Chapter 28

Yarrl’s Path

After breakfast, word came that Arsenius wouldn’t be back until the next day. There wasn’t much going on, so we relaxed and talked about various things past, present and future. We decided Akakios must have found his true path. He seemed happy here at Baramus as a monk with a busy job, and we were glad for that.

“I wonder what it means to be a monk?” The monks we’d met here and at Nitria were still on Yarrl’s mind. We’d both been surprised by their friendliness and warmth.

“Artemus, do you know what a monk does? Or do you know how I could find out?” He didn’t wait for answers. “Do you think a monk’s path is a good idea? Should I try it? Wait, maybe I’m on a path already. I’m devoted to my work as a librarian; maybe that’s my path. It seems to fit.” He hesitated. “Oh well, guess I’m the only one who can figure all that out.” His voice was somber, slower; his shoulders sagged a little.

“We can talk about this later. I better take care of the Library collections first. We should get everything that’s already down here to a safe place right away, but I don’t know where that would be. I don’t even know where the scrolls are right now. What if back home there’s bad trouble at the Library? And what about Hypatia and Theon, will they be OK?”

He was upset, but worry wouldn’t solve anything; and I didn’t think we needed a solution to our problem yet.

“Yarrl, you were just asking about paths; surely you must realize I have great respect for your work as a librarian. Because you’re serious about it and good at it, it could be an important and worthy path. You could stay with that for now.” I could relate to his intentions and questions. As a teenager I’d chosen a similar academic path.

“And about our problem, let’s take a little more time to think about what Moses told us. When Abba Arsenius gets here tomorrow; he’ll know what to do.”

“You’re right, we should wait for Arsenius. I guess you know I really like what I do. I think knowledge gained from study and reason brings one closer to the true nature of things, closer to God.” Re-energized, his frown disappeared.

I hoped he’d always be free to stay on his path or change it as he chose. He didn’t need help from others; he knew how to make good decisions.

“I believe our civilization was developed over hundreds of years by study and open debate.” I guess Yarrl wanted to make sure I understood his position. “Today we know many facts, and have also found important truths that were not mandated by higher authorities or laws. There are lots of different ways to look at things; so we should each be free to select and follow our own personal beliefs.

“Hypatia taught me that knowledge itself is neither good nor bad; and recommended I read the conclusions of philosophers or teachers who lived long ago, because some of those ideas will last forever. And Theon agreed with her, he said it was important to know the original source of any information I received. Like the contours of a container can affect or re-shape its contents; there are people who contaminate or reframe knowledge for personal reasons before they pass it on. Sometimes that will benefit themselves or hurt others. So I’m careful about who I believe or accept advice from.”

Good for him, he knew better than to accept without question every idea in the public arena.

“That’s why most reliable information is developed through academic debate where the underlying tenets are out in public for everyone to examine, criticize, ridicule or expose.” He was on a roll. “It’s a messy and slow process, but some knowledge eventually rises to the level of wisdom. “Hypatia said that’s how civilizations evolve; and I agree.” He had sound convictions, and I was impressed by his ability to explain them. “And that’s why the Library collections are so important. If all that wisdom were lost, the next generations in Egypt and around the Mediterranean would soon forget what they once knew.

“I hope a time will come when distortion or elimination of ideas, and suppression of discourse will not be tolerated or used to control others.” I heard a catch in his throat, but he didn’t stop. “Do you realize, Artemus, that the monks here who oppose the Neoplatonic monks are a part of the ongoing battle of the Church against reason that’s already caused so much violence in Alexandria? And recently Bishop Cyril decreed that God must be accepted on faith only. That’s fideism, a rule that one may come to God only by faith, never through questions, debate or reason. This shuts out learned people who came to believe in God through study and reason. He calls those philosophers pagans.

“This idea of fideism has caused much anxiety and debate among teachers and philosophers who believe in God but don’t believe that all the language in Bishop Cyril’s decree is accurate or revelation of a proper interpretation. Cyril maintains that only blind faith is allowed. It seems that Church officials want to destroy all our collected knowledge in order to convince people that faith is all they need; and that faith must come only from the Bible by way of a bishop.”

“So, Yarrl, what do you think about these arguments?”

“I’m puzzled by them; of course my inclination is to discuss and understand. I noticed that Akakios told us a little about being a monk; but he didn’t take a side in the debate about fideism and reason, or even mention it. I wonder where he stands. I guess I’d be surprised if he was comfortable accepting on faith every edict or revelation that came from someone like Cyril.

“I admit I’m sorely troubled by the many edicts which crush rather than inspire the spirit. Theon, Hypatia and other philosophers at the university feel the same way. I’m devoted to my work and don’t believe it interferes in any way with my belief in God.” He seemed to have found himself, his voice and was ready to talk about things that must have been on his mind for a while.

“As for emperors and bishops, they come and go, just like their proclamations and decrees. They claim to receive truth from a being in the spirit world, which seems to be an easy way to justify political ambitions or other desires. But read their decrees; most lack evidence of faith, care for their flock or basic reason.

“Surely one may know true faith in God without also pledging allegiance to powerful, unscrupulous people who expect their every word and conclusion to be accepted without question; who mean to usurp God.” He stopped, absorbed in his own thoughts for a moment, and then continued.

“That’s why I believe it’s unwise to put blind faith in people who have titles or great power. Too often their goal is to manipulate and control what others think and do.”

“I agree with you completely,” I said, sorry I couldn’t give him hope for change. Maybe all this turmoil would help Yarrl better understand the value of his own life and work. I hoped he would soon realize that preservation of Library resources is a fundamental way he can help others to understand themselves, their world and a pathway to the heavens or Divine realm. If not during his lifetime; may it be a blessing for the future.

Enough of that serious talk. We stood, stretched and spied an animated group of monks nearby eating oranges and grapes. They waved us over. We enjoyed the food and a few laughs; then took a brisk walk, twice around the inside perimeter.

When we sat down again, I knew Yarrl wanted to say something. Back straight, eyes bright, he could barely sit still and soon spoke as he gestured with one hand for emphasis.

“If I understand correctly what Akakios meant when he talked about the devil; it is ignorance, superstition and fideism that must be the work of the devil.” He nodded his head to confirm his statement.

“So I will stay away from all that. And Artemus, whenever I spend time searching for knowledge about the ultimate truths of mankind’s existence and our purpose in the physical and spiritual world, I never care how difficult it is or how long it takes. So that must be my own true path.” His voice was firm and confident, his face alive with a wide smile. I think my years at university in study of ancient scrolls was the best way to begin as I learned about rational thinking and philosophical speculation which helped me toward wisdom. I understand the process better now. I believe I should continue to study and reason, and that might lead me someday to become a philosopher, the highest achievement of mankind.”

He must have gone deep into his psyche to pull all his thoughts together, to realize this honorable path. I believed he would find satisfaction and help many people.

“Much preparation is required to be able to speculate on and discuss with others the nature of the unseen world. But that’s how accumulated knowledge can become wisdom for all. As both Theon and Hypatia told me many times, the Library and university staffs working together in an atmosphere of free inquiry will make gradual progress toward that goal. For now, I’m content that my own work contributes to the process.

“Of course I realize that free inquiry isn’t entirely free, for it must never in any way offend the Emperor. Maybe there’s always someone who can put limits on free inquiry. Still, it’s a great privilege to help scholars and philosophers as they engage in intellectual warfare. Maybe I could say it’s a kind of spiritual warfare. I’m happy to offer support to philosophers who use proven information to deflect verbal attacks on ideas until they can be recognized as wisdom for all time.”

I stayed silent to let Yarrl think about all that. I knew his efforts and the work of his colleagues to build the best library collection ever, to ensure continuity of ancient knowledge and wisdom for future generations, would not long endure. It was hard to be involved in one of the previews for a coming blockbuster: the collapse of Western civilization.

I also knew the pressures of fideism would continue far into the future; acceptance on faith alone would become a tenet of orthodox Christianity. Faith meant for God would be hi-jacked by officials of the Church. Everyone would have to accept and obey all their edicts as true and right. To believe something different or go one’s own way would often bring persecution, brutality and death.

In my time, we call those thousand years the Dark Ages.

 NEXT.....Chapter 29
We Wait