This presentation explores the ironic tensions between the Emperor of Mankind and Lion El’Johnson’s respective aversions to deification and their eventual embodiment of divine roles within the Warhammer universe. Drawing on the events of *Son of the Forest* , as well as other texts, we examine how the Emperor performs the role of a “Divine Intervener” despite his strict resistance to religious worship in general. There is pervasive and persuasive evidence of miracles that occur to believers and which save believers, the reintroduction to the Galaxy of important Primarchs (i.e. Roboute Guilliman and Lion El’Johnson) as well as these respective Primarch’s being gifted important artifacts of the Emperor at important times (i.e. Guilliman’s receipt of the Sword of the Emperor, El’Johnson’s receipt of the Emperor’s Shield). These events occur during important times which reinforce and revitalize an Imperium in deep trouble, just as might be expected from a Divine Intervener. Yet there is ample evidence, especially during the 30K era, that the Emperor rejects any attempt to deify him and/or his actions. Additionally, this resistance is mirrored by the Lion when the all-too-rational warrior begins to manifest his own seemingly supernatural abilities that echo certain mythic archetypes of the god-king and a prophet. The mistwalking/meditative teleportation instances via forests of Caliban which occur always put the Lion in just the right place, at just the right time (even when he doesn’t intend it). Indeed, many of the humans he saves make it very clear that at least some of them consider him to be divine. But he knows this to be false. This presentation draws on work on providence, divine action, and theodicy by William Hasker, Thomas Flint, and Hugh McCann, among other authors and works in the philosophy of religion. It also draws on work on ironic tension by, as well as literary theory.
Author bios
Jacob Buckman was raised in Lyons, Kansas. He earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Fort Hays State University in 2023. Currently he is pursuing his M.L.S. with a focus in Philosophy through For Hays State University with a dual focus in English (Literature). His philosophical interests include epistemology, formal logic, and aesthetics while his literary interests include Medieval epics, Arthurian Legend, science fiction, and fantasy worldbuilding. In his leisure, Jacob prefers to spend time with his wife and cat, tinker in his garden, or play Magic the Gathering with his friends.
Sammuel (Rob) Byer was born and raised in Larned, Kansas. He earned a B.A. in English (Literature) and a B.A. in Philosophy from Fort Hays State University in 2007 and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in 2012 and 2017 respectively. His philosophical and scholarly interests include various issues in metaphysics, comparative philosophy, and philosophy of religion (including both Eastern and Western traditions), as well as interdisciplinary work with scholars and professionals in fields outside of philosophy. In addition to his interests in philosophy, Rob enjoys science fiction and fantasy media, hip hop and folk music, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends.
