Exploring Aspects of Parables
This coursework will look at some of the parables from Luke's gospel
and how Jesus used this method of teaching. I will consider why he
used parables and how they are different from other stories.
I will look at Jesus teaching through some parables which will include
The Good Samaritan, The Lost Son and The Rich Man and Lazarus. I will
examine what message he was putting across to the people and how he
did this through using parables.
Then I will discuss what effect and significance they have on the
belief and life of Christians now. In doing this I will look at how
these teachings can influence people's lives and work and how they can
help us learn how to deal with one another.
Then I will discuss whether these teachings are relevant today.
Part A (i)
What is a parable?
A "parable" is a simple story with a single meaning to it compared to
other stories which may be difficult to understand and may have many
meanings.. The word parable came from the Greek word "parabole" which
means a comparison or an analogy of things. The dictionary definition
of the word parable is "narrative of imagined events used to typify
moral or spiritual relations".1 It is also referred to as "a short
fictitious narrative of something which might really occur in life or
nature, by means of which a moral is drawn; as, the parables of
Christ. - Chaucer."2
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Jesus taught by using parables, because they are lifelike and the
people could relate to them through everyday life situations. He used
parables to encourage the people he was t...
... middle of paper ...
...as used to show people they should care for others and
not store up riches on earth.
In conclusion no one today would argue against the benefits from
teaching such things as children's fables nor would they argue that
the use of illustrations in the modern work place is out of date, so
why discard parables because they are from the scriptures. Therefore
the parables of the bible are as relevant today as they were 2000
years ago because it is the essence of the message which is important
not the minute detail which obviously has more relevance to ancient
people.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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1. JB Sykes - The Concise Oxford Dictionary - Oxford University Press
- Seventh Edition - 1982
2. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc
3. http://www.carm.org/parables/parableprodigal.htm
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