Tree structured hierarchies are studied in the field of computer science. A
rooted tree makes one node the root node.
A general relation between any two elements can induce a tree or tree-like structure. The relation "
is the parent of" induces a tree-like structure called a
DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph). Thus, a family tree is not actually a tree but a
DAG. The undirected form has cycles. Why?
In computational terms (of computer science), a tree structure representation, in contrast to a flat linear structure representation, results in order
log(n) performance rather than order
n. This can result in significant performance increase as
n get larger.
In human systems,
however, the tree structure may be used by the humans to get some advantage, or be
"greater" in some respect, over other members in the tree.
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [kjv]
προσκαλεσαμενοι δε οι δωδεκα το πληθος των μαθητων ειπαν ουκ αρεστον εστιν ημας καταλειψαντας τον λογον του θεου διακονειν τραπεζαις [gnt]
convocantes … duodecim … aequum … derelinquere verbum … ministrare mensis [v]
The
relation "
is greater than" when applied to pairs of people induces a tree-structured hierarchy.
The
relation "
serve tables" when applied to everyone creates a tree-structured hierarchy. The word translated as
"reason" is that of
"best" as in
"greater" or, by implication,
"lesser".
Out of this simple start, a huge and complex church hierarchy developed. In the fourth century, it grew from a collection of seeds into a huge tree such that the birds of the air come and made a home in the tree.
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [kjv]
προσκαλεσαμενοι δε οι δωδεκα το πληθος των μαθητων ειπαν ουκ αρεστον εστιν ημας καταλειψαντας τον λογον του θεου διακονειν τραπεζαις [gnt]
convocantes … duodecim … aequum … derelinquere verbum … ministrare mensis [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ἄριστος" ≈ "best" as in the
"best" warrior. That is, the "
twelve" considered themselves the
"best" as in
"greatest" and therefore did not
"desire" to "
serve" "
tables".
☐ Was it the
"best" solution?
☐ Was it the most
"desirable" solution?
☐ Was it a
"reason"?
Discuss: How might this decision have impacted a sense of
"greater" or
"greatest" and, by implication, have started the move to a hierarchical church structure?
The Latin word
"aequus" ≈ "equal, level, fair, just" which starts the
word slide found in most modern translations.
Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [kjv]
εν εκεινη τη ωρα προσηλθον οι μαθηται τω ιησου λεγοντες τις αρα μειζων εστιν εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [kjv]
προσκαλεσαμενοι δε οι δωδεκα το πληθος των μαθητων ειπαν ουκ αρεστον εστιν ημας καταλειψαντας τον λογον του θεου διακονειν τραπεζαις [gnt]
