Azriel often compares America and Babylon because of their wealth and their similar, casual attitudes towards the divine. The Hebrews, while captives in Babylon, were nonetheless respected citizens because of their wealth and the economic benefits their trading brought to the city. They developed a cosmopolitan laxness, which may have resulted in Azriel turning to the false god, Marduk, thus causing his death and transformation. In this sense, Servant of the Bones resembles a parable or fable, what we would today call a cautionary tale: What lessons can this story pass on to decadent American culture? Azriel deeply mourns the destruction of Babylon. Does this parallel constitute a warning that America may suffer the same fate?

1. How do the angels represented in this novel, such as Azriel and the Malak, compare to the modern conception of angels?

2. Compare the Temple of the Mind to recently founded...