Synthesized answer
The stated purpose of the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) was to give "authoritative information on the entire cycle of Catholic interests, action and doctrine" [2].
The "A and Ω" entry, written by Maurice M. Hassett, serves as a concrete example of fulfilling this purpose by providing detailed scriptural and theological information. It explains that "Alpha and Omega" are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and have been used since the fourth century as a symbol of orthodox Christians' confidence in scriptural proofs of Our Lord's divinity [1]. The entry elaborates on its scriptural basis, referencing the Apocalypse where Christ is called "the First and the Last" and "the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" [1]. It further includes interpretations from early Christian figures like Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian, demonstrating the historical and doctrinal depth characteristic of the encyclopedia's purpose [1, 3]. The passage also notes the symbol's historical use in early Christianity and its persistence in liturgies [3, 4].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
← St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) A and Ω by Maurice M. Hassett Alpha and Omega (in Jewish Theology) → From volume 1 of the work. 93422 Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) — A and Ω Maurice M. Hassett Α and Ω ( Alpha and Omega ).— Scriptural .—The first and the last letter of the Greek alphabet, employed from the fourth century as a symbol expressing the confidence of orthodox Christians in the scriptural proofs of Our Lord's divinity. This symbol was suggested by the Apocalypse, where Christ, as well as the Father, is "the First and the Last" (ii, 8); "the Alpha and Omega, the…
← Catholic Encyclopedia ( 1913 ) → related portals : Reference works Shortcut : CE also referred to today as the Old Catholic Encyclopedia ; an English-language encyclopedia published by The Encyclopedia Press. The first volume appeared in March 1907 and it was completed in April 1914, and was designed to give "authoritative information on the entire cycle of Catholic interests, action and doctrine". Supplement 1 included here. 42098 Catholic Encyclopedia 1913 Contents (not listed in original) Front Matter To the Knights of Columbus Preface Tables of Abbreviations Volume 1: Aachen–Assize…
of Whom alone the end becomes beginning, and ends again at the original beginning without any break" ( Strom., IV, 25 ). Tertullian also alludes to Christ as the Alpha and Omega (De Monogamiâ, v), and from Prudentius (Cathemer., ix, 10) we learn that in the fourth century the interpretation of the apocalyptic letters was still the same: "Alpha et Omega cognominatus, ipse fons et clausula, Omnium quæ sunt, fuerunt, quæque post futura sunt." It was, however, in the monuments of early Christianity that the symbolic Alpha and Omega had their greatest vogue. The earliest date at which this symbol…
nnection with another symbol, usually the monogram of Christ, are much more common than those of the two former classes. The minuscular form ω is, in nearly all cases, represented, though some examples of Ω occur in the monuments of Africa and Spain. The words "Alpha and Omega" continued in use in the Mozarabic Liturgy; also in the ancient Irish Liturgy, e.g. in the famous Communion-hymn in the Antiphonary of Bangor. Kraus , Real-Encyklopadie , I, 60–62; Leclercq in Dict. d'archéol. et de lit. , I, 1–25. Maurice M. Hassett .
← Absinthe Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) The Absolute by Edward Aloysius Pace Absolution → From volume 1 of the work. 90451 Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) — The Absolute Edward Aloysius Pace Absolute, The, a term employed in modern philosophy with various meanings, but applied generally speaking to the Supreme Being. It signifies (1) that which is complete and perfect; (2) that which exists by its own nature and is consequently independent of everything else; (3) that which is related to no other being; (4) the sum of all being, actual and potential (Hegel). In the first and the second of…
More questions about this book
- Imagine you are explaining to a curious non-theologian: how does the symbol "Alpha and Omega," as described in the text, encapsulate the concept of Christ's divinity, drawing specifically from the provided scriptural and historical references?
- The text identifies the Catholic Encyclopedia as providing "authoritative information." Analyze how the evidence presented in the "A and Ω" entry (e.g., specific dates, authors, monument) supports or potentially limits this claim of authority from a modern perspective.
- Considering the Encyclopedia's 1907-1914 publication date, what are two potential benefits and two potential drawbacks of relying on this specific source for "authoritative information on the entire cycle of Catholic interests" in the 21st century?
- If the goal of the "A and Ω" entry is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the symbol, what information, if any, do you feel is missing or could be further elaborated upon based on the brief excerpt, and why would this addition be valuable?