English translation: disciplina arcani / tenet of silence
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German to English translations [PRO] Religion / Christian principle
German term or phrase:Arkandisziplin / Arkanprinzip
Context: "Im Christentum wurde das mystische Schweigen seit dem 17. Jhdt. "Arkandisziplin" genannt."
Wikipedia defines "Arkanprinzip" as: Das Arkanprinzip (von lateinisch arcanum – „Geheimnis“) ist der Grundsatz, Kultbräuche und Rituale nur einem Kreis von Eingeweihten zugänglich zu machen und sie vor der Öffentlichkeit geheimzuhalten.
Is there a "terminus technicus" in English for this? I could use "vow of silence" or "obligation of silence" or "keeping secret", but I wonder whether there is an "official" English expression.
Explanation: Contrary to your assertion that this phrase cannot be used, I assert that the word "discipline" is not just "a discipline = a praxis", but also "discipline = a set of rules of behaviour".
So semantically, the "arcane discipline" could be exactly what you describe.
(Lat. “discipline of the secret”). Term used since the 17th c. for the withholding of certain parts of Christian teaching and worship from pagans and from catechumens till the last stages of their preparation. Some scholars find an approach to this practice in some NT books (e.g., Rv). Justin* Martyr seems not to know the practice but there may be traces of it in the ch. order ascribed to Hippolytus* of Rome. The most extensive use occurs in the era of mass conversions after the end of the persecutions AD 313 (see Persecution of Christians, 4). At this time it included the rites, ceremonies, and statements of the significance of Baptism and Holy Communion, and such liturgical forms as the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The arcane discipline disappeared almost wholly in the 5th c. ACP
"Mystic Law" gets closer, thank you, but is not specific enough - there are many "mystic laws", but "Arkandisziplin" is very specific. In my research I even saw it used referring to a state's tendency to not tell its citizens what's going on, in order to "not worry them", but I think that was a rather liberal use of the term.
The greater context in this article is that in Christianity, as before in the ancient mystery cults there was the practice to ask the members to keep secret about certain things/rites they received or saw.
Forgot to add: "arcane discipline" cannot be used, because it changes the meaning the same way as "mystic discipline" would. It would also mean an "obscure/secret discipline".
NOTE ADDED:
Thank you for your answers so far. "Arkandisziplin/-prinzip" is a noun, just like Wikipedia explains. It is not equal to "secret/mystic discipline" it is more like "the discipline/principle of secrecy" - so the text is not talking about a particular discipline or principle that is secret, but about the custom of keeping certain things secret. I was just wondering whether there is an equivalent term to "Arkandisziplin/-prinzip" in English.
What's the actual context here (as opposed to merely the sentence)? And what has your own research turned up, e.g. on the obvious choice: "arcane discipline"?
Explanation: Unter “mystischem Schweigen” versteht man eigentlich das plötzliche Verstummen nach einem ekstatischen Erlebnis wie einer Vision/Schau (wird z.B. von Thomas v. Aquin berichtet). www.doctor-angelicus.de/meister.htm
In diesem Sinn wird “mystisches Schweigen” auch heute noch in anderen, journalistischen Kontexten verwendet. www.weltordnung.de/meinung.htm
Insofern erschließt sich mir die Bedeutung des Satzes
“Im Christentum wurde das mystische Schweigen seit dem 17. Jhdt. 'Arkandisziplin' genannt" nicht so recht...
Aber Du suchst ja auch nur eine Übersetzung für “Arkandisziplin” :-)
Den Definitionen nach handelt es sich dabei um ein Gelöbnis, gewisse esoterische Erkenntnisse/Erlebnisse nur unter Eingeweihten zu besprechen und anderen gegenüber nicht zu offenbaren.
How about ‘observing the tenet of silence/ code of silence/ vow of silence regarding arcance insights/experiences.’
Johanna Timm, PhD Canada Local time: 09:38 Does not meet criteria Specializes in field Native speaker of: German PRO pts in category: 27
Explanation: Why not go for a literal translation as the explanation in "common" English is included in the sentence anyway. AFAIK, "arcanum discipline" is established in English as well (see e.g. ref. below).
Explanation: I'm slightly out of my depth here but my understanding was that this is how we refer to any practice, belief system etc known only to/practised only by a few:
Explanation: Contrary to your assertion that this phrase cannot be used, I assert that the word "discipline" is not just "a discipline = a praxis", but also "discipline = a set of rules of behaviour".
So semantically, the "arcane discipline" could be exactly what you describe.
(Lat. “discipline of the secret”). Term used since the 17th c. for the withholding of certain parts of Christian teaching and worship from pagans and from catechumens till the last stages of their preparation. Some scholars find an approach to this practice in some NT books (e.g., Rv). Justin* Martyr seems not to know the practice but there may be traces of it in the ch. order ascribed to Hippolytus* of Rome. The most extensive use occurs in the era of mass conversions after the end of the persecutions AD 313 (see Persecution of Christians, 4). At this time it included the rites, ceremonies, and statements of the significance of Baptism and Holy Communion, and such liturgical forms as the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The arcane discipline disappeared almost wholly in the 5th c. ACP
The translation workplace 
