- Actually, referring to the god Apollo was one of the definitions, it may even have been the first one. But there were several other definitions, so I wasn’t sure which one you were referring to. Since your post refers to Delphi, I think your usage is pretty clear. Would you consider elaborating a little bit on the connection between the Greek god Apollo and the saying, “know thyself”? Unless that is not of any real importance… Thank you, dear Brother!
- Apollo (actually non-existent) was the Greek god of the oracle for he was the god of artistic knowledge and education. That combination (art and pedagogy) seems to mix together into an oracular or prophetic emphasis. Hence, Apollo was the patron God of the temple in Delphi over the entrance of which was inscribed, "γνῶθι σεαυτόν" or Know Thyself. That concept became a central tenant of Plato's Socrates (and likely the historic Socrates as well - Socrates, like Jesus, left no writings of his own). Socrates speaks much of the need to examine the assumptions of both the external and internal aspects of life. Socrates can probe with searching questions, but he cannot provide eternal Answers. Indeed, Socrates and his method argues for "aporia" -- the idea that questions can and should be raised which weaken the sense of certainty that is found in conventional wisdom, but the "truth" lies in realizing that there are no fixed answers. There is no "path" that reaches objective, eternal truth. "Aporia" = no passage, no way to the truth.
- Thank you! Helps me in understanding a lot of the thinking in the world around me, as well as influences in the educational system. PTL
Who is Your Saviour? - Socrates or Jesus?
Salvation is never found as one journeys within. There is no light at the end of that tunnel. Self-knowledge is critical, but the discovery of “me” can only yield despair. If you claim (as many do) to have “found yourself” - the “true you” – without also finding despair, you have found nothing but self-deception. The revelation of “me” to “me” is always known by the horror that haunts the illumination. If you have not experienced the horror, you have not found yourself.
One may claim to know oneself better than one is known by the outsider – the other. One may fancy an inner perception of oneself that involves a noble mystery unrecognized by most or all. But if the narrative one tells oneself about oneself is absent the horror that necessarily accompanies human self-discovery, such a one has no more set his foot upon the truth of “me” than he has set a foot on Mars.
The Socratic method of Recollection emerges from the milieu that spawned the Apollinarian inscription at Delphi: γνῶθι σεαυτόν - Know Thyself. The modern idea that Salvation can be obtained through education and self-discovery is founded upon this Greek ideal. This idea is not classic Hebrew psychology. It is not Christian soteriology. It is not Biblical, so it is not true.
Recollection, or some form of reacquaintance with the forms of morality, will absolutely bring truth to the soul, but it will not bring Salvation. It can produce despair, but it cannot bring release. Finding “self” by yourself (a journey within) is as useless as seeing a loved one with all clarity when that loved one is trapped in a fire you cannot penetrate. In that case, having eyes to see can only bring despair, for one lacks the equipment to extract the loved one from destruction.
Salvation must come from without. To the Realization of one's self must be brought the Revelation of the Other - of Jesus, the Savior from without – the Absolute Outsider – the One who is precisely not you. The One who knows you better than you know yourself and knows the fire you are trapped in - the One who alone has the equipment to enter in, extract and save.
God never prescribes taking the inner journey on your own, apart from the gracious Guide –Jesus our High Priest - the Absolute Outsider who took on flesh.
The time will come when God leaves a soul to the experience of self-discovery without the offer of His aid. This is known as Hell, and Hell is eternal despair in knowing the truth of “me”. To take the trip inside now without the help of Jesus (if executed effectively), is to face hell too soon, for the Saviour is yet saying, “Cast your burdens upon me,” and what weighs more than the weight of “me”?
So, let the mouths of every happy explorer of the inner life be stopped, and let all the silly songs fall silent. Let all the world be guilty before God (Rom 3:19). Then we can claim to have found the true path of inner knowledge; the narrow way that leads to Life. Then we can compose hymns of praise that make sense, when self is left out of the score.
Let every man who looks within confess the truth: “Within me (that is, in my flesh – that is, “me” on my own and apart from Christ) dwells no good thing” (Rom 7:18).
Let every man leave the hope of education and flee to the refuge of Revelation, taking hold of the Hand that stretches from Heaven to save them who dwell on Earth.
Let every man who journeys within seek Salvation from without.
Jesus made His mission clear: The Son of Man is come to seek and save that which is lost (Luke 19:10). God sent the Absolute Other so that we can find His Salvation when we finally find ourselves.