There are now five different categories for my posts (with Logikos filling in for general blog updates), which I find important enough to include at the beginning of every post title. I describe the unique purpose for each below, using a nerdy metaphor of a fantasy kingdom supported by various agents.
1) Didasko - The Wizard
Didasko is a Greek verb for “teaching”. This should be no surprise if you know me, since I enjoy teaching and try to pass on theology and wisdom in all that I write. However, these particular posts will focus on the Bible, so that I am building upon the foundational teaching and examples found in the narrative of our personal God and His chosen people.
The Wizard keeps his vigil close to home, as a trusted advisor to the royal court. He scans through dusty libraries to find answers and performs scrying spells to detect subtle arcane threats. The Wizard’s discernment halts problems in the land before they arise, and causes policies of justice to trickle down and throughout the kingdom.
2) Historia - The Bard
Historia is also a Greek word, referring to an investigative study of the past. Again, this should be no surprise; I love history and plan to teach it. The Biblical story is our sufficient and authoritative foundation, yet the narrative of humanity also belongs to God, demonstrates His wrath paired with mercy, and provide rich detail for how the Church released in Acts is working in our world up until the time of Revelation.
The Bard is a constant wanderer, stopping only to trade tales with fellow travelers or share said stories in the form of an inspiring song at country inns. He maintains regular correspondence with the Wizard, so that Truth colors the prose of his performances. Whether the accounts originate from inside the kingdom or beyond, and regardless of what triumph or tragedy they carry, the Bard faithfully remembers and publicly recites in a way pointing back to the King of kings.
3) Philosophia - The Thief
Philosophia in ancient Greek means “love of wisdom”. Today it mainly involves tackling universal human problems through critical questioning and rational argument-- which curiously enough can (or can not) be based on religious propositions. In the same way Historia posts look at our human perspective through time rather than the Bible’s narrative, so too will these posts extract nuggets of Truth and redemptive analogies from other worldviews.
The Thief masterfully infiltrates neighboring kingdoms, living among their people for a time and and feeding surveillance back to her true countrymen. While she may sound malevolent, she is actually guided by altruistic intentions and a strict code of honor. The only treasures she steals are those that originally belonged to her kingdom, which this Thief immediately distributes back to the poor among them.
4) Apologia - The Knight
Apologia (Greek) when utilized by the early Christians came to mean a defense for faith and recommendation to those currently outside it. Modern apologists are known today for boldly debating God’s existence and the Bible’s integrity. My personal additions to these qualities will include testing beliefs, relating on a more personal level with outsiders, and how we live out Christian teaching in a tangible manner.
The Knight patrols between the kingdoms, being especially protective over the bridges connecting them. Though his allegiance is ultimately pledged to the King, he prudently crosses past political strife and military skirmishes, reserving his blade for dark monsters wherever they lurk. Citizens of the other kingdoms notice this impartial hero for his moral austerity and radiant charisma, and they cannot help but give praise to the Lord who is the Knight’s banner.
5) Manthano - The Steward
Manthano, a second verb and our fifth Greek word, means to learn in knowledge and practice. The ancient assumption was that true knowledge should always influence action, though today we are wary of abstract information which does no more than puff up. As I realize more of what it means to be the man God has made/is remaking me to be, I desire to chronicle what I discover for self-reflection and whatever transparent encouragement it offers to you.
The Steward remains at the heart of the kingdom, but the assumption that he is confined to the court could not be further from Truth. His practical responsibilities extend over the entire city, as he must carefully watch and actively lead its commerce, construction, and culture. He bears no sword and casts no spells… yet the Steward is the one privileged with preparing the King’s a home, through which glory shines far outward and the efforts of every other agent is given its complete expression.
The Steward remains at the heart of the kingdom, but the assumption that he is confined to the court could not be further from Truth. His practical responsibilities extend over the entire city, as he must carefully watch and actively lead its commerce, construction, and culture. He bears no sword and casts no spells… yet the Steward is the one privileged with preparing the King’s a home, through which glory shines far outward and the efforts of every other agent is given its complete expression.
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I think I can work with these five.
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