waysider

I think we've unfortunately been conditioned to accept the idea of myths being synonymous with untruths. I don't personally think that is an appropriate way to regard a myth. It diminishes the value. Think of Aesop's fables, for example. Yes, they can be considered myths because they never actually happened. However, nestled in the fictional contexts, are kernels of truth and wisdom that lie waiting for the discoverer. So, though some may consider various Biblical records to be myths, (and, perhaps they are, by strict definition.) that doesn't negate the lessons in morality to be gleaned by virtue of the symbolism they contain. edit: Here's an example. I think most people would concede that the fable of The Fox and the Grapes is not a historical recounting of an actual event. But, there is great wisdom to be gained if one will consider the moral lesson being presented through the use of symbolism.

Have you seen my wife, Mr. Jones? Do you know what it's like on the outside?

Sure, there were plenty of metaphors, analogies and the like in The Way. But, we were encouraged to be likeminded, in-unison regarding their meanings. I'm thinking more along the lines of how interpretation unfolds and varies on an individual basis. We're all familiar with II Peter 1:20. Are there other sections of scripture that stress the importance of this approach? Do we even know if that particular passage has been translated in a manner that conveys the original intent?

Midnight At The Oasis

While we're on the subject of purposes, what exactly was the real "purpose" of Listening With A Purpose?

It's really not just about memory aids or pictorial thinking, in general. It's about being able to say,"To me, the story of Adam and Eve symbolizes-----"

FREE POST!!

The wall on which the prophets wrote Is cracking at the seams. Upon the instruments of death The sunlight brightly gleams. When every man is torn apart With nightmares and with dreams, Will no one lay the laurel wreath When silence drowns the screams. Confusion will be my epitaph. As I crawl a cracked and broken path If we make it we can all sit back And laugh. But I fear tomorrow I'll be crying, Yes I fear tomorrow I'll be crying. Between the iron gates of fate, The seeds of time were sown, And watered by the deeds of those Who know and who are known; Knowledge is a deadly friend When no one sets the rules. The fate of all mankind I see Is in the hands of fools. Confusion will be my epitaph. As I crawl a cracked and broken path If we make it we can all sit back And laugh. But I fear tomorrow I'll be crying, Yes I fear tomorrow I'll be crying.

The Way is not a friendly place for people with autism.

In reality, the human mind, regardless of culture, relies heavily on pictorial representation. Interesting stats.

If it was O.K. for Jesus to read symbolism into the scriptures (ie: the parables), why is it wrong for us to do the same? (ie; privately interpret)

I can't remember which class now but at one time it was taught that this concept was supposed to be an extrapolation of "The Parable Of The Sower". Which raises the question---- Why is it alright to assign symbolistic meaning to this section of scripture and not to others?

I took the liberty of rephrasing this: "If you've seen one "MOG", you've seen too many."

I Think I'm (Going Out Of My Head).-----Little Anthony & The Imperials

I can sprout alfalfa!

Sorry if this is a derail but it made me think of THIS.

Oh my! I better put this one out of its misery quickly. Hoochie Coochie Man FREE TURN!!!!

Very nice. Just the right amount of "retro" flavor. Very nice vocals, too. You might enjoy THIS guy. (James Hunter)

I suppose so but they escape me at the moment.

I haven't heard that one in ages. What a great tune!

The whole thing seems like a cheap cartoon, in retrospect.

"I kept DENYING WHAT I SAW. After all, twi was conditioning me that one of the four fronts of the adversary was....ME."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnEupSxN-JY

"I may never march in the infantry Shoot the artillery Fly o'er the enemy-------"

Oh, yeah. We were on the front-lines as FellowLaborers of Ohio by virtue of our geographic proximity to Int. HQ. One night, at about 3am, we were assembled as a group at limb HQ and informed that the program was being canceled immediately because, as the buffer zone (front-line defense) for HQ., we had blown it and were the reason Word Over The World was in serious jeopardy. Front-line my butt!