God as Symbol What Our Beliefs Tell Us

by Shackleford, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780761830344
• ISBN10: 0761830340
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-11-23
• Publisher: UPA

Summary

Although this work is written from a Christian viewpoint, it also presents the symbolic visions of the non-believer. The symbolic examination of God helps us to uncover what it means to be human, and where we are heading as a species. Symbols aid in conveying the abstract ideas that human languages are too limited to express. In the broadest sense, God symbolizes all the mysteries of existence. Any thinking person must ask the question, what is the ultimate significance of this frail and vulnerable flesh that clothes the human ego? God symbolizes these important mysteries, and beckons us to approach him for answers.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	ix
God as Symbol	1	(6)
The Cross as Symbol	7	(6)
The Symbolism of Sin	13	(6)
The Symbolic Nature of Prayer	19	(4)
Salvation as Symbol	23	(8)
Symbolism in Salvation History	31	(12)
Kingdom as Symbol	43	(8)
Birth and Death as Symbol	51	(6)
Suffering as Symbol	57	(4)
The Symbolism of Eating and Drinking	61	(8)
Growth as Symbol	69	(8)
War as Symbol	77	(8)
Symbols of Love	85	(6)
Faith as Symbol	91	(6)
The Symbolism of Belief Versus Unbelief	97	(6)
Doubt as Symbol	103	(8)
The Body as Symbol	111	(10)
The Heart as Symbol	121	(8)
Science as Symbol	129	(12)
Religion as Symbol	141	(8)
Art as Symbol	149	(6)
Beauty as Symbol	155	(8)
Bibliography	163