[Greek] ἄνοια (anoia), [Latin] insipientia: folly, foolishness, rage, fury, madness, senselessness, lack of understanding; Lk.6:11, 2Tim.3:9
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means unreason, foolishness, and folly. This can also been seen as a moral defect such as rage or madness. Plato’s Timaeus 86b states, “We must agree that folly is a disease of the soul, and of folly, there are two kinds, the one of which is madness, the other ignorance.” Thucydides’ Histories III, 48,2 states, “For wise counsel is really more formidable to an enemy than the severity of unreasoning violence.”
Old Testament: This term means folly and foolishness. Interestingly, most scripture references occur in Proverbs, a wisdom book. The root of the Hebrew term refers to power or pre-eminence. Essentially, this idea serves to illustrate that the results (fruits) of the fool are foolishness and folly. Josephus states that Ptolemy observed that the Jews continues this ‘foolish’ Jewish practice of observing the Sabbath even in war. My wounds grow foul and fester because of my folly (Psa. 38:5). And in the greatness of his folly, he will go astray (Prov. 5:23). But the heart of fools proclaims folly (Prov. 12:23). The foolish of fools is deceit (Prov.14:8). A quick-tempered man acts foolishly (Prov.14:17). But the folly of fools is foolishness (Prov.14:24). Folly is joy to him who lacks sense (Prov.15:21). The devising of folly is sin (Prov.24:9). Do not answer a fool according to his folly (Prov.26:4).
New Testament: This term, occurring twice, means lack of understanding and extreme fury. The Pharisees, upon seeing the disciples picking and eating grains on the Sabbath, become enraged. Jesus points out that satisfying hunger and performing works of mercy take precedence over Sabbath rest. Paul states that one must reject those who go astray (with moral depravity) in part due to lack of understanding. Paul points out the dreadful folly of making both old and new errors. Their foolishness will be plain to see by others.
Early Christianity: 2 Clement, written in the last 1st century, is the earliest Christian sermon outside the New Testament. Clement stated the need for the urgent need for the repentance of our sins, “for we are full of much folly and wickedness.” St. Aristides, an Athenian philosopher and later Christian apologist, relates the foolishness of honoring the god Kronos who practiced adultery. St. Aristides states, “much evil has arisen among men who to this today are imitators of their gods…And great is the folly which the Greeks have brought forward in their narrative concerning Kronos.” This apology is said to have been the inspiration for the great works of St. Justin Martyr.
Scripture:
“But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be plain to all, as it was with those two.” 2Tim. 3:9
Like Jannes and Jambres who disobeyed Moses, there will always be others who will act foolishly. People will continue to make old and new errors.
Conclusion:
Paranoia, metanoia, incipient
It seems like the Greco-Roman culture already had a good understanding of this term. I think Plato provides a very succinct definition of foolishness and folly. Plato even identifies foolishness with a disease of the soul. This appears to be an early precursor of the connection of between foolishness, moral defects, and sin.
Perhaps it is not surprising that this term is mostly found in Proverbs, part of the Wisdom books in the Old Testament. There does not seem to be a distinction between foolishness, folly, and sin. It is important to acknowledge that some other culture’s actions can seem to appear to be foolish by others.
The Pharisees observe that Jesus and His disciples picked and ate grains on the Sabbath. The Pharisees not only consider this foolish but also are outraged by this sacrilegious activity. However, Jesus state that this can be permitted. 2 Tim.3:9 seems to be a prophetic scripture, indicating those who act with moral depravity and disobedience. We can look at our current culture today to see indications of this. This reminds me of that famous quote by Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Lk.23:34
It is important to acknowledge that one does not necessarily need to use inspired documents to provide a snapshot of the culture in the early days of Christianity. It is interesting to discover that there was an Athenian philosopher who inspired St. Justin Martyr. These philosophers no doubt used their reasoned philosophical skills in order to become an effective apologist (defending Christianity).
Justin Martyr, rather than associating with his fellow Christians, still hung out with his fellow philosopher friends around the temple grounds. At first glance, this may appear to be curious or strange. Justin Martyr was no fool! In the temple grounds, there was a code of conduct between philosophers that one can state his philosophical arguments without fear of recrimination (punishment). Justin Martyr was using this philosophical knowledge and reasoning to explain and defend Christianity. His persuasive arguments led to many conversions to Christianity. At this time in history, an apologist was one who used persuasive arguments to defend their views. Justin Martyr was considered one of best known Christian apologists, working in the “trenches” of the pagan culture.
Metanoia is a trans-formative change of heart or repentance. Paranoia can be characterized as a mental condition with delusions, fearful feelings and thoughts, and disorders.
I think it would be a “fool’s errand” to continue further with this post.