[Greek] ποιητής (poiētēs), [Latin] poeta, [Latin] factor: maker, doer, producer, performer, artist, poet, author, poet; Rom. 2:13, Jas.1:22-25, Jas.4:11, Act 17:28
Greek Hellenism: This term means maker, begetter, inventor, composer, author, poet, workman.
Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 11.638: “You yourself must also be an inventor of strategems against the enemy, just as musicians render compositions.”
Plato’s Republic 10.597d: “It seems we shall call him its true and natural begetter.”
Plato’s Euthyprho 3b: “For he say I am a maker of gods’ and I make new gods and do not believe in the old ones So he brought the indictment against you for making innovations in religion.”
Ancient Greeks: The ancient Greeks had no word corresponding to “to create” or “creator.” The Greek verb poieo meaning “to make” sufficed. This term applied only to poetry. In a sense, the poet was a creator. The poet brought a creation to the world. This was in contrast to art, which already had existing rules and laws.
Ancient Romans: These Greek concepts were partly shaken. Poets and other artists now are seen as creators. The Romans had a term for creating, “creation” and “creator.” The classical Greeks had not yet applied inspiration and imagination to the other arts.
Old Testament: This term, used extensively, refers to the work of God’s hand in creation. God’s works are created. This term is not used for creator.
New Testament: This term means poets and doers. A poet creates and composes a poem. Those who hear and observe (act on) the law and Word in the sight of God will be justified. In contrast, a hearer who does not act deludes himself.
Scripture:
Rom.2:13: “For it is not those who hear the law who are just in the sight of God; rather, those who observe the law will be justified.” (It is not enough to hear the law. One needs to follow the law. The Gentiles stand on equal moral footing with the Jews. The Jews cannot condemn the sins of Gentiles without condemning themselves. God made it possible for the Gentiles to instinctively know the difference between right and wrong. The final judgment will be a review of performance, not of privilege.)
Acts 17:28: “For ‘In him we live and move and have our being,’ as even some of your poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’” (Paul makes reference to the poet Aratus who praises Zeus, who embodies a pantheism (divine reason) that permeates every facet of human endeavor. In response, Paul states that the Athenians unknowingly worship an “Unknown God” who does not dwell in sanctuaries and does not need to be served by human hands. Paul states that we must examine divinity from the standpoint of judgment, not creation.)
Jas.1:22: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (To be quick to hear [and do] the gospel means to accept it readily and to act in conformity with it. This also includes removing such obstacles. To listen to gospel message, but not practicing it becomes a failure to improve oneself.)
Jas.1:23: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror.” (This person sees himself as he truly is. The word forces us to see the true “face of our souls.” When he walks away, he forgets what he looks like [who he really is].)
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.” (This is the image of a person who hears the word of God. By following God’s will, one is freed from the bondage of sin, defects, and worldly values. In a sense, one can find true freedom by being “controlled” by God.)
Jas.4:11 “Do not speak evil of one another, brothers. Whoever speaks evil of a brother or judges his brother speaks evil of the law and judges the law.” (Slander of a fellow Christian breaks the commandment of “loving thy neighbor” and mocks the law’s authority and God.)
Vital immanence (Modernists creating within themselves [and lived experiences] and explanation for religion:
- Modernists create within themselves an explanation (sentiment) for religion, faith, and doctrine. ==> dogma
- An explanation for religion outside themselves (objective moral absolutes) must be excluded.
- This religious sentiment provides the basis for the changing and updating of religion, faith, and doctrine.
- Modernists believe that Tradition, doctrine, and faith must necessarily change or adapt to the current circumstances.
- Modernists believe that Tradition and traditional (conservative) Catholics are rigid.
- Modernists believe that that the Traditional Latin Mass is incompatible with the new ecclesiology. The Tradition Latin must be removed.
Conclusion:
Poet, poem, poetry, factor
It is interesting that the ancient Greeks elevated the creative aspects of poetry. Poetry still can be considered as a very creative form of literature.
James points out that faith without works is essentially dead. One must act upon one’s faith. Be a hearer and a doer.
“Whoever wants to be come a Christian must first become a poet.” Pophyrios of Kavskalyvia