new church life: jan uary/february 2017
The vertical post and horizontal arm of a cross may also be seen
as representing the male and female aspects of humanity, and the
circle above as standing for the infinite Divine Human from which
the qualities of each sex are derived. Note that the “circle” is not
perfectly round, but pointed at the bottom, and thus suggests the
shape of the human face. So we have a symbol of infinity (a circle),
but an infinity that reaches down toward the finite; a God who seeks
connection with the earth and mortal men.
The ankh was also an amulet for strength and health. We cannot heal
ourselves, but the Lord can, because He has taken to Himself all power in
heaven and on earth by uniting the Divine and the Human in Himself. He
is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; our part is to respond to His invitation to
“come unto Me,” and walk with Him.
(WEO)
translating affectio
The unusual and rather mysterious phrase “affection of ” appears often in the
older English translations of the Writings – as in, for example, “the affection
of truth.” Newer translations change “affection of ” to “affection for” (or “desire
for,” etc.). “Affection for” seems obviously appropriate in some contexts, but
not all. In modern usage, “affection” usually means a fondness for something,
but when the Writings were written it also meant to be affected by something.
In any case, it seems to me that an affection for something implies that we
have been affected by it. But it is not just the thing we happen to like that affects
us; we must also be affected by an influx of some love, good or bad, that causes
us to like that particular thing.
For example, if we like music (have an affection for it), it is because we
are affected by music; and not just by the sound that comes to our ears from
without, but by a love of spiritual beauty and harmony that affects our mind
from within.
Similarly, one who has “an affection for truth,” or who “loves truth,” is one
who is affected by truth. Truth affects us, or we have a feeling for it, especially
because of the good truth has within it, represents and leads to (“the good of
truth” or “good from truth”).
Context helps us decide how to translate affectio. In one place “affection
for” might give the best idea of the meaning, while in another “affected by”
might be more to the point. In all cases, though, both ideas are present.
(WEO)
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