Tag: allegory

The Geography of Heaven and Hell

I noticed tonight in a Facebook discussion a reference to this article – thus I thought a reprint might be timely. I continue to be amazed at the literalism that infects the minds of many Christians. Just because Scripture uses the language of geography to describe something does not at all mean that we should…

October 19, 2011
The Mystery of Theophany

This week, the Church moves from the feast of Christmas to the feast of the Theophany – the celebration of the Baptism of Christ. The intent of this feast is not to celebrate a succession of historical events (the Baptism of Christ is at least 30 years later than His birth). Rather this feast takes…

January 4, 2011
The Tree Heals the Tree

Readers of the New Testament are familiar with St. Paul’s description of Christ as the “Second Adam.” It is an example of the frequent Apostolic use of an allegoric reading of the Old Testament (I am using “allegory” in its broadest sense – including typology and other forms). Christ Himself had stated that He was…

September 16, 2010
The Allegory of All Things

Andrew Louth, writing in his book, Discerning the Mystery, says: If we look back to the Fathers, and the tradition, for inspiration as to the nature of theology, there is one thing we meet which must be paused over and discussed in some detail: and that is their use of allegory in interpreting the Scriptures.…

January 11, 2010

As one who majored in Am. History and considered going for a PhD in Andrew Jackson, the phrase “History teaches…

I have often found people who take a fancy or stringent approach to the Scriptures, the Divine Liturgy and a…

Carlos wrote: I was going through my prayers last night, and one that usually troubles me appeared completely different. It…

I want to thank all those who have prayed on my behalf concerning these matters. I was going through my…

Janine, You write: “How do you know God is not looking at you the same way you see your son?”…

The Geography of Heaven and Hell