[Greek] ἀναλογία (analogia), [Latin] ratio: proportion, analogy, right relationship; Rom.12:6
The Death of Socrates: painting by Jacques Louis David (1787)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used extensively, can mean mathematical proportion, ratio, relation, correspondence, and resemblance. Plato reflects on the order of the cosmos. The playwright Aristophanes compares Socrates to a clever and pompous schoolmaster. Plato’s Timaeus 32b states, “God joined together and constructed a heaven visible and tangible. And out these materials, the body of the cosmos was harmonized by proportion and brought into existence.” Aristophanes’ Cloud 94-98 states, “That house (of Socrates) is a thinkstitute for clever souls. Some live there who argue that the world is a casserole cover. These people train you, if you pay them money, to win any argument, whether it is right or wrong.”
Old Testament: This term is used infrequently in the Old Testament. In Lev.27:18 the priests determine the value of what is given based on according to the next jubilee year. Philo mentions the laws concerning the amounts of first fruits of corn, wine, oil, flocks and wools. Philo’s On the Virtues 95 states, “But that of the crops which are produced in the field, and the fruits of the trees, they should bring in full baskets in proportion to the extent of their lands.”
New Testament: This term, occurring only once, means proportion, right relationship, and correspondence. This term does not refer to the correspondence to the doctrine (or content) of the faith. Rather, this term pertains to gifts in proportion to the faith. Everyone has some gift which can be used for the community. The gift is not an indication of the quality of faith or self-promotion. Rather, the gift is meant to be used and shared.
Scripture:
“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith.”
Paul tells us we each have gifts we can give to the community.
Conclusion:
Analog, analogue, analogy, analogical, rational, ratio
It is interesting to note that Plato, one of Socrates’ admirers, wrote the Apology of Socrates. This is a series of dialogues pertaining to Socrates’ trial of being accused of impiety and corruption. In the work Socrates claims that past critics (comic playwrights?) have criticized and lampooned his reputation as an old fool suspended from a crane who spouts “high minded” thoughts. Interestingly, Plato also allegedly despised poets because poets can only convey an imperfection reflection of the world. In other words, a poet, who talks about a chair, conveys less “chairness” than a chair in the real world.
It is important to note that each of us has been given gifts according to our talents. These gifts differ in quantity and quality. These gifts are tied or related to our faith.
Even in current times, public (and private) persons are often criticized, critiqued, or lampooned. This criticism sometimes is justified or not justified. Yet, sometimes this criticism can be harmful. One can say such criticism is often dependent (proportionate) to that person (or circumstance). Or sometimes events (or political narratives) can be blown out of proportion!