Jesus was a brilliant metaphorical theologian. This was another insight from the conference I attended in Thailand.
1. He told an entertaining story
2. The story revolved ethical issues and values
3. The story included a hidden message about the Kingdom
4. The story might include a Christological reference.
Interestingly, metaphors help us link our left brain (cognitive, language) with our right brain (pictures, creative). Jesus told stories because he understood how we’re made – and so intentionally integrated thinking and feeling.
You make a good point Jan. And of course, being who he was, he knew how our brain works. 🙂 Aristotle called metaphor the seasoning for a good meal. It is what makes the argument interesting.
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