The Axe Was God

The Axe Was God

by Henry Binkley Stein

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About
This document, "THE AXE WAS GOD" 1959, is a short and to the point 50 page pamphlet, not really a book. It has been re-packaged together with two other pamphlet/books, by the same author; Henry Binkley Stien. This book examines the symbols of power used by Ancient and Modern Nation States. In the case of the Axe, the author points to ancient Egypt, Crete, Greece, Rome, Germany, the British Isles, and preColumbian America; as examples where you will find the Axe symbolically represented as the official religious and state icon. You find it prominently displayed today in the United States House of Representatives as the Fasces. The bundle of 13 birch rods wrapped around an Axe.

Discussion questions for The Axe Was God

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  1. 1

    Stein argues that the axe has been a consistent symbol of power across diverse ancient and modern nation-states. What aspects of the axe itself – its form, function, or historical associations – do you think make it such an enduring and potent symbol for both religious and state authority?

  2. 2

    The pamphlet covers a vast historical and geographical scope, from ancient Egypt to pre-Columbian America and modern nations. Which specific historical examples of the axe's symbolic use did you find most surprising or illuminating, and why?

  3. 3

    The author highlights the Fasces in the United States House of Representatives as a modern manifestation of this ancient symbol. How did learning about its deeper historical roots and meaning impact your perception of this familiar American emblem?

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