The Power of Metaphor

I was reading K-Lo's latest at NRO, and this line caught my eye.

But Catholic roots, smells and bells, and years of tradition and culture are, indeed, tangible, even if the Trinity isn't (save for a shamrock helper).

I'm not concerned for the moment with the article itself, I'm more concerned with the shamrock as Holy Trinity.

Searching my mind, this seems to be the dominant metaphor for the Trinity in Western Christendom. This isn't that significant in itself, but since I recently posted on Saint Spyridon I still have his metaphor of the Trinity in mind (the brick).

These competing metaphors have, I think, shaped the way Orthodox and Catholics approach the Trinity and may have some bearing on the Filioque controversy.

The shamrock metaphor shows that, though the shamrock is one, it is comprised of three distinct leaves. The trouble with the shamrock, though, is telling the leaves apart. They're identical to each other, and thus only distinguishable through their relationships (leaf x is between leaves y and z, for instance).

I think this might have motivated the Western mind to try to approach the Trinity through the relationship between the Three Persons. When I've read up on the subject and talked to Catholics about the Filioque, I always hear that it was necessary to relate the Son to the Holy Spirit to complete the understanding of the Trinity. Somehow, it was incomplete for the Son to relate to the Father and for the Holy Spirit to relate to the Father, and no more.

Now take Saint Spyridon's approach. The brick represents the unity of the Trinity, but it is comprised of three distinct parts: earth, fire, and water. Each element is distinguishable from the other because of the role that is plays in the brick (fire is what dries the brick, water moistens the earth, earth provides the base). Similarly, Orthodox view the Three Persons of the Trinity teleologically rather than relationally (the Father is the Source of the Godhead and of all, the Son is the Redeemer of all mankind, the Holy Spirit is the Perfector that bestows Grace on creation). Christ's Baptism, the only time we so splendidly see all Three Persons of the Trinity together, illustrates this wonderfully. The Father booms forth from the Heavens, sublime. The Son prepares his evangelically work, which will culminate in Crucifixion and Resurrection. The Holy Spirit gently descends onto the Son's head and effects the purity that baptism brings.

Notice that this underscores my objection to the Filioque. God the Father is the Source of Godhead. The presence of such a source underscores the unity of the Trinity, as One Person is responsible for generation. That's why saying that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son is ridiculous. That confuses the role that each person plays in our spiritual lives. Also, it demeans the Holy Spirit, because suddenly both the Father and the Son play a generative role, while the Holy Spirit does not. This tears apart the fabric of a united Trinity and Godhead rather than better explain it.

I have no problem with saying that the Holy Spirit proceeds through the Son and from the Father (as this reinforced both the Son's role of Redeemer and the Father's role of Source), but that's not what the Filioque is saying.

I needed to type that out before I get further wrapped up in studying for a pretty tough final tomorrow. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Enough Already!

Igniting a public uproar, some Jewish settlers said Tuesday they will soon start wearing orange stars on their shirts in a provocative campaign comparing the government's Gaza withdrawal plan to the Nazi Holocaust.

Is anyone else sick of seeing the holocaust card being played all the time? The holocaust was evil and disgusting, no one with a functioning cerebral cortex denies that. However, much more often than not, its name is invoked for the sake of crass and selfish political gain. It's certainly not unique to the Jews; every ethnic or religious minority has learned to play the victimization card.

It is a hopeful sign that some courageous people are speaking out:

"The plan to wear orange stars perverts the historical facts and damages the memory of the Shoah," said Yad Vashem's director Avner Shalev, using the Hebrew word for the Holocaust. He urged the settlers to refrain from using the stars.

However, there's something really disgusting about using the deaths of several millions of innocent people (the exact number is irrelevant) for political gain. The holocaust may have once been a symbol for human rights, but no longer. I was under the impression that "never again" meant that the world should never again allow the mass murder of any innocents, regardless of their background. That phrase has been altered in recent years. "Never again...to the Jews."

Memory of the holocaust is pervasive. Museums exist all over, even in countries that had nothing to do with the slaughter and have barely any Jewish minority to speak of. You can't go to a bookstore without encountering entire shelves and sections dedicated to holocaust studies. Some high schools even have memorials on their property, ensuring that we start 'em off young.

So for all the political capital that the holocaust movement has collected, where are the stances against the murder of non-Jews? Who is standing up against Turkey, who continues to deny the Armenian genocide? Who will comment on the number of Greeks that were also ethnically cleansed as Kemal Ataturk carved out an ethnically pure state? Though I've heard a lot about the suffering of Jews in Russia, who will speak about the millions of Christians that Soviet leaders killed, with the twin weapons of starvation and force? How about the 30 million people Mao killed during the "Great Leap Forward?" How about the African genocides of the last twenty years?

I once had a fight with my uncle about this. I was trying to make the above-outlined point and he called me a racist and an anti-Semite for it? A racist? Because I care about mankind and not just one particular ethno-religious group? Because I'm concerned that memory of the holocaust has become so emotionally charged that the other genocides of the past century have been forgotten? One can't even invoke the memory of over 50 million forgotten and ignored dead without being labeled a racist and an anti-Semite (and my uncle isn't even Jewish!).

From the soil the blood of millions of innocents cry out to us. It's a shame that some are too preoccupied (either they're feeling guilty about acts they're in no way responsible for, or they're lining their pockets and exerting undeserved influence) to listen.

Leadership

The Orthodox Christian mind is secularizing. The ecclesiastical spirit is receding. Spiritual blindness is coming in. Commerce is getting ever stronger in many aspects of parochial life as an alarming token of all those evils. Material interests come into the foreground ever more often to oust and strangle everything living and sublime...

To kill a baby in mother’s womb is the most heinous of deadly sins. That precept has always been part and parcel of the Church doctrine. Meanwhile, the number of abortions in Russia defies imagination year in, year out. The nation is dying out, and that is nothing surprising. Does this nation deserve to survive at all, we wonder

These are some remarks the Patriarch of Moscow recently made.

These are the sorts of remarks that a Patriarch should be making. The light of the Church must shine onto the world. The Church offers Christ, and Christ offers Love and Salvation.

Now surf over to the site of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Notice a pattern? He has a huge interest in environmentalism, and talks about it ad nauseum. There's even a special tab on the site where one can find resources on the subject of "Orthodoxy and Environmentalism."

Any mention of abortion, divorce, immorality, etc.? I didn't find any. And if Patriarch Bartholomew has spoken on these subjects, it's a crime that these thoughts do not figure prominently on his website while thoughts about the environment due.

Look, environmentalism can be important. God became man, and in doing so he blessed all nature. Matter is not intrinsically evil, for it received God, as Holy Communion does to this day. Making a big deal about the Incarnation is important, because it informs our relationship with God. Note that those Protestant denominations who seem to deny the Incarnation also deny the Real Presence, deny sensual worship (worship that makes full use of the senses through iconography, chant, incense, etc.), and most importantly deny the reality of Christ's sacrifice and his redemptive mission (Christ didn't die for our sins if He didn't have a body to be nailed to the Cross).

As important as all that is, serious moral problems face the faithful today. Orthodoxy is in crisis. Pope John Paul II has been an inspiration to scores of young Catholics, and has led to renewed interest among the youth. Can Patriarch Bartholomew claim any similar achievements? Can he explain why he publicly praised "Orthodox" politicians who support abortion?

May the Holy Spirit grant Patriarch Bartholomew wisdom. May God ensure that his successor is a man of clear vision who can address the evils of this world and make great strides towards Re-Union (we're aiming for 2054, after all).

Genocide

Turkey continues to deny, deny, deny.

Two down, one to go.

How sweet it is

I went to Confession, for the first time in a long time. I'm really looking forward to Holy Communion tomorrow morning.

Humans are so stupid. We can be fully aware that are actions are wrong. We can know for certain that they are unfulfilling. And yet we sin anyway, and hide from the reconciliation that is the only source of true joy.

We continue to eat from the trough with the pigs, and refuse Water from the Source to wash out our mouths and thirst no more.

We really are morons. Or at least I am.

Priorities

Here's an interesting story about the new vanity that is sweeping Italy: plastic surgery.

The article mentions one starlet who injected some substance into her lips to beautify them (she was apparently already quite fetching, though; again, vanity). As a result, her lips became disturbingly swollen. Rather than admit her mistake, she floated that story that her lips were disfigured because of herpes.

So: would you rather admit to the world that you made a mistake, or would rather them think you've come some disgusting STD? Better a strumpet than stupid, it seems.

Dishonor before death?

Good Point

About that baby girl, that is.

A baby girl who apparently was cut from her mother's womb was found in good health Friday, a day after the slaying.

Wow. What an emotionally charged story. Consider the horror and depravity of the mother's murder, and the elation the family must feel to know that this little girl is still alive. Lord have mercy.

Frightening

Talk about your worst-case scenarios.

But isn't civilization always on the verge of destruction. I was reading about Emperor Heraclius earlier today (during one of many study breaks; I can't seem to focus). Check the article out, he's definetely an impressive guy. (Also, those who think William the Conqueror was responsible for what we traditionally consider feudalism should read about themes, an interesting system I learned about as a child but really examine some more; after all, it did save the Empire.)

You have no idea how much I really wish the Empire had never crumbled. Orthodox/Catholic relations would be so much different (who knows, maybe Re-Union may have been affected by now). Philosophy, art, civilization itself (there would have been no Renaissance, since the Byzantines would not have had to flee their homes for Italy and the West; consequently, there would have been no Enlightenment; rather than these jarring, historically unhelpful periods civilization would have grown up much more organically, remembering more of the past in the process and creating a more fully integrated present as a result).

A man can dream, can't he? Fairy tales do have their use. Perhaps he can also take steps to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

Here's an account of the moments that led to the shooting of Dimebag Darrell.

Those who rushed to subdue the insane attacker really are heroes and deserve the requisite respect and honor.

May God have mercy on the dead.

My pirate name is:

Captain Roger Roberts

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Two things complete your pirate persona: style and swagger. Maybe a little too much swagger sometimes -- but who really cares? Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

(Via Huw Raphael)

Saint Spyridon

I can't believe I haven't posted anything on him yet. Truly an awesome saint.

I love the story about his miracle during the Council of Nicea. He used a brick to explain the Holy Trinity to sceptics and heretics. As he held the brick in his hand he prayed. "In the name of the Father." Flame shot out of the brick. "And the Son." Water splashed to the ground. "And the Holy Spirit." In his hand remained a clump of dirt.

I think there's an argument here about Councils and papal primacy. God seems to have a good way of making sure his Church stays on track, even absent some leading figure. More on this later, though.

Here's a cool story about some intercession, courtesy of St. Spyridon; it's always nice to hear about answered prayers.

I could sure use your prayers, St. Spyridon (along with all the rest of you saints I regularly pray to; somehow I doubt they're regular readers of this blog, but a humble request can't hurt).

Take that criminal law!

One down, two to go. Then I can spend my Christmas break polishing my torts and contracts outlines for next term (joy!).

Pearl Jam and Language

I really have to disagree with Feddie; there's no way that Nirvana was better than Pearl Jam.

I especially disagree with the reasons Publius outlines. I've written about this before, I think. In short, language is the house of being.

All that we are and experience filters through language. Talking about feelings or thoughts outside of language is preposterous. Putting an idea into words doesn't limit it. Rather, it expands that thought and makes it available to all of human history, so that the thought can be critiqued and strengthened or be discarded.

Ever had a really great idea? Ever try to write it out or explain it to someone only to realize that your great idea was nonsense?

Music, by the way, is not opposed to language. Music is inherently linguistic. When you listen to notes you are listening to linguistic messages that transfer the thoughts of the artist to you. A solid piece of music is solid because it, well, effectively effects the transfer.

Modern art stank because it denied language. Charlatans sprayed colors on a canvas and somehow expected that to resonate with people. The resonance that occurred was on a very shallow level, effectuated only because colors themselves are linguistic (thanks to a shared culture, blue represents sadness, for instance).

One might as well stop using words and instead grunt and scratch to communicate. Good luck.

As for Nirvana vs. Pearl Jam in particular, PJ certainly had the edge musically. They composed great songs. They understood the power of their instruments. Eddie Vedder has a great voice, and they've created some amazing riffs and solos. PJ also had superior lyrics, by far.

I disagree with the politics that PJ stands for, but at least they wrong compelling songs about interesting issues. Nirvana was more about teenage angst, which is probably why they were so popular with young people (despite the fact that PJ, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden were much better).

You Are a Visionary Soul

You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness. Connected to all things spiritual, you are very connect to your soul. You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable. Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings. You have great vision and can be very insightful. In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself. Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend. You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

(Via Angus)

In other news: man bites dog, gets arrested

Dark Day for Music

Dimebag Darrell Abbott was shot and killed today. Casey has a nice take on it.

Naturally, Dimebag's death is revolting because it was so unbelievably senseless and brutal. He was just beginning a set onstage when a madman gunned him and three others down. Sad stuff.

When influential public figures die, their deaths take on a whole other significance. For those who don't know, Dimebag was a founding member of Pantera and, more recently, Damageplan.

I and other bloggers have frequently commented on the virtues of heavy metal: it's a very sophisticated art form that can capture both the sublime and the beautiful because of its commitment to intensity, technical mastery, brutal honesty, and artistic integrity. I've often thought of metal as the classical music of our day, to use an awkward analogy. So much music has, for decades now, been geared solely towards commercial success. Other forms of "purer" music are, to be blunt, wimpy and cowardly. When it comes to pure skill and mastery of the instrument, the members of a great metal band can rival any canonical classical performer.

Sadly that proud legacy has been increasingly coopted by lame imitations that try to pass themselves off as "metal" or "hard rock." Some view metal superficially, as a genre defined by nothing more than noise and anger (think of the newer hardcore bands out there, that all sound alike). Some are soulless and use the metal label to add some credibility to music that is really nothing more than loud pop (think Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park). Very few young bands are carrying the flame forwards (bands like Avenged Sevenfold are wonderful, but even they still haven't fully mastered their sound). The burden still falls on older bands like Metallica, Tool, and so forth.

A lot of these old bands have produced inferior material of late (Metallica, most obviously), but Dimebag was part of something special with Pantera and, most recently, Damageplan. Dimebag was one of the few who kept the spirit of metal alive and continuously pushed it forward. As Casey said, the music world really needs guys like him now. To serious music fans, Dimebag's death is particularly painful now.

What this Town Needs is a Child in a Well

Prayer Request

For those who are so inclined, I could really use some prayers in the next few weeks. I tend to be my own worst enemy when it comes to taking tests, and first term finals tend to be very important to a law school student.

I feel a little weird asking you to pray just for me, so keep this in mind too:

The night before Thanksgiving, I was walking around Times Square with some friends. After I walked them to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, I was heading to the subway when I saw some "Black Israelites" shouting on the corner. In case you haven't seen them on public access television, these are men who believe that blacks, Indians (in the Native American sense), etc. are the descendants of Abraham and thus God's favored children (the real Jews, in fact). Whites, Orientals, etc. are the descendants of Cain and as such as marked for subjugation; in Heaven, these shall be the slaves of the true Jews.

Those who know me won't be surprised that I stopped and talked with them for about an hour and a half late that Wednesday. I would ask some questions, they would shout back Bible verses taken thoroughly out of context. Towards the end of our "dialectic" the leader of the group suddenly called me a murderer, rapist, pedophile, faggot, etc. for no apparent reasons. That upset me, needless to say, so I extended my hand and thanked them for their time. Not a one acknowledged me. So, I tipped my hat to them, said I sincerely hoped that God would bless them and soften their hearts, and made my way to the subway.

I spent the next two hours or so fervently praying for them.

These were men who believe that God boils down to power (there is no free will because, if we had the ability to disobey God, then God wouldn't be God, for instance). Their insane "theology" is born of such ugly hate. I knew, looking into the eyes of those men, that they would kill me if they ever had the chance. I was the oppressor, the descendant of a race of conquerors. To support their hate they distort history and the Bible (Did you know that the New Testament was actually written in Hebrew, and that Jews in the time of Jesus spoke Hebrew because Aramaic isn't real? Did you know that, until Alexander the Great expelled the blacks from North Africa and replaced them with a white elite, blacks were the true Egyptians? Unfortunately, I didn't think at the time to ask why a black and therefore Jewish Pharaoh would enslave the Jewish descendants of Joseph until a black Moses freed them.)

In short, pray for such men. Pray that God pours out his grace onto them to the point of overflowing, and that He softens their stone hearts and teaches them that Love, and not power, if the fundamental principle that explains existence. Pray for the "Black Israelites" and all who are made crooked and wretched by their own malice.

Great

Here are some pictures of the return of St. Gregory Nazianzen and St. John Chrysostom to Constantinople.

Pray for Pope John Paul II, a courageous man who approaches Re-Union with a sincere and loving heart. Pray for all of his fellow Patriarchs and Bishops. Pray that the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church may be One.

On that note (via Huw Raphael, whose post reminded me) remember Apostle Andrew, the First Called.

Fourth Tone (Troparion)

As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy.

Second Tone (Kontakion)

Let us praise the namesake of bravery, the divinely eloquent and first to be called of the Disciples of Christ, the kinsman of Peter. As he called out to him in days of old, so now he calls to us, "Come, we have found Him for whom we yearned."

When finals pass, I hope to post some responses to both Cacciaguida and Elliot. In the meantime, I'll let the two hymns do the talking.