‎[Greek] ποίημα (poiēma), [Latin] poema, [Latin] factura

[Greek] ποίημα (poiēma), [Latin] poema, [Latin] factura: workmanship, what is manufactured, design made by an artisan, what has been made, thing that is made, practice, handiwork, a masterpiece, work done, creation, something made; Rom.1:20, Eph.2:10

Background Information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means work, invention, poem, fiction, deed, and act.

Poeima, poiesis, and poietes:

1. Poiesis is the process of doing or making.
2. The person (poieta) is one who makes or does. On a philosophical level, the poet brings into existence something that did not exist before.
3. The ancient Greeks had no corresponding words for the noun (creator) and the verb (create). This notion of making or doing is applied to poetry.
4. In a sense, the poet is a creator, bringing a poem into existence.
5. Poetry, similar to fine arts and craft skills, brings forth a creative end result from human activity.
6. Poiesis also makes reference to the creative activity of deity.
7. Poiema is what is created.

Plato conflicting attitudes to poets:

1. Plato’s Ion presents the poet Ion divinely inspired but having no skills.
2. Plato’s Republic presents poets as imitators of life, rather than imitators of reality.
3. Plato believed that philosophy brings forth truth.
4. Evidently, Plato seems to have had a “chip on his shoulder” regarding poets. You can’t make this up! ☺☺☺

Old Testament: This term refers to God’s work in creation and man’s actions.

New Testament: This term means what is made, work, and workmanship.

Scripture:

Rom.1:20: “Ever since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what He has made.” (The majesty and divinity of the invisible God can be made evident through creation. God’s invisible power and divinity can be seen as He brings into existence creation and man. 

Eph.2:10: “For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” (Man has been created in God’s image to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. Man, in God’s image, becomes His greatest masterpiece.)

[Greek] ποίησις (poiēsis), [German] werk: act, deed; Jas.1:25

Scripture:

Jas.1:25: “But the one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does.” (The perfect law refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings freedom. A hearer is one who hears the gospel, but does not act on it. A hearer is who hears and acts on the Word.)

Nicene Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, the maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible…” (How often many times do we just say the words, without really reflecting on them. Count me in. Guilty as charged.)

Conclusion

Poem, poet, poetry, factor, manufacture, manufacturing

It was very interesting to discover that poetry, among other art forms, was originally set aside as a unique form of creation. I would never have known that this original meaning would greatly surpass the ordinary notion of just writing poetry. Therefore, I wouldn’t have equated God with being a divine poet. (That God was a poet, I did not know it!) ☺☺☺ [Sorry–I couldn’t resist creating this lame joke.]

It is also noteworthy to mention that there are some poetical books in the Old Testament. Such examples include, Job, Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. With the exception of possibly Revelations, the New Testament contains no single book that may be considered as poetical.

Types of freedom:

1. Stoic freedom: This pertains to accepting the moment as it presents itself (accepting what you cannot control.). This may cause one to inwardly retreat from circumstances. (This is a false form of freedom. This notion becomes the precursor to the the military expression: “Embrace the suck.”)
2. Modern day freedom (liberty): This pertains to have the freedom (liberty) to do whatever one wants. (This can potentially lead one to becoming a slave to sin (being addicted). This is/can be a false from of freedom.)
3. New Testament concept of freedom: The only way to come to one’s full self is to surrender one’s will (and volition) to an external force (God). One attains self-control by letting himself be controlled by God. (God provides a TRUE FREEDOM [LIBERATION] from a sinful existence. This is following God’s will.)

God is the poet. We are his poem and poetry.

In 2Cor.3:3 Paul calls the Corinthians our letter written on our hearts, known and read by all.

Through our senses we can perceive God’s invisible power of creation. From a Catholic perspective, we can participate in the sacraments (physical manifestations) of God’s invisible grace and power.

Man attains self-control by letting himself be controlled by God!!! Quite a profoundly ironic and counter-intuitive statement. #MindBlown, #ReallyFree #GodIsInControl

Update: The Synod of Synodality is creating a new paradigm shift that focuses on subjective situational morality rather than on objective moral absolutes. This is moral relativism! Let that sink in. This is CREATING A NEW CHURCH WHERE SIN HAS NO MEANING! Just another human innovation in the Church. Objective moral truths ==> bad     Moral relativism ==> good

One really should not be surprised that a synodal Church made in the image of man (and his lived experiences) would adapt Church teachings and Church morality to the world?

The Synod of Synodality’s Penitential Celebration is creating new sins (to be further discussed in my next post).

Timeless Catholic moral teaching is now considered rigid and fossilized. Tradition can now be anything you want it to be. Creating new ideas about Tradition.

Amoris Laetitia: opens the door (diminishing moral requirements) for creating more opportunities for moral relativism

As I bid you adieu [waxing poetically]: “Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow. That I shall say good night till it be morrow” Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act II Scene II