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When it comes to scripture of any faith, the inherent notion is to take it at face value. Often, this is where the idea of blind faith is born. In ITOTKO’s work, a simple premise of doing one’s due diligence and not taking the verses of the Bible literally manifests into a comprehensive and insightful compilation of biblical narratives that are dissected with incredible precision. From the onset, the only thing the author requests is that readers, whether they are seasoned believers or just acclimating themselves to a discourse of faith, keep an open mind while examining the Word from his vantage point.
In an effort to differentiate between the literal and symbolic interpretations, the author, early on, uses the universally known Genesis passage “In the beginning” to contemplate where God lived if he had yet to create heaven, thereby not being able to live in a place that had not existed. More than anything else, the author’s entire text notes the meticulous methodologies of individuals before they make a purchase, be that a car, house, etc., and suggests that the same lens of careful and attentive probing should be applied to the “value of our souls.”
Interestingly, in the examination process, the author provides exposure to many biblical elements, giving newcomers familiarity with the Bible that they would not otherwise have. From terms like the original sin and the forbidden fruit to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, the Bible is discussed at the root level, with a simplicity that is in itself profound and comprehensible for the layman. To be clear, this work is not a criticism of the Bible but rather an attempt for society to distinguish between what is literal, what is truth, and what is truth depicted through symbolism. For example, the statement that Eve emerged from Adam’s rib cannot be taken in the literal sense. Similarly, the idea of the eucharist, where “manufactured bread and wine turn into Christ’s flesh and blood” after consumption, cannot be understood within the constraints of the physical body.
As the work progresses, many of the same scriptures are reiterated, often from different angles, to give readers a panoramic analysis. Specifically, though, what is most intriguing is the author’s introduction of emanation. As physical beings, our understanding is limited to our tangible senses, and it falls woefully short of processing the spiritual domain. Thus, symbolism enters as the bridge between the earthly and spiritual. One of the most prominent symbols in Christianity is the earthly body of Jesus Christ, which leads the author to extrapolate upon the symbolic representation of death, specifically the words “die, death, dead, and sleep.” Later, ITOTKO dives into the role of words like forsaketh and the figurative connection between words like replenish and heal while weaving in an illuminating reference to Siddhartha Gautama, how he became the Buddha and the interconnected lotus symbol.
Ultimately, the author notes the importance of not treating the Bible with the same lens as a history book. The latter is a collection of facts with a definite beginning and end, while any spiritual literature is a byproduct of our upbringing, experiences, and knowledge. Our lens is formed by our earthly ventures, and thus, one cannot take spiritual literature at its literal value but undoubtedly can ascertain its deeper value through its ingrained symbolic meaning. Though the work is structurally a collection of passages imbued with insight, the author does a commendable job of guiding the reader throughout and emphasizing certain symbols or parables to help build muscle memory that can carry the reader far beyond the end of the book.