Name Worshipping

I’ve been reading lately about the Moscow School of Mathematics, and the connection with Name Worshipping. Although name worshipping was condemned by the Russian Orthodox Church, some of the mathematicians were believers.

Name Worshipping is a belief that the mere name of God should be worshipped. It’s more complex than that, as most religious beliefs are, but the idea is the name, itself, is worthy of worship. Believers can put themselves into a trance through repetition of prayers.

What is fascinating to me is the idea, espoused by some of the mathematicians, that in order to really work with a math concept they had to name it. That until it had a name, it wasn’t finite enough for them to wrap their minds around and consider from all angles.

In today’s world, I can’t help but think of how one of the first things I do with a new idea is to check for the domain name. If the URL isn’t available, I’ll choose a different name. Obviously, how we name things is still important.

When I was choosing a name for the Creative Sisterhood group a few years ago I considered many options. I looked at the numerology involved. I tried different permutations.

I have pages filled with ideas for the title of the novel I’m writing. Of course, a title is just another kind of naming.

When we die and erect monuments, the largest space is devoted to our names. One of the first things we get is a name – often before we are even born.

I still thinking about this, but I do believe there is power in giving something a name. It somehow makes it real. Much to think about..