Images of God within Systematic Theology

2002 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 362-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Bracken
Keyword(s):  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
Systematic Theology ◽  
Images Of God ◽  
Symbolic Representations ◽  
Metaphorical Theology

[While respecting the freedom of expression inherent in Sally McFague's notion of “metaphorical theology,” the author argues that the choice of a single governing image or set of interrelated images (e.g., the notion of God as a community of divine persons) is much more suitable for expansion into a systematic theology adequately representing the God-world relationship. At the same time, he recognizes that systematic theologies are only models or symbolic representations of a reality that is in itself humanly incomprehensible.]

scholarly journals Pastoraat as vertolking: Metaforiese teologie binne die konteks van 'n pastorale hermeneutiek

1999 ◽  
Vol 55 (2/3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Pastoral Care ◽  
Pastoral Counseling ◽  
God Images ◽  
Underlying Assumption ◽  
Images Of God ◽  
Metaphorical Theology

Pastoral care as hermeneutics: The function of metaphorical theology regarding pastoral counseling. A hermeneutics of pastoral care should be viewed as a theological issue. Hence the importance of God-language and the naming of God in pastoral care. The underlying assumption is that inappropriate images of God have a hampering effect on faith experiences. It is, therefore, impotant that a hermeneutics of pastoral care should probe into the meaning dimension of God-images in order to instil hope and foster spirituality. Four biblical metaphors are discussed: shephtrd, servant, paraclete and wisdom. Our choice, within the context of postmodernity, is for the metaphor "God as Friend". It conveys not only the compassion of God, but also the covenantal intimacy and faithfulness of God (God as a "Soul Friend" within "koinonia").

Metaphorical Theology

1993 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-60
Author(s):  
John Begley
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Systematic Theology ◽  
Metaphorical Language ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Metaphorical Theology

Metaphorical theology rightly insists that metaphorical language about God can be both cognitively meaningful and spiritually nourishing. Metaphors, models and stories all have use and value. On the other hand, despite some claims, they also have their limitations. As Aquinas pointed out, systematic theology depends on the analogical, literal use of language.

Review of The Mother's Songs: Images of God the Mother.

1987 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-383
Author(s):  
Emily M. Reynolds ◽  
Allen E. Bergin
Keyword(s):  
Images Of God

When the State Speaks, What Should It Say?

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Brettschneider
Keyword(s):  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
The State ◽  
Hate Groups ◽  
New Approach ◽  
State Action ◽  
Democratic State ◽  
Theory Of Value ◽  
The Right ◽  
Equal Citizenship ◽  
The Ideal

How should a liberal democracy respond to hate groups and others that oppose the ideal of free and equal citizenship? The democratic state faces the hard choice of either protecting the rights of hate groups and allowing their views to spread, or banning their views and violating citizens' rights to freedoms of expression, association, and religion. Avoiding the familiar yet problematic responses to these issues, this book proposes a new approach called value democracy. The theory of value democracy argues that the state should protect the right to express illiberal beliefs, but the state should also engage in democratic persuasion when it speaks through its various expressive capacities: publicly criticizing, and giving reasons to reject, hate-based or other discriminatory viewpoints. Distinguishing between two kinds of state action—expressive and coercive—the book contends that public criticism of viewpoints advocating discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation should be pursued through the state's expressive capacities as speaker, educator, and spender. When the state uses its expressive capacities to promote the values of free and equal citizenship, it engages in democratic persuasion. By using democratic persuasion, the state can both respect rights and counter hateful or discriminatory viewpoints. The book extends this analysis from freedom of expression to the freedoms of religion and association, and shows that value democracy can uphold the protection of these freedoms while promoting equality for all citizens.

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