thoughts ponderings
Understanding Metaphors
Sacra
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by Tyler Greene
In my last article I left off with
the topic of literal interpretation.
Since this is an important subject
with many nuances, I want to
address it in more depth.
Last time I mentioned that the
Bible is intended to be read liter- .
ally, that is, it is to be read with
the proper understanding of the
literary devices that the biblical
authors used. Most of the time
this is in its plain, “literal” mean
ing.
There are of course excep
tions to this rule. For example,
it is important for us to recognize
when the Bible uses analogy. The
first of two primary analogies,
metaphor, is used when a literal
object is replaced with a non-lit
eral object to give the effect of
similarity between them.
The Bible also makes use of
simile, another analogical tool,
which compares two items by
using the key words Tike’ or ‘as.’
Because of these key words, simi
les are easier to recognize, how
ever, some metaphors are also
obvious: God is called a mother
hen, Peter is called a rock, and
Paul is called a planter.
Even though these examples
are clear, often we misunderstand
what Scripture, has to say due
to an improper interpretation of
metaphor. For exarnple, what did
Jesus mean when he said, “This
is my body” when instituting the
Lord’s Supper? Did he mean that
communion bread is his literal
body, or did he mean that the
bread represented his body in a
metaphorical way? ■
Owen Youth Center
Continued from page 1
Associtate Dr. Jerry Bobilya,
concerning a possible agreement
with the college are in progress.
Montreat Junior and Young
Life leader Drew Stewart linked
up with the youth center proj-
Adults Thrive Back in School
by Dwayne Herbert
I had a unique experience
going back to school for graduate
studies. I attend Montreat Col
lege’s SPAS program in Char
lotte. My first class started with
a devotion to God. A devotion to
God? Is that not illegal? No,' not
here at this wonderful Christian
College called Montreat.
At this college, the professors
are free to talk about God and
are encouraged to have a short
prayer before class. In my first
couple of classes I felt a little
awkward because of this open
show of love for God, which was
forbidden in my previous uni
versity, high school, junior high
■ school, and elementary school.
I have recently, since joining
the program, given my life to
God. It is a pleasure to be in a
loving, caring, and productive
environment such as Montreat’s.
On the academic side of my
experience, it has been tough.
I not only had to get my brain
back in shape from my absence
from school since fall of 1999,
I had to find time to read and
complete my assignments. I
work 40+ hours a week, tutor,
and attend church on Thursdays.
I am traveling every weekend to
South Carolina to visit my two
children, and I attend class every
Tuesday from 6:00- 10:00 PM,
with a mandatory weekly study
group.
I mention this for those people
who believe that their life is too
busy for school at the present
time. Young people, don’t wait
until you are 50+ years old to
continue your education. Older
people, don’t think that because
you are 50+ years old that you
cannot continue your education.
What I am trying to say is: the
time is now, in the present.
One thing I have learned in my
short career as a graduate student
is to make decisions using what
is called cost benefit analysis.
Everyone uses this analysis
unconsciously in their decision
making, but we usually only
think of accounting benefit and
cost.
How much will it cost me to
attend? How much can I expect
to make when I finish? I now
learn to look at other less defin
able cost, such as what else I can
be doing with the time that I am
using for school? Or, how much
more happiness I will gain from
getting my Master’s degree?
Higher learning is not all about
money; there are other factors of
life that education touches.
I encourage you to go back
to school to improve upon your
physical and mental state.
ect through Outdoor Education
professor Dottie Shuman, who
joined the venture early on.
Shuman relates, “This is a
great opportunity for students to
interact with junior high and high
school kids. I see Montreat stu
dents doing things like tutoring,
hanging out with them and being
role models, planning events,
and organizing events that teens
would love. Maybe a Montreat
student or recent grad could be
director of the facility someday!”
These words have been debated
in the church for centuries. R. C.
Spfoul recalls, “One of the very
few issues over which Luther and
Calvin were never able to reach
agreement was the very matter
of the meaning of these \vbfds of
Jesus.
At one point in negotiations
between representatives : of
Calvin and Luther, Lutlier kept ;
repeating, ‘Hoc est corpus meum;
hoc est corpus meum....’ (This is
my body....) Surely, given both
Luther and Calvin’s view bf the
authority of the Bible, if they
could have agreed ais to what the
Bible was actually saying, they
both would have submitted to it.”
Luther interpreted this passage
literally while Calvin interpreted
it metaphorically.
Dr. Rainey wants the centers
to be financially self-sustaining
with a consistent income possibly
coming from membership fees,
coin-slotted games, cafe revenue,
and continuing donations.
Presently, the future of this
venture depends solely on dona
tions and grants. Thus far, the
Owen district has mustered
$60,000, the Janirve Foundation
pitched in $150,000, and North
Carolina Congressman Charles
Taylor contributed as well.
Interpreting metaphor is not
always an easy process. The
trouble comes not in trying to
find out what the metaphor means
(though this too can be difficult),
but what actually js metaphor.
This is as true for us today as it
has always been. It should also be
shid that a correct understanding
of metaphor in no way weakens a
: literal view of Scripture.
We should not be afraid to say
that something is figurative if
it indeed is (this does not make
someone liberal). Understand
ing this literary device can be
a powerful tool for interpreting
Scripture correctly, so when we
approach Scripture let us be mind
ful of it and use it effectively. And
metaphors be with you.
The Black Mountain area is
home to approximately 2,000
middle and high school students.
Gifts from parents of students,
as well as further fundraising
endeavors, must raise an addi
tional $65,000 in order for the
Owen group to reach its goal of
$125,000.
For more information or to get
involved, contact Kevin Greens
pan at 298-7001 or Gene Rainey
at 252-9200 or visit www.oumex
tgeneration.org for more info.
Dear Counselor,
We have been back from §pring break less than a week and already I am beginning to feel the stress
returning that I thought I vacationed away. If I am feeling this way already, how will I ever make it
through the rest of the semester with end of the year projects, exams, the spring formal, and gradua
tion still ahead?
-Major Stressed
Dear MS,
Stress is definitely a condition that we need to control as opposed to letting it control us. Extended
periods of stress can lead to numerous emotional atid physical health issues including anxiety, diges
tive problems, headaches, and the list goes on and on.
Our bodies go into stress mode as a response to either internal or external pressures. It is important
to determine for ourselves if the pressures are real or self-imposed. This determination helps us make
decisions on how best to deal with the stress.
Bodies that are generally in good shape are more prepared for stress and deal with it better. Follow
ing the steps for a healthy lifestyle will help: good nutrition, enough rest, proper exercise, and positive
attitude.
You can also prepare for times of added stress by increasing meditation time, laughing with friends,
and organizing your time well. Stress management is an important skill to develop for survival in this
crazy world in which we live. Remember to relax.
God’s plan for us works when we choose for that to happen. Thanks for asking for the help that you
need and please come by The Counseling Center where we can discuss this issue in more detail.
-Cassie
For more information on this and other mental health issues, contact one of the counselors at The
Counseling Center, lower level of Bell Library, ext. 3538 or e-mail message to cpavone@montreat.edu
or ccopenhaver@montreat.edu.
Mar. 26,2003, Page 3
The Whetstone