Do Orthodox use Inverted Pentegrams?

[Frankie]

From The Meaning of Icons - Ouspensky, Lossky

That was very interesting. I sure don't see how they got "inverted pentegram" out of that. wow!

 

[Photini]

I have a picture of the Transfiguration Icon...but the "star" around Christ has eight points (two rectangles) and they are enclosed in a circle. I also have an icon card of a different Icon of the Transfiguration...but there is not "star" but the pointy egg-shape light that you also sometimes see in the Resurrection Icon. I'm speculating here, but I don't think the shape of the light is so theologically important, otherwise it would be consistent in all Icons.

 

[countrymousenc]

I have heard it said that Joseph Smith incorporated a lot of Masonic symbolism into the religion he introduced, and you do see the inverted pentagram in their symbolism. I didn't find (in my brief search) any scholarly references to the inverted pentagram as a Church symbol. I do hope iconagrapher will give us some feedback on this.

 

[Photini]

Here's another pic of the Transfiguration. This one has the five points.

 

[Frankie]

Here's another pic of the Transfiguration. This one has the five points.

This one that you have posted is the one that the lds claim is a inverted pentegram.

Frankie

 

[countrymousenc]

Here is a link to another one that has what looks like a 5-pointed star figure in what we would call inverted position:

http://www.rollins.edu/Foreign_Lang/Russian/rutran.jpg

 

[Philip]

Philip, does this mean that the inverted pentagram was considered a christian symbol or just that Constantine himself considered it one?

I can't say for sure, but my guess would be that the pentagram used by Constantine was a symbol of Imperial/Earthly authority. Anyone know if Imperial Rome assigned a meaning to the pentagram?

 

[Philip]

http://www.rollins.edu/Foreign_Lang/Russian/rutran.jpg

Go Tars.

 

[Philip]

I have seen icons of the Transfiguration with 5, 6, and 8 pointed stars. I think from this we can conclude that there was no importance assigned to the number of points, only the presence of the star.

 

[countrymousenc]

Philip is probably right; that's what I'm noticing, too. If you're interested, do a google (or other engine) search for "transfiguration icon."

 

[Photini]

BTW, Frankie...thanks for coming here and asking. That says a lot that you were willing to come and ask us. Let us know if you have any other questions or need help with anything else too.

 

[Frankie]

Thank you everyone. From what I have read on this thread, it would appear that the EO icons of the transfigurisation do not represent the inverted pentegram at all but rather the light of Christ. Would this be a correct analysis?


Frankie

 

[Oblio]

Yes, specifically, The Uncreated Light.

 

[Oblio]

Here is another good resource on The Holy Transfiguration

There are quite a few narratives for the other great feasts in this section of goarch.org

 

[Frankie]

Thank you for your help everyone. I just have one more question in regards to the whole "lds apologist" take on EO beliefs. Do any of you know if any EO have ever written to these LDS apologist and told them that they are wrong in their interpertions and misuse of EO icons and teachings? If so, what kind of responce did you recieve from them?


God Bless,
Frankie

 

[Philip]

To my knowledge, that has not occurred. This is the first I have heard of it. However, I am not sure what the Orthodox responce would be.


Edit: Now that I think about it, I think I have read the LDS misrepresenting theosis.

 

[Lotar]

Edit: Now that I think about it, I think I have read the LDS misrepresenting theosis.

Yes, Mormons routinely misquote Eastern Fathers in order to justify their teaching that we can become gods.

 

[OrthodoxTexan]

. Do any of you know if any EO have ever written to these LDS apologist and told them that they are wrong in their interpertions and misuse of EO icons and teachings?

I believe that Fr. Brendan Pelphry, of Annuciation GOC in Houston, has written some responses to the LDS addressing their (mis)interpretation of the Fathers' views on theosis.

edit:

Here is the article I had in mind, although a quick skim reveals that it deals more broadly with the interpretations and misinterpretations of the Orthodox doctrine of theosis than I had originally remembered. It is not strictly a LDS refutation article.

 

[Frankie]

I believe that Fr. Brendan Pelphry, of Annuciation GOC in Houston, has written some responses to the LDS addressing their (mis)interpretation of the Fathers' views on theosis.

edit:

Here is the article I had in mind, although a quick skim reveals that it deals more broadly with the interpretations and misinterpretations of the Orthodox doctrine of theosis than I had originally remembered. It is not strictly a LDS refutation article.

I am only about 1/5 way through the article but it is very interesting indeed. Is it permisable for me to post the link on the thread in the UO section of CF? This article really sheds light on some things.

God Bless,
Frankie

 

[Philip]

Is it permisable for me to post the link on the thread in the UO section of CF? This article really sheds light on some things.

Yes, it is.

Please include a comment that the link to this thread is for informational purposes. Some people following the link might not notice that they entered a debate-free forum.