The Divine Punishment for Dissent

"The Divine Punishment for Dissent, Oil on wood, 48" x 36" (in process)

This work (in progress) is based upon the biblical story of Korach (Numbers 16: 1-18:32) who, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a protest against Moses and Aaron in the desert--which came to an end when God caused the earth to open, swallow up and/or burn  the protest leaders and their households. Korach had protested that it was unjust for Moses to make his brother the high priest when in fact the entire people are holy. His argument represented what was, in effect, a populist uprising against authoritarianism, and he was supported by 250 of the Israelite tribal leaders.  The painting will ask the question of whether God, and human religion, should resolve religious disputes with violence and destruction, or through thought and dialog. It will also ask a fundamental question about the nature of God. Click here for an article by Brian Weinstein that examines Korach's dissent.