Challenges of Reading Images and Symbols in Indian Ethos
The fourth evangelist uses numerous symbols throughout the text. Word (Logos), Light, bread, vine, shepherd etc are some examples. There are also subordinate symbols; for example light and darkness, day and night etc to develop the use of symbols. They are useful in illustrating the main symbol light.1
First of all, the evangelist presents Jesus as the Word (Logos). We have already noted the significance of Word in Hellenistic philosophy, Judaism and also in Indian thought (Aam). John states that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us in Jesus Christ. Secondly, John presents Jesus as God. The Word was God (l: l). In India we speak of Sabdabrahman. There is also great significance for mantras in India. In Jesus Christ the glory of God is manifested (1:18). Thomas confesses Jesus as Lord and God (20:28).
The images of water and their usages in the Fourth Gospel have a special place in Indian thought. Water is always connected with purification. The symbols that are used by John have a universal appeal and they find a special significance for the Indian mind as they are very popular images and symbols in India. The image of the sheep and shepherd are all very much in tune with the Indian ethos.
Challenges of Keeping Philosophy, Belief and Daily Struggle in Constant Conversation
Many see in this Gospel a culmination of Greek philosophy. When we look at it from an Indian perspective, Jesus is presented in a way we are familiar in India today. A fully Hellenized Jesus who is equal with God has emerged. Jesus is presented as God himself, creator of the universe and so powerful that “whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (3:16). Greek concepts and philosophies are used a tool for presenting Jesus as the Logos to a Christianized Gentile audience. Philo of Alexandria had made a contribution in this regard in his attempts to interpret the Hebrew Bible in the light of Greek philosophy. John is able to remodel Jesus with the help of cultural religious and philosophical dialogues of that time and he is quite successful in his attempt.
We find Jesus doing his public ministry in various places such a Galilee, Jerusalem and on the outskirts of Judea. Jesus had to tackle with the belief and struggles of the people in these various places and we find Jesus responding to them through his discourses. Jesus also had severe opposition from the Jewish leaders and he had to vindicate his position by interpreting the Law in a more meaningful was rather than the literal interpretation of the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Jesus could see the daily struggle of the ordinary people, the crowd and also had to respond to their needs. His ministry reveals all these aspects.
Foot Note
1.Clyde Muropa, “The Johannine Writings: Symbolism and the symbol of Light”, The Asbury Journal, 67/2: 106-113.
Bibliography
Philip, Abraham. Jesus Tradition in the Johannine Writings. :2023, 30.
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