How can it be an actual representation and symbolism?
We aren't getting anywhere here so I really don't feel like continuing to debate. If you want I will, I'm not conceding, simply deciding to agree to disagree. I'll continue discussing this if you want to though.
I'm simply saying that something can be both an actual representation of an event and symbolize something deeper.
While I suppose this could be true in some instances, I fail to see how this is applicable to any of the stories in the bible, which is what was being discussed.
e.g. Either God made Adam out of dirt, or it is a metaphor. It can't be both. Either Jesus walked on water, or it's a metaphor. It can't be both.
so on and so on, ad infinitum
If I'm totally misunderstanding your point then please, attempt to elucidate your position because I am failing to see how what you are trying to say has any merit, which is actually rare. I typically understand you quite well I feel.
Either God made Adam out of dirt, or it is a metaphor.
Do you need to use simile or metaphor to show symbolism? If so I'm incorrect if not then I'll pursue this argument.
I tend to look at the world as a piece of art, everything has a hidden meaning, a sort of deeper natural beauty. In that I might see an older couple holding hands and surmise that this is what devotion is. In that the concrete example of holding hands is symbolic of tireless love.
Jesus died in the cross, literally, but it also symbolized God's love for us. A dual meaning if you would.
Alright, I do see what you are trying to say, however you are a bit mistaken, if my understanding of simile is still accurate. It seems like I remember similes being when dissimilar things are equated as synonymous, while a metaphor is when you use something as an accurate descriptor. For example 'the rock is like water' would be a simile, while 'the flag flapped like a wave' would be a metaphor.
Either way, we can draw symbolism from actual events, but when you are stating something, as the bible does, either it is a factual event which you draw symbolism from, or it is a metaphor.
despite religious leaders, how exactly can someone "force" religion on you? really all they can do is talk, and if you just walk away usually they go away, except for those ****ed mormons, THEY NEVER LEAVE!!!
I guess I wasn't thinking, or wording my post very well. Its the same as trying to make laws based on religion.
Stem cell research is banned because it's immoral to the religious right, abortions are highly debated because they are considered immoral, the Pope is telling people in Africa that condoms won't stop the spread of AIDS, Palestinians and Jews are killing eachother because their religions are at war, Jihadists are attacking Christians at every opportunity because their sect claims it's a holy act, people are trying to have Creationism taught as science, homosexuals aren't allowed to get married....
Ya know, you're right. How the hell does one 'force' their religion on another...
I guess I wasn't thinking, or wording my post very well. Its the same as trying to make laws based on religion.
oh i get it, i do know what your talking about, but these days, its hard to tell which laws were based on religion, and which arent. wouldn't it be wierd if the law about murder was based on religion. what would we do.
haha, but is it okay to murder others from another group, personally i think that marshal law could do a lot of good in this country, if only for a day, atleast i could kill all my neighbors.
