Numerology, Pantheism, Prudence, and Scholasticism

Word Definitions and Meaning

Home > Spiritual Word Meanings > Numerology and Prudence

What Is Nirvana?

Nirvana [ < Sanskrit nirvânam (to blow out, extinguish) < nir- (away, out) + vâti (it blows). Akin to English 'weather'.]

1. the band that made grunge music popular;
2. where male "Wheel of Fortune" fans want to be;
3. A state of being where the burning itch of being and doing is finally relieved, and all attachments are gone. It has a sort-of peaceful sound to it. Some people call that state 'bliss', but to Christians it seems a lot like emptiness.

You can also check the dictionary.

What Is Numerology ?

numerology [ < Latin numerus (number). ] This belief is based on the truth that numbers (like words) bear powerful symbolic, mystical, or supernatural meanings. Numerology pushes this so far as to claim that the number itself bears the actual power of the One (or Force) that lies behind the symbol. Numerologists are, of course, numerous. According to numerologists, if you know how to use the numbers, you know how to control that force. Those who dabble in the magical side of Jewish Qabbalah or are immersed in the Hal Lindsay method of interpreting Revelation and Daniel are heavily influenced by numerology. So are many gambling addicts and Powerball freaks. Some folks also look at patterns and counts to help decipher words, stories, and prophecies. That is a different form of numbers game.

Most numerologies assign (by tradition or method) a general meaning for each digit. For instance in Western systems 9 means 'the highest level of spiritual advance', while in Chinese systems it means 'enduring, lasting a long time'. One common numerological method is that of digit summing (where 243 becomes 2+4+3 which equals 9, and 9 has a general meaning in whatever number system is being used).

Belief in any degree of real actual power behind any number or letter or combination is a form of superstition, and thus is not at all Christian. There are no evil or lucky numbers.

Intentional use of numbers to communicate something is found throughout Christian history, even in Scripture (for instance, in the Revelation to John). That is a form of code. In ancient times, many numbers in Scripture were interpreted as code where no such code was intended. This kind of numerology led to some very complex (and frankly, loony) theologies and practices, and created a frame of mind much like the occultists the church was opposing. Such methods often made the Scripture seem to mean something far afield from what it directly says, instead of being in step with it. Numerology also led to a class distinction of those who 'know' vs. those who 'don't', which twisted the faith into something it was opposed to at its very core. Thus, it is a very bad idea to use a numerology to find meaning in the Bible or any other literature, except where a number's literary placement tells us that some sort of simple code was directly intended by the author.

You can also check the dictionary for 'numerology'.

om :

1. An Aussie's 'ouse
2. a unit of electrical resistance
3. A meaningless symbolic syllable which helps a person to momentarily blank out their mental processes and thus achieve a greater oneness with the universe. Its users are to so love the blissful blankedness that they seek (or non-seek?) to be further and further blanked until their minds become a blank. (Thus, there is no definition of "om". And that's why they use it.)

What Is Pantheism ?

pantheism :

1. Worship of the God of Fried Food.
2. The belief that all things (or nearly so) are gods, good or evil. Pantheism is very different from the Christian belief that created beings are something different than God. In that context, when Christians speak of 'oneness' with God, it is a relational oneness or unity (like with a family, a marriage, a team, or a friendship), not a oneness of being or an equality of kind. When Christians (especially the Eastern Orthodox) speak of people becoming gods, it is not an equality with the Creator, but being adopted by the Creator by way of the love of Christ and the leading of the Spirit, only partially brought about before the Kingdom comes. They are talking about our working with the Spirit to have us take on the Creator's drive, character and purpose. They are not talking about some spiritual or theological fairy dust that blends you into the Creator.
   
   It's hard to find a real future in pantheism -- it's a different version of the same thing, since all are one divine entity anyway, only they'll be more enlightened by the fading of the illusory aspects of separateness. Christians, however, believe in a future with the One who loves us so.
   

You can also check the dictionary for 'pantheism'.

What is Prudence?

Prudence : [originally a contraction of the past participle form of Lat. providere (to provide for)] Taking care, using good sense or judgement. Words in the same word field include discretion (actions made of sound judgement and self-restraint, especially about maintaining privacy) and circumspection (acting prudently in order to avoid social, cultural, or moral consequences). A person shows imprudence when they make snap judgements, without much thought or consideration. For instance, greed or lust trigger imprudence, while a deeper love causes us to stop and consider other people. Prudence is considered one of the classic 'cardinal' virtues, in which the person takes the time and effort before making a decision, to discern what the best goal is and the best course of action to reach it. In that way, prudence is like the fruits of the Spirit.

It would be prudent of you to look up ' prudence' in the dictionary.

What is Praxis?

praxis: [ < Latin < Greek (action) < Gk prattein (to do, take action).] The art of applying what you've learned. Custom; habit; established practice.

The word is Greek, but Latin and then English adopted it as-is. For your theology to be lived out in your behavior, you'll have to set up a game plan: what does my theology or faith say about how I am to order my life? The word 'praxis' itself has no place outside of theological shop talk. Yet, a theology you don't act upon is one you don't really believe or trust. A faith that is without active consequences is a fraud.

What is Scholasticism?

scholasticism: Any school of thought which stresses human reasoning, scholarship, and study for shaping theology and practice, often right to the brink of worshipping it. It most often refers to a movement which was strong among Catholics before the Reformation. Other scholasticisms influenced Lutherans three or four generations after Luther, and still another became prominent for nineteenth-century Presbyterians. In a scholasticism, theology and church life are justified through patterns that can be taught and learned, where one thing follows on another. Even if life is not like that. Even if God wants us to do it differently. Even if our ability to understand such things is limited. When a scholasticism takes hold, a pietism which gives a low value to systems of thought will soon follow.