Lakoff and Johnson explain why Aristotle must reduce metaphor to linguistic deviance: Aristotle employs the metaphors “Ideas are Essences” and “Essences are Forms,” and on this basis argues that “things in the world . . . can be directly grasped by the mind. . . . . Continue Reading »
At the beginning of Torture and Eucharist: Theology, Politics, and the Body of Christ (Challenges in Contemporary Theology) , William Cavanaugh challenges the distinction between state and civil society that is inherent in much Christian thinking about politics. The two are . . . . Continue Reading »
Lakoff and Johnson make the striking claim that the notion of free will is implicated in the traditional disembodied conception of reason: “Will is the application of reason to action. Because human reason is disembodied - that is, free of the constraints of the body - will is radically . . . . Continue Reading »
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson ( Philosophy in the Flesh : The Embodied Mind and Its Challenge to Western Thought ) agree with Paul DeMan that metaphors lie at the heart of metaphysical theories. They do not, however, believe that exposing the metaphorical ground of metaphysics destabilizes . . . . Continue Reading »
1 Peter 4:3-4: For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them . . . . Continue Reading »
Later in the service this morning, we will ordain two new deacons, Rick Schumaker and Brendan O’Donnell. Both have gone through a period of apprenticeship with our two deacons, and both have been elected by the congregation. But the ordination is no mere formality. Ordination is . . . . Continue Reading »
Solomon’s temple had windows, but they are mentioned only once, in 1 Kings 6:4. Ezekiel’s description of the visionary temple uses the word “window” twelve times. One can see out of, and look into, Solomon’s temple. From Ezekiel’s temple, Israel can . . . . Continue Reading »
The spies at Jericho are released through Rahab’s window. Then David escapes through a window from his wife’s rooms. Saul is the King of Jericho; David will return later to take the city. Then Paul too escapes through a window in a basket. He too is God’s spy, checking . . . . Continue Reading »
Isaiah 35 shares a number of fairly rare terms with Song of Songs 2. Both refer to the crocus or rose (Isaiah 35:1; Song of Songs 2:1). Both have people leaping (Isaiah 35:6; Song of Songs 2:8) and in both the leaping person is compared to a stag (Isaiah 35:6; Song of Songs 2:9). . . . . Continue Reading »
“Voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes!” says the excited bride in the Song of Songs 2:8. As the older commentators noted, this is redemptive history in a nutshell: First the voice, then the Lover in flesh. So long as the prophets speak, Israel knows that the Lover is . . . . Continue Reading »
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