctor of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church, albeit nearly four centuries after her death. Whatever the timeline, she is in very august company indeed.

The composition reflects St Theresa's own writings: "I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron's point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart, and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it. The soul is satisfied now with nothing less than God. The pain is not bodily, but spiritual; though the body has its share in it, even a large one. It is a caressing of love so sweet which now takes place between the soul and God, that I pray God of His goodness to make him experience it who may think that I am lying."

Some have said that these words reflect St Theresa's repressed sexuality, others have called the sculpture pornographic. Certainly, a closer look at the face of St Theresa (more easily said than done, given the work's position) could be interpreted this way. But Darcy believes that whatever the cause for religious ecstasy - strange wiring of the brain, chemical imbalances or the presence of The One - there is a slight but definite divide. Though Darcy could of course be mistaken. Bernini loved his jokes.

On the other hand, St Theresa of Avila has never really been popular with Protestants, partly because her activities coincided with the Counter-Reformation, partly because of the fame of Bernini as a propagandist for the Catholics, and partly because some Protestants can be dour and unappreciative of the joys of life. Part of the reason for this post is the wish to share this remarkable artefact with a wider audience. Which brings Darcy to the second part of his post.

In the First Epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul states:

4.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
4.17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
4.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This has become quite famous in certain Protestant circles, and is in great favour with the Americans. It forms the basis for their belief in rapture. Gentle readers will no doubt be aware that before the word rapture became synonymous with ecstasy, it meant to transport someone. Hence 1st Thessalonians 4.17 describes a physical transport, not one of the senses. Much has been made of rapture. A great deal of discussion takes place in American Protestant circles with respect to its imminence. Some believe that the rapture is imminent, saying that all prophecies have been fulfilled. Others point to a check list that needs to be filled before it can take place. Apparently, the Bible states that the nations of the world must have unified their currencies; that peace must reign in Israel; that there will be a one world government; that the Temple must have been rebuilt in Jerusalem, animal sacrifices must have been reinstated - and the Anti Christ must have been be revealed.

Darcy's own religious feelings being one of agnostic deism, he finds such formulaic recitations tiresome.

However, imagine Darcy's delight when he yesterday found a wonderful Internet site to help him if he so chose. (After all, if someone as intelligent as Voltaire did not wish to pick quarrels with an infernal being, then Darcy may well decide the course of wisdom is to repeat such prudence with Something Infinitely Greater.) Simply put, it is a barometer of the Coming of the End. Called simply, the Rapture Index. Any readers wishing to find it can visit it here: http://www.raptureready.com/rap2.html. The index is linked to 45 variables, including such factors as liberalism, civil rights, and the price of oil. The site is regularly updated. As of 14th May, the RI stands at 158, which is at the upper end of "Heavy Prophetic Activity". Anything beyond 160 falls into the realm of "Fasten Your Seat Belts". Though why the Protestant editors of that site should wish either to make their bodily assumption more difficult by fastening themselves to mundane seats or to take their seats with them into the heavens is beyond me.

Darcy will henceforth take care not to equate ecstasy with rapture. Though Darcy is often bemused by religion, he will continue in this vein for a few posts, unless something interesting happens in the world around him.