[xzins]

And yet another: There is no conceivable way for mathematics to be the product of a random, "evolutionary" development. It cannot have arisen by chance. Rather, it seems to have been built into the structure of the world from Day One.

Harkening back to a theology class long, long ago on the theology of St John (The Revelator), the definition of Logos, which is generally translated Word (and correctly) was actually understood by the Greeks to be much more significant. Logos meant something like "the organizing principle of the universe" to, I believe, the Stoics.

Fascinating that John would use such a Word and send it to Gentile, Greek Christians.

In the beginning was the WORD "Personification of the Organizing Principle of the Universe", and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.

When we see order, our first thought should always be "God's WORD". Whether in mathematics, or in an ontological argument, or even a simple "heavens declare the glory of God, and the earth shows His handiwork."

I wish I had the math background to see the beauty of this proof displayed and concluded demonstrating intricate precision and perfection.

As our sister would say, "His name is I AM!"

[betty boop]

Harkening back to a theology class long, long ago on the theology of St John (The Revelator), the definition of Logos, which is generally translated Word (and correctly) was actually understood by the Greeks to be much more significant. Logos meant something like "the organizing principle of the universe" to, I believe, the Stoics.... Fascinating that John would use such a Word and send it to Gentile, Greek Christians.

The idea of LOGOS goes further back than the Stoics, a philosophic school that dates to the third century B.C. The first usage that I'm aware of goes to Heraclitus, c. 535 – c. 475 B.C. It is very clear from his writings that he thought of LOGOS just as you say, as "the organizing principle of the universe." Only a few fragments of Heraclitus survive; but he spoke often of the LOGOS in what remains:

Although the Logos is eternally valid, yet men are unable to understand it — not only before hearing it, but even after they have heard it for the first time. That is to say, although all things come to pass in accordance with this Logos, men seem to be quite without any experience of it.... [Fragment 1]

But though the Logos is common, the many live as if they had a wisdom of their own. [Fragment 2]

Those who are awake have a world one and common, but those who are asleep each turn aside into their own private worlds. [Fragment 89]

It is not meet to act and speak like men asleep. [Fragment 73]

Those who speak with the mind must strengthen themselves with that which is common to all.... For all human laws nourish themselves from the one divine — which prevails as it will, and suffices for all things and more than suffices. [Fragment 114, emphasis added]

Dear brother in Christ, you wrote, "Fascinating that John would use such a Word and send it to Gentile, Greek Christians.... In the beginning was the WORD "Personification of the Organizing Principle of the Universe", and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God. When we see order, our first thought should always be 'God's WORD.'"

Exactly. Jesus Christ, Son of God, WORD of God, Logos Alpha and Omega. All are different names for the same principle, which denotes the Word of the Beginning, final Judgment in the End, and everything that happens in between....

What is most striking to me are the passages in the Gospel of John, Chapter 12, about "certain Greeks" and Jesus' amazing response on hearing that they wanted to see him:

20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. [emphasis added]

The Gospel of John has always struck me as being strongly "Greek-influenced" as compared with the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In these passages, the suggestion is that Jesus' ultimate mission and glorification commenced once the Greeks showed up — with their by then well-established idea of the universal LOGOS, the divine ordering principle of the universe.

Evidently, these "certain Greeks" wanted to see this LOGOS with their own eyes....

Justin Martyr — a philosopher who'd studied with many of the ancient philosophical schools without satisfaction — said that the Incarnation of Christ was the fulfillment, not only of the Jewish scriptures, but also of classical philosophy of the Platonic type.

It's a beautiful thought!!!

Thank you so very much for writing, dear xzins!