WHY is it idolatrous to absolutize any metaphor?

Question

WHY is it idolatrous to absolutize any metaphor, and why are all metaphors inadequate.

Answer 1

A metaphor is an attempt to help another person understand your message by comparing the situation at hand to a similar, more familiar situation. To absolutize a metaphor is to unclarify--to call the shadow of an object the object itself.

I don't think all metaphors are inadequate. I think everything in existence is a metaphor for something else. If I'm wrong, then metaphors are inadequate only because everything ISN'T a metaphor for something else.

Metaphors can be adequate, though, even if they aren't perfect--unless the person you're talking to likes to argue.

I would call it wrong (idolatry) to pretend or believe that a metaphor is the truth itself.

Answer 2

I have trouble understanding what you mean by idolizing a metaphor. What do you mean? I may be able to help with the second part of your question. Metaphors work well, but everyone of them has limits just like analogies. A quality is spoken of, yet human language cannot be expressive enough to reach the reality of it. This goes to show that there is depth to reality. That depth is known intimately by experience rather than language. Metaphors are helpful in that they are expressive, but they are not the very thing they express. For example, a human being can be like a fox, but is not really a fox. Yet, the fox is used to express the quality of cunningness or slyness because they are known to outsmart the predators that are after them. Yet the reality remains the human being is not a fox.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john

Answer 3

A metaphor is told in a way that you can relate to at some level. If you can’t relate then it does you no good. A parable is a type of riddle that you need to figure out. Metaphors have morals, parables have answers. Your question was a little hard to follow, so my answer might not be what you wanted.

May the Force be with you...and hellfire and brimstone!!!

Answer 4

idolatry may exist to those who understand its meanings, there are plenty...perception of the standards, by the masses, (ie, favorite sports "star") create only similarities. the individual holds idolatrous moments personally perceived through a temporary fantasy created for assimilation. metaphors absolutize inadequacy upon the fact that they hold no face value.
that is an excellent question...

Answer 5

Metaphors are not inadequate. Jesus used metaphors so that only those who sought Him with their whole heart would understand them. The scribes and pharisees new the Bible literally but they didn't recognize who Jesus was. They needed literal proof. They had not faith.