Without metaphor, no saving God
Book Description
Drawing from groundbreaking research in cognitive linguistics, this scholarly exploration reveals how our minds naturally construct understanding of the divine through conceptual mapping and metaphorical thinking. Professor Robert Masson presents a compelling case that metaphor isn't merely decorative language in religious discourse, but rather the fundamental mechanism through which humans comprehend and communicate about God.
The work addresses a pressing challenge facing contemporary faith communities: how modern insights into the way our brains process language and meaning impact traditional religious belief systems. Rather than viewing this scientific understanding as a threat to faith, Masson demonstrates how cognitive research opens fresh pathways for theological reflection and spiritual insight.
Through careful analysis, the book examines how believers form theological concepts and draw religious inferences, offering a more nuanced framework for understanding God-talk that transcends outdated distinctions between literal and symbolic language. The author applies this innovative approach to contemporary religious debates, including evolutionary perspectives on religion, modern atheist critiques, liberation theology movements, and tensions between academic theologians and institutional authorities.
This rigorous yet accessible work provides valuable tools for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of how language shapes spiritual experience. Whether you're a student of theology, a faith community leader, or someone exploring the intersection of science and spirituality, this book offers fresh perspectives on age-old questions about divine communication and religious meaning-making.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 331 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Metapher
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Philosophical theology
- ✓ Explore Theologie
- ✓ Explore Metamorphosis, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Language and languages
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Metaphor
