A Modern Temple of Knowledge - Library of Congress

It's amazing to think about how knowledge from ancient Babylon influenced Greek thought and laid the groundwork for Western science and philosophy. The Babylonians were ahead of their time in astronomy and math. When Alexander the Great conquered Babylon, Greeks tapped into this knowledge, blending it with their own ideas. This exchange of knowledge flowed from Babylon to Greece, then to Rome, and eventually into modern Western thinking, continuing to shape how we understand the world today. A great example of this influence is how the Library of Congress reflects Greek Classical ideals as a modern-day temple of knowledge.


The Library of Congress, especially the Thomas Jefferson Building, strongly reflects Greek influence with its Corinthian columns and dome, showcasing classical architecture. The dome, topped with a torch representing the light of knowledge, emphasizes the building's focus on symmetry and traditional Greek and Roman styles. Below, the Court of Neptune Fountain connects the Library to the classical world of mythology, blending Greek and Roman influences.

Greek ideas are all over the Library of Congress, turning it into a modern-day temple of knowledge that celebrates the lasting impact of Greek and Roman contributions to Western civilization. However, Francis Schaeffer argued that when people reject God's truth and rely only on human reason, they end up with flawed thinking and moral relativism. Schaeffer believed that true enlightenment and meaningful knowledge come from acknowledging God's existence and the absolute truth revealed through Him. 

Even though men can think and pursue knowledge, can this pursuit alone truly make the world a better place? Can people live peacefully without a foundation in divine truth? How have places like the National Mall, along with so many iconic landmarks around the world, carried the same Babylonian spirit through the ages, all in the name of celebrating human achievement and reason?

Inside, the Library is adorned with symbols and motifs from Greek art and philosophy, who inspire the arts and sciences, like Minerva, symbolizing wisdom and learning.












One Far-Off Divine Event - Alfred Tennyson
In Revelation, Babylon represents a corrupt force that opposes God and leads people into sin. Its destruction symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the coming of God's kingdom.

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