medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Nicholas of Cusa used "mirror image" and other optical metaphors in his metaphysical writings.
Tom Izbicki
Thomas Izbicki
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>>> [log in to unmask] 04/11/06 1:41 PM >>>
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Brenda asked:
>> Why do we think that "glass" = "mirror" ?
>> Is this what the original Greek word means ?
The word, transliterated "esoptrov", is used but
twice in the NT, at 1 Cor 13:12 and James 1:23.
Bauer-Arndt-Gingrich, "A Greek-English Lexicon
of the New Testament" says "mirror" rendering
the James passage "look at one's face in a
mirror" and the passage in question "see dimly
in a mirror".
The word is Koine, as opposed to Classical, Greek,
I think. I did not find it in my much-abridged
Liddell & Scott's.
Paul's metaphor here seems to be two-fold.
First what we see is a mirror image of what
is there. Those who reverse their vehicles
using only the mirrors know this takes some
getting used to. Second, that mirror provides
an enigmatic image, one that is dim and
ill-discerned. The conclusion of the entire
thought is that the greatest gift we have in
navigating this world in this manner is love.
At least, that's my reading.
I am not at all familiar with the application of
this passage to monastic life, but it would
seem appropriate.
I would be profoundly interested to learn
of rules, etc. where it is invoked.
Regards to all,
Frank
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