Synthesized answer
The "A and Ω" entry from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) aims to provide authoritative information on Catholic interests, action, and doctrine [3]. The entry, authored by Maurice M. Hassett, discusses the scriptural basis of Alpha and Omega as a symbol of Christ's divinity, citing the Apocalypse where Christ is called "the First and the Last" [1]. It also references early Christian writers like Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian [1, 4]. The text notes that the symbol was commonly used from the fourth century onwards, appearing on various monuments and in liturgies [2, 5]. The earliest dated inscription with the symbol is from 295 AD, though the Omega precedes the Alpha in this instance [4]. A fresco from the mid-fourth century and an inscription from 364 AD are also mentioned as examples [5].
From a modern perspective, the authority of this entry is supported by its engagement with scriptural texts and early Christian history, including specific dates and named individuals. However, the passages reveal some limitations regarding the "authority" of its historical claims. For instance, the question of whether the symbol in its regular form was in use before the Council of Nicaea…
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…
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 .
← 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…
was in use before the Council of Nicæa (325) has not yet been settled definitely. If so, it was of very rare occurrence. In a fresco which dates from the middle of the fourth century in the "great cave" of the catacomb of Prætextatus, Α and Ω are found in connection with the monogrammatic cross. The oldest inscription in which the letters occur in their traditional form dates from 364. From this time on they were a favorite symbol of the orthodox Christians (the Arians regarded it with disfavour) and they are found on the monuments in all parts of early Christendom. The apocalyptic letters…
More questions about this book
- Explain the stated purpose of the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) and how the "A and Ω" entry serves as a concrete example of fulfilling that purpose.
- 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?
- 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?