In your opinion is use of parables a good way to convey a message?
In class we discussed pros and cons of using analogies. In many cases parables from bible are boiled down to easy to grasp explanations by religious author, preachers, theologians. Is such practice justified? Does it impede a more personal understand of the teachings of Jesus or is it necessary?
Would you say a more straight forward message would have more or less effect in reaching the general population? In the chapter author argues that Jesus is trying to reach those who will listen with their heart, not everyone; is this still true in this day in age, when religion is an integral part of the mass culture?
Please add comments with your answers.
Alex.
In class we discussed pros and cons of using analogies. In many cases parables from bible are boiled down to easy to grasp explanations by religious author, preachers, theologians. Is such practice justified? Does it impede a more personal understand of the teachings of Jesus or is it necessary?
Would you say a more straight forward message would have more or less effect in reaching the general population? In the chapter author argues that Jesus is trying to reach those who will listen with their heart, not everyone; is this still true in this day in age, when religion is an integral part of the mass culture?
Please add comments with your answers.
Alex.
I think that yes it would have been easier for Jesus to have just flat out said his message because then these people in the world today wouldn't have wars and arguements about how you could possibly interpret it. Instead it is what it is and they would have to deal with it. But I also think that if he didn't have the 'secret message', that it would have lost its luster a long time ago. It also wouldn't be able to apply in todays society because the time is so different that if he spoke so directly we couldn't apply it to now. I believe that religion is still part of our mass culture but now a days it is much less popular among younger families. It is no longer a required thing to function in our society.
ReplyDeleteI think that it would be easier to understand if it was straightforward, and yes more people may follow because some might get frustrated when trying to decode a message. However, I don't think Jesus was worried about doing what's convenient for us. Part of us earning our right to knowing what Jesus is saying is trying to read between the lines and understand the analogies.
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