by Brian Godawa
When Giants Were Upon the Earth: The Watchers, Nephilim, and the Biblical Cosmic War of the Seed
By Brian Godawa
The Appendices of the Chronicles of the Nephilim Together in One Book.
The bestselling Biblical fantasy novel series Chronicles of the Nephilim has opened a door for Christian imagination and theology like none other. But many have appreciated the appendices of each novel as much as the novels. In those appendices, author Brian Godawa shares the Biblical and ancient historical and mythical research that undergirds the fiction. Now all those appendices have been placed together in one book for those who want serious study of the topics of the Watchers, Nephilim, and the Biblical Cosmic War of the Seed.
This book has the special bonus of a previously unpublished chapter on the Book of Enoch, as well as a newly expanded chapter on the Sons of God. But it also contains the appendices of the last two Chronicles, David Ascendant and Jesus Triumphant before their release!
Chapters Include:
1) The Book of Enoch: Scripture, Heresy or What? (Bonus Chapter)
2) Sons of God (Newly expanded from Noah Primeval) 3) The Nephilim (from Noah Primeval) 4) Leviathan (from Noah Primeval) 5) Mesopotamian Cosmic Geography in the Bible (from Noah Primeval) 6) Retelling Bible Stories and Mythic Imagination (from Enoch Primordial) 7) Gilgamesh and the Bible (from Gilgamesh Immortal) 8) In Defense of Ancient Traditions (from Abraham Allegiant) 9) Mythical Monsters in the Bible (from Joshua Valiant) 10) Canaanite Baal and Old Testament Storytelling Polemics (Caleb Vigilant) 11) Goliath was Not Alone (from David Ascendant) 12) Jesus and the Cosmic War (from Jesus Triumphant)
To order books and products by Brian Godawa,
as well as FREE articles, just go to the STORE at:
www.godawa.com
Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment By Brian Godawa
With the sensibilities of an award-winning Hollywood screenwriter and the sensitivities of a thoughtful Christian, Brian Godawa guides us through the place of redemption in film, the "tricks of the trade" that screenwriters use to communicate their worldview through their stories, and the mental and spiritual discipline required for watching movies. Hollywood Worldviews helps us enter a dialogue with Hollywood that leads to a happier ending, one that keeps us aware of our culture and awake to our faith.
Endorsements:
“Provocative and challenging. Even when I find myself disagreeing with Brian Godawa in his evaluation of a particular film, his cinematé and sophisticated point of view command attention.”
— Michael Medved, Film critic and author of Hollywood Versus America.
“Brian’s analysis is insightful and stimulating. Our Biblical values are colliding with worldviews in the movies, and Brian shows us why. Those values are also illuminated by intersecting with movies, and I find that especially exciting. We might even understand the Bible with more insight from seeing these connections.”
— Ralph Winter, Producer X-Men 2, Planet of the Apes, X-Men
To order books and products by Brian Godawa,
as well as FREE articles, just go to the STORE at:
www.godawa.com
Word Pictures: Knowing God Through Story & Imagination By Brian Godawa
In his refreshing and challenging book, Godawa helps you break free from the spiritual suffocation of heady faith. Without negating the importance of reason and doctrine, Godawa challenges you to move from understanding the Bible “literally” to “literarily” by exploring the poetry, parables and metaphors found in God's Word. Weaving historical insight, pop culture and personal narrative throughout, Godawa reveals the importance God places on imagination and creativity in the Scriptures, and provides a Biblical foundation for Christians to pursue image, beauty, wonder and mystery in their faith.
Endorsements:
“Brian Godawa is that rare breed—a philosopher/artist—who opens our eyes to the aesthetic dimension of spirituality. Cogently argued and fun to read, Godawa shows convincingly that God interacts with us as whole persons, not only through didactic teaching but also through metaphor, symbol, and sacrament.”
— Nancy R. Pearcey, Author, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from its Cultural Captivity
“A spirited and balanced defense of the imagination as a potential conveyer of truth. There is a lot of good literary theory in the book, as well as an autobiographical story line. The thoroughness of research makes the book a triumph of scholarship as well.”
— Leland Ryken, Clyde S. Kilby Professor of English, Wheaton College, Illinois. Author, The Christian Imagination: The Practice of Faith in Literature & Writing.
To order books and products by Brian Godawa,
as well as FREE articles, just go to the STORE at:
www.godawa.com
Myth Became Fact: Storytelling, Imagination & Apologetics in the Bible
By Brian Godawa
A collection of essays by Brian Godawa about storytelling, imagination, apologetics and the Bible. Some of them have appeared in the novel series, Chronicles of the Nephilim and some have been published in various magazines or journals.
The Christian reader will gain inspiration from these insights to use more imagination in their own approach to defending the faith and glorifying God.
Old Testament Storytelling Apologetics
Israel shared mythopoeic images with their pagan neighbors: The sea dragon of chaos, and the Storm god. These are polemical concepts used by Biblical writers to show the incomparability of Yahweh.
Biblical Creation and Storytelling: Cosmos, Combat and Covenant
Creation stories in the ancient Near East and the Bible both express a primeval battle called Chaoskampf, the fight of deity to create order out of chaos. But how do they differ?
The Universe in Ancient Imagination
A detailed comparison and contrast of the Biblical picture of the universe with the ancient Mesopotamian one. Does God communicate material structure or theological meaning?
New Testament Storytelling Apologetics
Paul’s sermon to the pagans on Mars Hill is an example of subversion: Communicating the Gospel in terms of a pagan narrative with a view toward replacing their worldview.
Mythopoeia in Prophecy and Apocalyptic Genre
God uses mythical descriptions of future events to deliberately obscure his message while simultaneously proving his claim about the true meaning and purpose behind history.
An Apologetic of Biblical Horror
An exploration of the genre of horror to show how God uses it as a powerful moral tool to communicate serious spiritual, moral, and social defilement in the context of repentance from sin and redemptive victory over evil.
To order books and products by Brian Godawa,
as well as FREE articles, just go to the STORE at:
www.godawa.com
Movies by Brian Godawa
To End All Wars
Written by Brian Godawa
A true story about Allied P.O.W.s who endure harsh treatment at the hands of their Japanese captors during World War II while they are forced to build a railroad through the Burmese jungle.
Alleged
Written by Fred Foote and Brian Godawa
Alleged is a romantic drama based on events using both historical and fictional elements occurring behind the scenes and outside the courtroom of the famous Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925.
The Visitation
Written by Brian Godawa
Based on the bestseller by Frank Peretti
Peretti’s supernatural thriller tells the story of a mysterious stranger (Edward Furlong) and his three associates, who arrive in a small town and perform miracles on those who would follow. Who is this charismatic drifter the townspeople have chosen to follow? Is he the true messiah, a false prophet or something far more sinister?
Documentaries by Brian Godawa
Lines That Divide
Written and Directed by Brian Godawa
Stem cell researc
h: A potential miracle cure for diseases or a form of biological colonialism? The debate still rages over this controversial science. Supporters argue that it is our moral duty to pursue scientific progress that provides healing hope for humanity. Detractors argue that the ends don't justify the means in harvesting some human life to save others. This documentary seeks to educate the public on the scientific basics of stem cell research and the moral issues surrounding it as we enter the 21st century.
Wall of Separation
Written and Directed by Brian Godawa
The “wall of separation” is a metaphor deeply embedded in the American consciousness, and an idea that continues to cause deep controversy within the country. In this historical documentary, Godawa takes a look at what the Founding Fathers intended when they framed the Constitution and wrote the First Amendment religion clauses. Were they trying to create a Christian nation, a secular paradise, or something in between?
To order these movies and other books and products by Brian Godawa, as well as FREE articles, just go to the STORE at: www.godawa.com
Audio Lectures by Brian Godawa
Brian has spoken around the world on the topic of movies, worldviews, and faith. Now you can purchase some of his presentations on downloadable MP3 directly from his website, www.godawa.com! Here are a sample of presentations:
Art, Movies & Worldviews 6-Lecture Series by Brian Godawa
1. The Church and the Arts: Friends or Foes?
2. From Bezalel to Jesus: Art in the Bible
3. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang: Sex & Violence in the Movies
4. That’s More Than Entertainment!: Redemption in the Movies
5. Following Your Heart: Existentialism in the Movies
6. Losing Our Grip on Reality: Postmodernism in the Movies
Screenwriting for Christians A 9-Lecture Series by Brian Godawa
Brian teaches the basic elements of storytelling used in writing screenplays from a Christian worldview, complete with examples and analysis of movies that illustrate the lessons. Comes with 30 pages of Student Handouts so you can follow along and take the class on tape! This was taught at YWAM's University of the Nations.
1. Introduction/ Sex & Violence & the Bible
2. Christian writer
3. Basic Structure/ Premise/Theme
4. Premise/Theme Part 2
5. Character
6. Plot
7. Scene
8. The Business and the Life of the Writer
9. Analysis of first 10 pages of “The Sixth Sense”
Storytelling, Worldviews & Persuasion 2 Lectures by Brian Godawa
Part 1: Incarnation
The modern Christian exclusive concentration on logic, precision and rationality has missed a fuller Biblical approach. In the Scriptures, truth and persuasion are mediated through imagination and storytelling as well. Brian addresses the power of incarnation used in Biblical storytelling and imagery. Examples from film clips are used to illustrate.
Part 2: Subversion
Brian examines the Biblical usage of subversion through storytelling as a means of engaging culture and capturing it for Christ. He shows how the Apostle Paul used subversion to retell the Stoic story in Christian terms.
Defense of the Faith 12-Lecture Series by Brian Godawa
This is a different approach to apologetics than the typical way that “proves” a generic theism, then “proves” the Bible, then “proves” the resurrection. This series addresses the weaknesses of typical apologetics and explores how to defend the faith on a deeper level, the level of the worldview of the unbeliever.
1. Introduction to Apologetics
2. Logic Part 1: Intro
3. Logic Part 2: fallacies
4. Logic Part 3: fallacies
5. Faith and Reason
6. Antithesis: Acts 17
7. Worldviews Part 1
8. Worldviews Part 2
9. Authority and Truth
10. Authority: Part 2
11. Ethics
12. Technique
Bible Prophecy & the End Times: It’s Not When They Told You It Is 10-Lecture Series by Brian Godawa
The Book of Revelation is more like an Epic Horror Fantasy than a sermon. Brian explores the creative literary imagery of the First Century writings used in Revelation. The Left Behind novel series has made a gazillion dollars based on a popular view of the End Times. What would shock some Christians is to discover that this view is not Biblical. Brian examines the common beliefs of the Left Behind dogma and compares them to the Bible. He shows how the Bible itself explains how most of these prophecies have already been fulfilled. A partial preterist approach to Bible prophecy.
Two options are available for purchase. You can either buy just the MP3 audio, or buy the DVD video versions that have the same audio, BUT ALSO lots of colorful and helpful PowerPoint visuals and film clips for a much richer presentation of the material.
1. Interpreting Bible Prophecy
2. Israel in Prophecy
3. The Last Days
4. The Rapture
5. The Great Tribulation
6. The Anti-Christ
7. The Beast
8. The Coming of Christ
9. The Millennium Part 1
10. The Millennium Part 2
To order these audio lectures and other books and products by Brian Godawa, as well as FREE articles, just go to the STORE at: www.godawa.com
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[1] John H Walton, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Old Testament): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), 344.
[2] David M. Fouts, “A Defense Of The Hyperbolic Interpretation Of Large Numbers In The Old Testament,” JETS 40/3 (September 1997), 378.
[3] See “Appendix C: Leviathan,” Brian Godawa, Noah Primeval (Los Angeles, CA: Embedded Pictures Publishing, 2012), 325; and “Appendix: Retelling Biblical Stories and the Mythic Imagination in Enoch Primordial,” Enoch Primordial, (Los Angeles, CA: Embedded Pictures Publishing, 2013), 352.
[4] Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton, The Septuagint Version of the Old Testament: English Translation, Is 34:13–14 (London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, 1870).
[5] Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton, The Septuagint Version of the Old Testament: English Translation, Is 13:21–22 (London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, 1870).
[6] Johan Lust, Erik Eynikel and Katrin Hauspie, A Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint: Revised Edition (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft: Stuttgart, 2003).
[7] Judd H. Burton, Interview With the Giant: Ethnohistorical Notes on the Nephilim (Burton Beyond Press, 2009) 19-21. “Regardless of his [Azazle’s] origins—in pre-Israelite practice he was surely a true demon, perhaps a satyr, who ruled in the wilderness.” Jacob Milgrom, A Continental Commentary: Leviticus: a Book of Ritual and Ethics (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004), 169.
[8] Gaston Vuillier, trans. Joseph Grego, A History Of Dancing From The Earliest Ages To Our Own Times (New York, NY: D. Appleton and Co., 1848), 27-28.
[9] The Psalmist also casts the gods of Canaan; Molech, Asherah, Ashtart, Ba’al, and others as demons as well in Psalm 106:37–38: “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.”
[10] “Siyyim,” Francis Brown, Samuel Rolles Driver, and Charles Augustus Briggs, Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 2000), 850.
[11] Hans Wildberger, A Continental Commentary: Isaiah 28–39 (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2002).
[12] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament), electronic ed. (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).
[13] Special thanks to Doug Van Dorn for this “revelation.” Van Dorn, Douglas (2013-01-21). Giants: Sons of the Gods (Kindle Locations 3922-3925). Waters of Creation
. Kindle Edition. In fact, his “Chapter 13: Chimeras” was helpful for more than one insight in this appendix.
[14] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament), electronic ed. (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).
[15] M. Hutter, "Lilith", in Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, ed. Karel van der Toorn, Bob Becking and Pieter W. van der Horst, 2nd extensively rev. ed., 520 (Leiden; Boston; Köln; Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: Brill; Eerdmans, 1999).
[16] Brian Godawa, Enoch Primordial (Los Angeles: Embedded Pictures Publishing, 2013), 349.
[17] 2050a,קִפּוֹז Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer, Jr. and Bruce K. Waltke, electronic ed., 806 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999). קִפּוֹז Brown, Francis, Samuel Rolles Driver, and Charles Augustus Briggs. Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. electronic ed. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 2000.
[18] Francis Brown, Samuel Rolles Driver and Charles Augustus Briggs, Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon, electronic ed., 72 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 2000).
[19] James McConkey Robinson, Richard Smith and Coptic Gnostic Library Project, The Nag Hammadi Library in English, 4th rev. ed., 173 (Leiden; New York: E. J. Brill, 1996).
[20] 1Enoch 8:1; 9:6; 10:4–8; 13:1–2; 54:5; 55:4; 69:2.
[21] Jacob Milgrom, A Continental Commentary: Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics, 169 (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004).
[22] Jacob Milgrom, A Continental Commentary: Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics, 169, 166 (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004).