To kill or not kill the prophets of Baal

Last night I attended Mendelssohn's Elias, performed by 150 singers from the Bienne-Jura area. Struck as always by the beauty and power of the concert. One thing that occupied my mind, as often at such occasions: what do people make of the story? I imagine three approaches:


There are those, of whom there were many because it was largely church people who performed, who might feel, see, our God is the true God, good for Elijah, we knew it. He's shown it to these false prophets of Baal. Wouldn't it be better if things happened that way today too.....


Others probably think: Here is another demonstration of what a violent religion Christianity is. We knew it and there you have it: slaughtering those who believe something else than you. It's all the same, religion is a source of violence and killing, no matter where you look....


The third category, of whom Rose thought they were the majority, don't bother too much about it. They enjoy the music, watch the people perform, especially the ones they know. The killing is quickly brushed aside, it's an Old Testament story, so why bother....


To be sure, I tremendously enjoyed the concert. At the same time, I'm not sure whether what bothers me more is the story itself or the fact that sacred works from past centuries are being performed with no reflection, critique, musings, interpretation of the meaning. I often feel the same when a Bach oratorio is being given. In light of today's struggle with religion, meaning, sense, indifference and arrogance, I feel the need to look for interpretation of how that resonates in today's society. Beyond what it does for the individual, how it reinforces of questions post-modern assumptions. How it matches or relates to today's events and observations.


Here is what I learned at last night's concert: Elijah was obviously a true prophet, you know that because he challenged the established order, looking for justice. He was a great prophet, charismatic and inspired, passionate and compassionate. When accused of spreading confusion, he said to the King: you are the one who confuses the people. No King likes that. He brought back to life that boy of the poor and marginalized widow. But Elijah fell short of being the Messiah. Not because he wanted to give up, but because he killed the prophets of Baal. Here is the sequence: From the killing he goes right into depression. There is no sense any longer, neither in his ministry nor in his life. The great prophet whose charismatic power and strong faith brought rain onto a dry land is  removed from the face of the earth before the King can kill him. Kind of a nice way out. Then Mendelssohn's work ends with the perspective of the One coming who will illuminate the people rather than prove God's power, who will not kill but bring wisdom. Nonviolence was not part of the vocabulary of Mendelssohn's time. But that's what he is pointing to. And it's what differentiates Elijah from the Messiah.