I think it’s fair to say that contrasts *can be* chiastic, depending on how we relate to them, though they are not so necessarily. If we are holding them in tension with the Cross, then we can allow concepts to mirror each other in relationship-- a chiasm. Poetically, chiasm is very much about how we structure the text; philosophically, I’d say it’s how we relate the ideas.
When it comes to salvation and damnation in particular, have you ever seen the tract illustration (not that I’m necessarily endorsing tracts, lol) where the cross is the literal bridge between salvation and damnation? Without the Cross in the center, the gulf between salvation and damnation is impassable. They don't relate to each other. But the Cross is also the Harrowing of Hades, which breaks down the gates of Hell... so, now the relationship between salvation and damnation is transformed.
The relationship between opposites, or ideas in conflict, is transformed by the Cross. Instead of being separated by an impassable gulf, they can relate to and even change each other.
In a way, yes. Chiasm as a form, being cross-shaped, will always then appeal to that level of reality in some way. When it's used on purpose, then absolutely, yes. I believe the Psalms, for example, are chiastic and cross-shaped quite intentionally. I'm hesitant to say that we can always do a strict one-for-one substitution, simply because chiasmus as a poetic form can be used in secular poetry, too. (Though we could certainly argue that the form itself can't help but reflect a greater reality!!)
Found your stack while admiring how many people are talking about this book. I’m a Protestant and am deeply appreciative of Patitsas’ work on a lot of levels. I recently returned to this chapter on gender to help me synthesize a study of gender in the Gospel of John. Chiasm proved to be the concept that put all of the pieces together into a beautiful picture. Thought you might be interested: https://open.substack.com/pub/onceaweek/p/god-is-a-wedding-part-4?r=16589c&utm_medium=ios
Thank you for this! I started it, but haven't had time to finish yet. I'm looking forward to sitting down with it when I have a few more minutes to pay proper attention.
This is a new concept for me, I’ll have to relisten to make sure I understand. Is it deep contrasts between salvation and damnation, so to speak?
I think it’s fair to say that contrasts *can be* chiastic, depending on how we relate to them, though they are not so necessarily. If we are holding them in tension with the Cross, then we can allow concepts to mirror each other in relationship-- a chiasm. Poetically, chiasm is very much about how we structure the text; philosophically, I’d say it’s how we relate the ideas.
When it comes to salvation and damnation in particular, have you ever seen the tract illustration (not that I’m necessarily endorsing tracts, lol) where the cross is the literal bridge between salvation and damnation? Without the Cross in the center, the gulf between salvation and damnation is impassable. They don't relate to each other. But the Cross is also the Harrowing of Hades, which breaks down the gates of Hell... so, now the relationship between salvation and damnation is transformed.
The relationship between opposites, or ideas in conflict, is transformed by the Cross. Instead of being separated by an impassable gulf, they can relate to and even change each other.
Does that help?
Yes I’m getting there! Can we substitute cross for chiasm? Interchangeable?
In a way, yes. Chiasm as a form, being cross-shaped, will always then appeal to that level of reality in some way. When it's used on purpose, then absolutely, yes. I believe the Psalms, for example, are chiastic and cross-shaped quite intentionally. I'm hesitant to say that we can always do a strict one-for-one substitution, simply because chiasmus as a poetic form can be used in secular poetry, too. (Though we could certainly argue that the form itself can't help but reflect a greater reality!!)
Found your stack while admiring how many people are talking about this book. I’m a Protestant and am deeply appreciative of Patitsas’ work on a lot of levels. I recently returned to this chapter on gender to help me synthesize a study of gender in the Gospel of John. Chiasm proved to be the concept that put all of the pieces together into a beautiful picture. Thought you might be interested: https://open.substack.com/pub/onceaweek/p/god-is-a-wedding-part-4?r=16589c&utm_medium=ios
Thank you for this! I started it, but haven't had time to finish yet. I'm looking forward to sitting down with it when I have a few more minutes to pay proper attention.