Really enjoying these! I made my “theology for spiritual formation” class repeat the phrase “analogy works… Until it doesn’t“. It seems like judicial use of analogy is a fantastic doorway, but should never be mistaken for the room itself.
I found the introduction in the book “Echoes of Exodus” by Andrew Wilson an excellent accessible introduction to the power and limits of metaphor and analogy.
I just got “Longing to Know” and “Loving to Know.” Now, the whole analogy conversation is making my mind and thoughts like a zucchini plant after a good rain, followed by a sunny, muggy warm day!
Thank you! Great examples of analogy! The other day your letter led me to talking about a limited set of thoughts on gardening analogies. Today, it led me to smell freshly turned soil, and the peeling away of thoughts to open up the senses, which then opens up the thoughts to experience more fully the more complete message, and, the motivation to keep on traveling along the path!
I agree with this and I’ve made the point so many times… I am not sure that the use of agrarian metaphors is simply a way of connecting to the context of the original hearer of scripture. It is not as if Jesus would’ve used metaphors relating to technology on the Internet just to be relevant (which is why I feel often allergic to “download“ metaphors used sometimes in churches). There is something about the significance of pace, participation and lack of control that is inherent in the farming metaphor that is crucial to spiritual formation.
Love this!
Thanks so much!
Really enjoying these! I made my “theology for spiritual formation” class repeat the phrase “analogy works… Until it doesn’t“. It seems like judicial use of analogy is a fantastic doorway, but should never be mistaken for the room itself.
I found the introduction in the book “Echoes of Exodus” by Andrew Wilson an excellent accessible introduction to the power and limits of metaphor and analogy.
Esther Meek - Bingo!
I just got “Longing to Know” and “Loving to Know.” Now, the whole analogy conversation is making my mind and thoughts like a zucchini plant after a good rain, followed by a sunny, muggy warm day!
Thank you! Great examples of analogy! The other day your letter led me to talking about a limited set of thoughts on gardening analogies. Today, it led me to smell freshly turned soil, and the peeling away of thoughts to open up the senses, which then opens up the thoughts to experience more fully the more complete message, and, the motivation to keep on traveling along the path!
I think it's significant how central botanical/gardening/farming metaphors are in scripture.
I agree with this and I’ve made the point so many times… I am not sure that the use of agrarian metaphors is simply a way of connecting to the context of the original hearer of scripture. It is not as if Jesus would’ve used metaphors relating to technology on the Internet just to be relevant (which is why I feel often allergic to “download“ metaphors used sometimes in churches). There is something about the significance of pace, participation and lack of control that is inherent in the farming metaphor that is crucial to spiritual formation.
Yes! And something about place and embodiment too!