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Symbols And Their Importance
John Doorly

It follows logically that, once having decided on definite symbols to illustrate ideas in any subject, one must then be able to put these symbols into what is known as a calculus, or a process of reasoning by symbols, for the purposes of intelligent computation. The word "calculus" is derived from the Latin "calculus," a pebble, a stone used in reckoning, and hence a reckoning. Webster defines "calculus," in part, as "A method of computation; process of reasoning by the use of symbols."

The idea of definite symbols of reality operating in a calculus of specific thought, such as Leibniz always hoped to find, frequently seems abstract to the older generation, whereas the younger people, who are today being educated on a more scientific basis, regard such a thing as quite natural. As we have seen, however, man uses symbols of some sort in almost every detail of his experience, and with these symbols he reasons. Thus, whether he knows it or not, he is always using a calculus of general human thought. The only difference is that in scientific matters the symbols and their calculus are ordered and definite, whilst in general experience they are somewhat vague, and are the outcome of tradition, habit, association, etc.

To summarize: a symbol is merely a representation, or something that expresses something else. A symbol may be ordered and definite, or it may be just the outcome of general human thought. A calculus is a process of reasoning by the use of symbols, and this calculus in scientific matters is exact and ordered, whilst in ordinary human experience it is more or less vague.

THE USE OF NUMERICAL SYMBOLISM IN THE BIBLE

The Bible, from cover to cover, is a record of developing spiritual thought and experience, symbolized by objects, by nations and tribes, by sentiment, idea, number, and indeed in countless ways. Moreover, the Scriptures illustrate that these symbols operate in a definite calculus of inspired thought. The fact that this record is mingled with traditional Jewish history, folklore, and mythology in no way affects its fundamental value.

Is it sufficient, then, to try to gain a right understanding of the teachings of the Bible merely by considering the symbols derived from sentiment and object, whilst ignoring the specific and ordered symbols through idea and number, simply because thought is influenced by traditional beliefs The youth of to-day will not accept the teaching of the Bible at all unless it can be presented intelligently, scientifically, and practically, as well as from an ethical point of view, and those who are regarded as leaders of religious thought would do well to face this fact.

Before we consider number as a very important example of exact symbolism in the Bible, let us remember that mathematical symbols are regarded as the most accurate in human thought. Maurice Maeterhnck, in The Life of Space, writes:— Mathematics merely translates what we cannot as yet say, what as yet we are unable even to think.

The significance of number as a means of symbolizing metaphysical values is to-day being widely recognized. Lance L. Whyte, in a recent broadcast on the work of Whitehead and Russell, stated:—

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