Parousia

Matthew Huish
May 30, 2012

Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han – May 4, 2012

One thing I enjoy about studying for my MA in Pastoral Theology is being introduced to the fascinating members of an impressive vocabulary. They are mostly Koine Greek, the lingua franca of the time of early Christian theologians. Sometimes when I read these words it feels like the authors are just trying to use fancy language to make themselves sound more intelligent than they really are, but after some research I discover that these words have deep meanings. Some examples:

Basileia – the kingdom (of God)

Eschaton – the event when the old world ends (hence Eschatology, the 3rd chapter of The Divine Principle)

Kerygma – preach or proclaim

And today I discovered the meaning of the word parousia. It's the word used to describe the second coming of Christ. In other words, True Father – Sun Myung Moon – is the parousia. I think that's pretty cool. I think from now on whenever people ask me who Sun Myung Moon is, I'll say he's the parousia. Most people won't understand what I'm saying, but they'll be impressed that I know such a big word. Maybe.

Actually, maybe not.

But looking at the word a little more deeply reveals something interesting. Para in Greek means besides. (If, like me, you enjoy chemistry, think of those para-groups in benzene rings and organic compounds, or if that sounds like gobbledigook, think of paracetemol, or paradox, or paranormal etc.) The word ousia means presence. When I think about this word, I reflect on how Jesus Christ is working besides True Father as they complete the messianic mission together. (Which is what the 4th chapter of The Divine Principle explains, just in case you haven't studied it so closely.)

As much fun as learning Greek is, I must admit my priority should be to learn Korean.