See Consensus Gentium.
Here the argument becomes explicit. Hedin says:
"'Can so many people be entirely wrong? They are many, I'll tell you.'" (4, p. 107)
He suggests that Ivar, spending time in the city and University, does not know how the hope is spreading that the Elders will return, "'...bearin' Word of God.'" (ibid.) On the one hand, he says that this is not crank. On the other hand, he acknowledges that nearly everyone admits that this is hope without proof. Then he asks whether Admiral McCormac could "'...have headed their way?'" (p. 108) This is both a mere question and, if answered positively, a complete non sequitur. There are rumors about a prophet... Hedin doesn't know. But he thinks, and he is not alone, that all the grief and all the stars cannot be for nothing. Why not? And, if they are for something, then what? He says that, if God is readying a revelation, then why not through a chosen race? And if that's true...
Stop! Too many "ifs." The argument moves from a hope to a supposition to a "Why not?," to an "If that's true..." Many "If..." statements are true. If it rained beer, then I would be very surprised. I am dissecting a fictional character but many real people think exactly like Hedin.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Yes, we are getting too many "ifs" from Hedin! And I would have argued with Hedin to the effect that there will be no more revelations, no more prophets. That Christ is the final revelation from God. Last I would have quoted Matthew 24.24: "For false christs and false prophets will arise, and will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." I would argue that Jaan was no prophet and the Cosmenosism he preached was not a true revelation from God.
Ad astra and Merry Christmas! Sean
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