A Contest of Praise – A Very Small Insight
In gradate school, one of the most difficult courses that I took was on hellenistic poetry, largely due to the difficulty of the Greek. In retrospect, however, it was one of the best courses. During that seminar, I grew to admire the poet, Theocritus, who wrote about rustic themes. For example, his poems are filled with shepherds, singing, and on one occasion, a young Polyphemus who consoles himself with poetry. In one memorable episode, there was a contest of praise between two characters. Who could praise the other better was the point.
If one takes a step back and considers the dynamic, it is pretty remarkable. In this type of contest there can be no losers. One person wins by praising better; the other one wins by being praised. I think this is what happens when people seek to outdo one another in love. Both win – paradoxical, but true. I think this is why true community is so encouraging. Everyone stands to gain.
Historical, Pastoral, Theological | admin October 21, 2009
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By Clark, October 22, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Praising seems to be a very natural act of love. We praise those we love (However, I wonder if the opposite is always the case). Also, something I wrestle with is defining the line between praise and flattery. The line seems to blur sometimes (though I know it doesn’t). Any thoughts on how to differentiate the two would be helpful…I generally understand praising as genuine declaration of good qualities and lifting up of a person without expecting anything in return. On the other hand, I think flattery is bad because you expect something in return. To tht extent, it is not praise.
As always, very thought provoking article.
By admin, October 22, 2009 @ 10:31 am
Hey Clark, I think you are right. Paul speaks of flattery 1 Thes. 2:5 (kolakeia). And judging from the context, it does appear that flattery has an element of expecting something in return. Paul actually writes of greed in this context. Great point and nice distinction.
By Clark, October 22, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Thank you! I referenced 1 Thes. 2:5. Very interesting…