Seeking for the roots of faith: A gaze on the universe of pist

Abstract:

The paper shows a line of continuity with Greek philosophy in the choice of early Christian writers for the root pist- to form words expressing faith. In fact, Hellenistic audience was so accustomed to linking the literal and figurative meaning of that family of words, by considering learning as a process of steppingstones, to easily understand the usage of the verb ‘pisteuein’ in 1Pt 2 to express the reliance on the Word of God as the cornerstone, entailing obedience (peith-). The inquiry goes back until Parmenides’ verses singing a goddess urging him to learn to discern the true pistis.

Key words:

Pistis, steadiness, learning, discernment.