Take the Light to the Darkness // Moriah Nelson
As I read through Book 7 of Plato’s The Republic, I was captivated by Socrates’ allegory of the cave to
explain the effect of education or enlightenment. I was especially struck by
the negative concept of withholding knowledge from others and can
wholeheartedly agree with this thought process.
As one speaker states,
“But after they have reached the summit and have seen the view, we
must not permit what they are not allowed to do.” (page 213).
He continues,
“Remain above, refusing to go down again among those prisoners to
share their labors and their rewards, whatever their worth may be.” (page 214).
And here, in the midst of philosophical jargon, I find a challenge
for followers of Christ: to not withhold the light and hope we have found in
Jesus from the rest of the world. Even if we are not intentionally selfish but
are not actively sharing the Gospel in some form, we are guilty of going
against Jesus’ parable in Matthew 5:15, “Nor do people light a lamp and put it
under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”
Socrates’ allegory should remind believers to take the light we
have and share it with those still sitting in darkness.
I commented on Katie and Kayla's posts.
I love that you were able to take Plato's Republic of all things and turn it to where it points back to Jesus. This is so important for us as believers to remember! Sharing the knowledge that we have is so, so important, especially when we have knowledge of the love of Christ.
ReplyDeleteWhenever someone is able to relate non-Christian texts back to Christianity I am reminded of Philippians 4:8. The second half of this verse says, "if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Within the context, Paul is closing his letter to the Philippians with an exhortation for them to fill their minds with godly things. I have often heard this verse applied to the idea that God's truth can be found in the most unlikely of places. While Christians should be focused on godly things, some ungodly things may also contain truth. This is why we read books in class that aren't specifically Christian. However, we have to be careful with this kind of thinking. Some things are so ungodly that there is nothing worth salvaging. But, some non-Christian books, such as Plato's Republic, may be related back to the gospel. There, we can find "excellence" and something "worthy of praise."
ReplyDeleteIt is important as believers that we see what the world has made through God`s eyes. There have been a couple of times where I have been reading a book or watching a movie that wasn`t Christian based and been able to relate it to the Bible. These need to be used as tools to relate to others what God promises us.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I whole heartedly agree. I first read of the cave analogy awhile back in highschool with Dr.Mashburn. I have always thought of it as an example in this way. The idea our spreading our love and knowledge of Christ with that of the man coming back into the cave is perfect. As a sidenote: I also love the Bible verse you picked ;)
ReplyDeleteYou were fantastic in linking the book back to Christ, something the world needs more than ever. The cave analogy itself is so interesting, but in the connection that teaches Christians to share the gospel its application and meaning struck me further than I expected. The idea of sharing knowledge itself to others who lack it is quite important, but I did not give it much attention. However, the idea of depriving someone of the Gospel struck a different cord with me, and one that grabbed my attention. Making connections throughout our lives allow us to weave our memories together in order that we may not lose them. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully phrased, Moriah! It is hard to reach the top and be faced with the decision to go back to wherever we came from in order to share new knowledge– especially the Gospel. It can lead to destruction or triumph, and it can be a huge risk. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazes me with philosophers like this is the truth that they speak despite not knowing God the way we do. We believe that all truth comes from God but he is able to give practical truths while being apart from God. It also shows just how practical the Bible and its teachings can be for believers.
ReplyDeleteI agree and wrote simular things in my blog post. its really is sad to see that these grat minds think so poorly of humanity. im glad Christ didnt do that.
ReplyDeletespencer wood
I love the cave. I love the concept of light and darkness. What amazes me the most is how the concept of light and darkness is seen everywhere even in a society where there isn't a monotheistic God. Light and darkness though I do feel can be seen in so many different situations. One can be as you said how we are to remind believers to take the light even in darkness, but it can also be the same as determining what is real and what is not real, or what is good and what is bad.
ReplyDelete