Noetic
“A key word from classical Christianity is the Greek term “nous,” and its adjectival form, “noetic.” Western translators early on translated the term as intellectus, which in its English forms is simply incorrect. Modern translators vary in translating it as either “mind” or “heart.” Neither of these is accurate, and both can be misleading in the extreme. Increasingly, some writers are simply choosing to use the word in its original form (my preference)….The fact that our modern vocabulary doesn’t have an actual word for what the Fathers meant when they wrote about noetic perception, or when they said that the “nous should descend into the heart” (very important and common phrases), does not mean that what they are describing is closed to us, but does indicate that it is a reality which we largely ignore, like the incredible variety within snow and ice. It’s there, but we fail to see it….The ability to perceive in a sacramental manner (which is noetic perception) is deeply crippled in our culture. We are driven by information and are highly skilled at obtaining it. However, it can make us unable to hear what is unspoken or to see what is hidden. Such signals can be deeply important in human relationships, both with others, ourselves, and the world around us.” (Father Stephen Freeman)
“Moses’ parents were people of God. They disobeyed Pharaoh’s command and placed their faith in God as the giver of life. As the earlier verses in Exodus 2 explain, when they see that “he was a beautiful child” (Ex 2:2) they hide the infant, refusing to submit to death in any way. They correctly resist temptation because they perceive that their child is “beautiful.” Understand that this perception is not based on physical appearance alone but comes from the purity of their hearts, as a vision seen through noetic eyes.” (Dynamis 1/16/2022)
“Elisha answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kin. 6:16). Elisha was not referring to human strength but divine assistance. Elisha was able to perceive the spiritual realities that the young man could not, including a host of angelic warriors guarding them. This passage gives us an important insight into the nature of Elisha’s prophetic ministry. We often think of a prophet as someone who can see into the future and accurately predict what will happen. But this passage points toward an even more important aspect of the prophetic ministry: an ability to see the world with spiritual eyes.” (Robin Phillips)
“Those who live purified lives—through a life of asceticism and noetic prayer, sustained and sanctified by the sacraments, in obedience to Christ through his Church—and are thereby granted to see the Uncreated Light of God (Matt. 5:8), in turn nourish the Church with the truth that has been revealed to them…” (Nathan Duffy)
“…when we know God noetically (from the word nous), meaning experientially through the nous, this grace-filled knowledge is life-transforming communion with Him—or at least, this begins and strengthens the usually long process of transformation…This understanding of deification does not, however, imply a New Age sort of pantheism whereby one’s personal identity is lost. Rather, each unique person retains his or her unique personality and personhood while being transformed by God’s grace.” (Mary S. Ford)
“The Greek biblical word “nous” (adjective “noetic”) gets translated “mind” in English bibles, but it doesn’t mean the cogitating intellect. The nous is the aspect of “mind” that comprehends and understands; it is designed to perceive the voice and presence of God...“Noetic reality,” the reality of God’s presence.” (Frederica Mathewes-Green)
“...the mind and logic are not the same thing; logic functions within the brain, while the mind functions within the heart. Thus, the noetic faculty of the heart is the energy of the mind inside the heart. This important distinction results in the...Church seeing herself not as a religious institution, but rather as a hospital of the soul, where one comes for therapeutic procedures that restore the health of the soul and allow it to progress toward the ultimate goal of union with God..." (Abbot Tryphon)
“We can know God because He wills to make Himself known. But noetic living is not a technique, per se. It simply describes the proper grounding for the spiritual life. Thus, whether reading Scripture, praying, attending a service, or simply being still, we actively and quietly offer ourselves to God. We should not expect this to automatically produce some wonderful result (it’s not a technique). But as we engage in these activities with the right mind …we do indeed learn to perceive God.” (Father Stephen Freeman)
“When God the Logos created human nature He did not make the senses susceptible either to pleasure or pain; instead, He implanted in it a certain noetic capacity through which men could enjoy Him in an inexpressible way.” (St. Maximos the Confessor)
“For true peace lies in a noetic union with Christ and wells up from deep down inside the core of one’s being. It is a peace arising from oneness of heart with Him Who said, “My peace I give to you” (Dynamis 2/10/13)