‎[Greek] σοφίζω (sophizō), [Latin] instruere, [Latin] intellectus

[Greek] σοφίζω (sophizō), [Latin] instrurere, [Latin] intellectus: to make wise, to render wise, to give wisdom, to know how to contrive cleverly, to devise cleverly; 2Tim.3:15, 2Pet.1:16

Protagoras of Abdera: Painting by Jose de Ribera (1637). Considered the greatest of Sophists of ancient Greece, Protagoras originally developed the philosophy of relativism. The Modernist (Synodalists) also use sophistry to create a new synodal Church in the image of man and his lived experiences.

Background Information

Sophist:

1. This was a specific kind of teacher who used the tools of philosophy and rhetoric. A sophist is one who does wisdom.
2. These sophists focused on general wisdom, human affairs, and the betterment of life. The sophists held relativist views of knowledge, authority, and truth.
3. The Sophists were criticized for charging money, seeking power, speaking in specious and deceptive ways, and emphasizing rhetoric.
4. Lucian of Samosate (born 125 AD), a Syrian satirist and rhetorician, referred to Jesus as a “crucified Sophist” who taught that His followers would attain immortality.

Protagoras the Sophist:

1. Subjectivism states that the interpretation of reality is relative to the individual.
2. Protagoras made his living by coaching the wealthy youth in rhetoric.
3. In relativism, there is no objective truth. Protagoras is best known for the claim, “Of all thing the measure is man” (everything is relative).
4. Protagoras even questioned the existence of the gods.
5. Protagoras’ philosophy of relativism continues to resonate and intrigue people in the present day.

Greek Hellenism: This term means to become clever, to be skilled, to be wise, to speculate, to deal craftily, to be subtle, to meddle, and to deceive.

Xenophon’s On Hunting 13.6: “Many other besides myself blame the sophists of our generation. Because the wisdom they profess consists of words and not of thoughts.”

Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.227: “He resorts to sophistry and tells you that you must ignore any opinion of himself and me.”

Old Testament: This term essentially means to make someone wise, to understand something, to distinguish, to understand, to be intelligent, to be skillful, and to teach wisdom. The Wisdom books play a predominant role regarding the use of this term. However, there are several cautious references to the overusing, flaunting, and the lacking of wisdom. This term relates to overriding theme that knowledge of the Law makes men wise.

New Testament: This term means to make wise and to cleverly devise. The Jewish adage in seeking wisdom from the Law continues in the New Testament. This idea is adopted for Christian instruction for seeking salvation in faith through Christ.

Scripture:

2Tim.3:15: “And that from infancy you have known the sacred scripture, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

1. Paul praises his followers for following his teachings, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, endurance, persecutions, and sufferings.
2. Paul points out that wicked people and charlatans, becoming deceivers and deceived, have appeared.
3. Paul praises his followers for remaining faithful to what you have learned and believed. Because you know from whom you have learned it.

2Pet.1:16: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (The apostles calls for one to witness to the truth. Christians are called be watchful against myths and false doctrines.)

Current crisis of relativism:

1. Our Christian and secular culture is having a crisis in understanding objective moral truths.
2. It is a sad state when one has great difficulty in defining what a woman is.
3. Many also think that they can become any sex and gender they want. Therefore, one may become offended when one feels being “mis-gendered.”

Quotes by Archbishop Fulton Sheen:

“[Objective] moral truths do not depend on a majority vote. Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is wrong. Right is right, even if nobody is right.”

“Obedience to Truth is obedience to Love.”

“It is easy to find truth, though it is hard to face it. And harder still to follow it.”

 Supplicans: a document of sophistry, ignorance, and intellectual dishonesty

1. “Fiducia Supplican reeks of sulfur and sophistry.” Peter Kwasniewski
2. “Despite its claim to the contrary, Fiducia Supplicans contradicts perennial Church teaching concerning irregular marriages and the sexual activity of same-sex couples.” Father Weinandy
3. “While couples in irregular marriages and same-sex couples can be blessed, what cannot be blessed, and so validated is the sin in which they are engaged in.”

 

Etymology: In the 1680’s a student in the second year of study would undertake rhetorical excercises (sophom). This student would become a sophumer. Interestingly, sophos means wise. Moros means foolish (dull). A sophomore may be likened to one intellectually pretentious but immature. Sounds like many sophomores.

Conclusion:

Sophisticated, sophistry, sophomore, sophomoric, instruction, intellect

Protagoras has become one of history’s original “wise guys”. Protagoras unfortunately has become a very important precursor to the occurrence of relativism in our current culture.

The Old Testament develops the important idea that wisdom comes from learning the Law.

This ideas becomes very important for the Christian in learning from scripture in attaining salvation. It is important to note that scriptures referred only to the Old Testament. The New Testament canon was not yet developed. Therefore, oral tradition was very important for early Christians. 1^st Peter makes reference to cleverly devised myths (Sophist and Gnostic influences).

Update: There is an increasing belief that there are many more genders than the genders (male and female) created by God. One can now decide which ever gender what one wants. This is a by-product of relativism. (“I can be any gender I want!”)

Parents are now fighting back against teachers who encourage their own children to transition. There are now legal disputes about this in the courts. What a concept: for the parents to have the right to instruct and guide their children!

Fiducia Supplicans provides the innovation (novelty) of providing blessings to same-sex couples. This document confusingly affirms the Church teachings on marriage. Then this document undermines this teaching by providing blessings on same-sex unions.

Fiducia Supplicans also intentionally muddles the meanings of individuals, union, and couple. This is word salad.

The Vatican is now already sending Fr. James Martin to Ireland to start the process to implement these blessings. What has happened to the Irish clergy??)