(no subject)

[sophiaserpentia]

I am a citizen of the cosmic tribe.

"Cosmic tribe" is a phrase I have chosen to translate he^ basileia twn ouranwn.

It is not a very literal translation, unfortunately. "Cosmos" of course does not match "Ouranos," and a "tribe" is barely the same as a "kingdom." But the problem is that squatters have already laid claims to all the connotations on "kingdom of heaven" and the phrase is now too loaded. Also, in modern parlance a tribe is something that one can join voluntarily. To join a kingdom one has to get a visa, apply for citizenship, etc. (Holding my tongue in my cheek has no affect on my typing speed. Hmm.)

"Cosmos" implies a guiding order behind the "way of things." I do not believe the universe is ordered in the classic sense, but I do believe there is a guiding principle that directs it without taking direct action. (Anyone still reading this rant and wondering what I mean is referred to in the "Commentary" in this post.)

YES, I know it sounds hokey and new-agey. That's the reason I chose it -- it's impossible to take it seriously. But it also captures, IMO, the sense of what it was that the early Christians envisioned and aspired to.

Metanoew, the word commonly translated "Repent!," might be translated "I think with." Or, IOW, "my thinking is aligned." This could easily be an esoteric term referring to a kind of mental discipline, wherein the mind becomes aligned to the watercourse way. Or it could simply mean "get with it!"

So the message of Jesus is perhaps not "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It is "Get with it and join the cosmic tribe!"

Comments

[waysmeanstonola.livejournal.com]

as someone who reads ancient greek for fun (i'm a masochist) and profit (i'm a classicist), it always amuses me to hear the fundies say that the KJV of the bible is the "only true" version. especially since it's horribly translated, hard to understand and created to further king james' claim of rulership/popeship/whatever over the church of england.

translation and commentary.

[canonfire.livejournal.com]

Metanoew, the word commonly translated "Repent!," might be translated "I think with." Or, IOW, "my thinking is aligned." This could easily be an esoteric term referring to a kind of mental discipline, wherein the mind becomes aligned to the watercourse way. Or it could simply mean "get with it!"

On your choice of translation...

metanoew is comprised of meta and the root from which noos, mind, comes from. Meta is better understood as a turning as opposed to "with". It is a changing of the direction of one's mind as opposed to using the prefix in the form of a dative of instrument/means.

sorry. it's the Greek tutor in me...

[rowanf.livejournal.com]

Some ideas, like "Cosmic Tribe" just seem to arise again and again. I ran into a group of Gypsies in Brazil last year who practice "Encantaria" and call all people to join a Cosmic Tribe of enlightened folks. *wry grin* We want the closeness of tribal bonds without the parochialism, I guess. Hence, Cosmic.