This one is maybe too picky. :D
The move name Messiah doesn’t really describe a Messiah. The Messiah was god in the flesh. What the move describes is a sort of charismatic leader.
I’d suggest a name more like “Rabbi” or “Blessed Teacher” or something–that would get more at the heart of what the move is about, and evoke the right kind of image for people who start by reading the name of the move.
I'm writing this post only because I get fascinated by the etymology of words and their usage-journey through history and cultures. It's not meant as an obnoxious "hmm actually..." ^_^
That said. As far as I understand...
According to the english Oxford dictionary (but also the italian Treccani) a messiah is literally "a charismatic leader" specifically coded as a "saviour" of people/nations.
So for example the use of the word messiah in religious contexts is common not because a messiah is a religious leader, but because most religious leaders promise/represent "salvation". It's not, in its origin, a religious word. The actual ancient hebrew etymology is even more generic, only meaning "chosen one" or "anointed one".
Also, in my personal experience consuming movies and novels and articles and common parlance I have always encountered the word messiah used exactly in this way (charismatic saviour/leader), also outside of religious contexts: dubbing Elon Musk as the messiah of electric cars :P
While I have never heard of its use as "god incarnate" ... for that I would usually think of the word "avatar".
But I can imagine how in christian tradition there could have, in time, been a mismatch... as the word "messiah" got transliterated to "christ" (same meaning, different root language) but then because it is applied exclusively to Jesus, and Jesus is the son of God and God the son, then meaning-A washed on to word-B although word-B has its own meaning.
Or, am I missing something? :)
(could be, happens quite often XD )
You’re absolutely right, the word “Messiah” does get used in that context: as one who comes bearing salvation. I may have gotten carried away with my very specific “god incarnate” definition: god incarnate is indeed one way to bring salvation to a people!
With the Priest’s “Messiah” move as written, there’s nothing really about the kind of “salvation” that the Priest is bringing to their people. Are they bringing freedom from foreign rule or slavery? Freedom from guilt? What are they saving their followers/people from?
As is, the “Messiah” move seems much more like they’re amassing a following of people who they teach or lead in some way. I’m thinking of modern day TV preachers. They have some teaching they want you to follow (“God wants us all to support green energy” or whatever), and then they charismatically attract people to that teaching. In that sense, at least, Messiah doesn’t quite fit as a name. You could add something about the “salvation” that the Priest brings, or rename the move to fit what the content of the move already provide, I think.
Does any of that make sense? I may also be off here. I really appreciate the time you took thinking about this! I also enjoy thinking about this stuff. :D
