Let us explore the interesting field of allegories.
What is an Allegory: As a literary device or artistic form, an allegory is a narrative or visual representation in which a character, place, or event can be interpreted to represent a meaning with moral or political significance. Authors have used allegory throughout history in all forms of art to illustrate or convey complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible or striking to its viewers, readers, or listeners. Writers and speakers typically use allegories to convey semi-hidden or complex meanings. [1]
Merriam-Webster defines it as: “truths or generalizations about human existence by means of symbolic figures and actions; also : an instance as in literature or painting of such expression; a symbolic representation.”
Use this open thread to explore varrious forms of allegories as it pertains to Christian Topics and Theology. Do any stand out to you? Post as you will. There is no wrong allegorical reply.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already, you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” John 15:1-9
Parable yes. But also allegorical. The vine = Jesus. The branches = His disciples. The gardener = the Father. Fruit = the visible result of abiding in Christ. Pruning = discipline and spiritual formation. This is a symbolic framework where each element has a spiritual counterpart.
Is this what you had in mind? Or something more, uh, today. Like our own allegories in reference to our faith?
I leave it open to the interpretation of the poster, but your post is quite good. One could speak on mainstream literature such as C. S. Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, which has many biblical allegories, or even speak about the Bibles own as you have. Also, one could speak on something as simple as an owl representing wisdom. Whatever gets people thinking outside the box.
Nice. Here’s my allegory and the challenge is to say what the man, the dog and the leash represent.
The Man and his Dog
A certain man adopted a 5-year-old dog. Every morning he put a collar and leash on the dog to take it for a walk. The man used the leash to restrain the dog and keep it safe. If the dog saw a squirrel across the street and made to run out after it, the man would pull back on the leash and say, “Stay.” If there was a piece of glass on the sidewalk ahead of them, the man would pull the dog over beside him to avoid the glass and say, “Heel.” Each time the man used the leash to physically control the dog, he would also speak a command out loud .
The man knew his dog and anticipated those things that might harm it. Often the man would see a squirrel up ahead before the dog became aware of it. The man would hold tighter on the leash and tell the dog to heel. The dog learned to obey the man’s voice for no other reason than because the man spoke. The more the dog learned to obey the man, the more freedom the dog had in his walk. The man no longer had to keep a firm grip on the leash because the dog was becoming faithful in its immediate obedience and knowledge of the man’s command s.
One day the man took the dog out for a walk in a field without a leash. The dog reveled in its freedom and ran ahead. The man called out, “Stay” and the dog stopped his run. The man called out, “Come here” and the dog ran back to the m an.
Today the dog no longer wears a leash on its walks with the man. The dog hears the man’s voice and obeys without the leash. The man and the dog walk together, and the dog follows the man wherever he goes. The dog has complete freedom on these walks because he is restrained by his desire to please the man he loves.
When I think of allegories (at least, Christian allegories), what most comes to mind as the quintessential Christian allegory is Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. I don’t know that I can say I fully enjoy this allegory since I prefer allegories that are a bit more subtle, but it’s obviously been hugely influential for centuries, both as a work of literature and as a commentary on the Christian life.
I also remember reading a book called Hinds Feet on High Places which is a similar kind of allegorical story like Pilgrim’s Progress. I read it years ago, so I can’t vouch for whether it’s a good book or not, but I remember liking it at the time. I am curious to read it again now.
I think my favorite allegory is C. S. Lewis’s Till We Have Faces which is a retelling of the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche but has profound insights about the Christian life. I enjoy any allegory or story that draws on ancient myths, folklore, and fairytales to communicate truths older than time. Authors like Lewis and Tolkien are masters at this.
I also love the line from an Emily Dickinson poem in which she writes, “Tell all the truth, but tell it slant.” Rather than advocating for lying or hiding the truth, I think this line actually very profoundly speaks to how even Jesus often communicated truth, but did so through stories and not always directly. I know for me personally, it’s often more palatable to absorb and take to heart truths that are communicated in a story or in a roundabout way rather than straight dogma.
We were made to respond to Story, which is a major reason why the Bible is so important and so compelling. It is the greatest Story, and we are invited to be a part of it.
